Grocery store chain says shoplifters becoming more ‘sophisticated’ as losses from thefts exceed profits in 2023

A European grocery chain, Jumbo, reported the value of stolen goods surpassing the profits it generated in 2023, according to reports. Jumbo's CEO, Ton van Veen said, “Increasingly, we encounter individuals either not scanning or paying for their goods at the cash register. The crooks are becoming craftier, and their tactics are sometimes jaw-dropping," in his statement to ANP, a Netherlands-based news platform.

Operating over 700 store locations in Belgium and the Netherlands, Jumbo revealed in its earnings statement that last year's theft loss, which is 25% more than its profits, cost the company approximately €100 million ($110 million) annually, surpassing its projected after-tax profit of about €80 million ($88 million) in 2023, according to NL Times.

It was also reported by The Financial Times that compared to 2022, Jumbo saw a 60% surge in shoplifting cases in 2023, attributing this rise to elevated living expenses, fuelling theft and other crimes. The company stated that self-checkouts also contributed significantly to the rise in thefts, causing about one-third of the losses.

As the prevalence of the problem differs from one region to another, the company is asking politicians to intervene. Van Veen said “We're experiencing more issues in some market locations, while in others, the problem isn't as considerable,". In response to the increasing crime rate, the supermarket mogul announced plans to deploy more security personnel at their stores and implement camera surveillance. Van Veen stated that they will communicate with their customers about the company's surveillance efforts and uphold privacy laws, with additional information provided when necessary.

An increase in retail theft has been reported in both Europe and some U.S. cities in recent years. Late last year, a study found that about 40% of people in Belgium admitted to leaving a grocery store without paying for at least one item, as per Brussels Times. Another study conducted in the Netherlands revealed a 15% rise in shoplifting incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year. Fox News Digital has sought further comment from Jumbo’s press team.