Denmark's shop thefts rise sharply, industry urges tougher penalties

Retail crime in Denmark has surged, with reported shop thefts climbing from 18,938 in 2016 to 27,422 last year, driven largely by repeat offenders. Business groups Dansk Erhverv and HK Handel say the increase, especially since 2023, reflects a perception that shoplifting carries little consequence. They propose harsher punishments, including the ability for police to issue exclusion orders against repeat thieves and stronger sanctions for violence or threats toward store staff. The organisations also call for preventative measures aimed at educating youth about the seriousness of retail theft.