Shoplifting Hits Record Levels

According to Aamulehti, police received 45 000 reports of thefts from shops and shoplifting. In addition, large numbers of attempted thefts were handled by shops without involving the authorities.

The value of goods stolen is estimated in excess of one hundred million euros. The most common items taken by shoplifters are perfumes, expensive items of clothing, and electronics goods. Beer is also a favourite with Finnish shoplifters.

The report says that the number of incidents of theft from shops has risen by a quarter over the past decade. A retailers' association working group is currently considering whether retailers can prevent additional crimes by identifying previous offenders to their colleagues and preventing them from entering shops.

YLE