German retail suffers record €4.3 billion loss to shop theft

A study by the Handelsforschungsinstitut EHI found that theft in German retail reached a new peak in 2025, with goods worth more than €4.3 billion taken – a 3.1 % rise over the previous year and the fourth consecutive increase. Customer theft accounted for about €3.05 billion, a third of which was linked to organized crime groups. Employees caused €910 million in losses and suppliers’ staff added another €370 million.

EHI expert Frank Horst warned that “the thieves are becoming increasingly aggressive” and recommended that security firms supply stab‑proof vests for staff. The study attributes the surge partly to rising living costs, inflation‑driven pressure on consumers and employees, staff shortages, and a declining respect for private property. The Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE) echoed these concerns, noting that “ordered lists from underworld contractors are being carried out” – a comment from HDE chief Stefan Genth.

Retailers lose roughly one percent of turnover, while the German Treasury foregoes about €590 million in lost VAT each year. In response, the sector has invested €3.3 billion in prevention measures such as cameras, loss‑prevention staff and sensor‑protected displays, and is calling for harsher penalties for organized shoplifting.