Rising Theft Risks in Digital Retail Spaces

In recent months, instances of theft in unmanned digital stores have raised significant concerns among retailers in Sweden. A notable incident occurred in mid-November last year when two women were captured on surveillance cameras stealing a variety of items from an unmanned store in Sjulsmark, located near Piteå. The footage revealed them taking batteries, meat products, vegetables, and even a defibrillator, with the total value of the stolen goods exceeding 50,000 SEK.

According to Svensk Handel, the organization representing Swedish retailers, there are no precise statistics available on thefts specifically related to unmanned stores. However, they have observed a general increase in theft across the retail sector. Between 2021 and 2023, the financial impact of theft grew from 8.5 billion to approximately 10 billion SEK. Nina Jelver, Security Chief at Svensk Handel, noted that around 70% of thefts occur at self-checkout stations and during self-scanning processes.

Jelver expressed alarm regarding the rising trend, emphasizing that as self-service options become more popular, the risk of theft consequently increases. She indicated that the ease of access provided by self-checkout systems appears to lower the threshold for stealing, particularly in both traditional and unmanned stores. Furthermore, organized groups are increasingly targeting specific items that are easier to resell, including meat, energy drinks, and coffee.

Aron Backman, an investigative officer in the Pite Älvdal police department, corroborated this concern, noting that certain groups are stealing substantial quantities of products such as perfumes and razors, likely for resale.

While the requirement for identification through bank-ID in these unmanned stores could aid police investigations into theft, Backman pointed out that multiple individuals often share the same bank-ID, complicating accountability. This situation allows suspects to claim innocence more easily if they enter the store using a shared account.

Jelver highlighted the anxiety that theft generates for both employees and store owners. Many retail workers, particularly those new to the job, feel unsafe confronting thieves. She illustrated the predicament faced by young employees, such as a hypothetical 19-year-old named Julia, who may hesitate to intervene when witnessing theft.

Addressing the issue, Jelver suggested that enhancing security measures could help mitigate theft. She advocated for increased police presence and security personnel in retail environments. Additionally, she expressed support for legislation implemented in 2021 that allows stores to ban individuals from entering based on their behavior. However, she noted that about half of the applications for such bans are denied.

Jelver urged law enforcement to prioritize reported thefts, recognizing the challenges of focusing on organized crime. She argued that many current offenders are first-time criminals who could be deterred before escalating to more serious offenses. The current climate, she contended, makes shoplifting seem almost risk-free, leading to continuous losses for retailers.