Hirtshals retailer locks up meat due to rising shoplifting

Retailers in Hirtshals, Denmark, are facing significant challenges due to rising shoplifting, specifically targeting high-value items such as meat, coffee, chocolate, and candy. Daniel Joensen, manager of the SuperBrugsen in Hirtshals, reported that the store likely only detects 10-15 percent of theft incidents, often only realizing items are missing when shelves become empty.

In response to the theft of expensive cuts like veal tenderloin, culotte, and fillet, the store has been forced to keep these products behind locks. However, theft continues as criminals pivot to other items, such as pork neck fillets.

On a national level, Dansk Erhverv estimates that shoplifting in Denmark is at an all-time high, costing the retail sector at least one billion kroner annually. Henrik Sedenmark, head of retail security at Dansk Erhverv, noted a violent increase in theft, with levels rising approximately 80 percent from a low point in 2021.