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German Retailers Call for Legal Overhaul After €3 Billion in Shoplifting Losses

The industry association warns that organized gangs, along with violent lone offenders, have been emboldened as lax prosecutions coincide with falling reporting rates.

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Fußgängerzone in Ulm
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Overview

  • Stefan Genth said shoplifting losses soared to €3 billion in 2024, marking a 20% increase since 2022.
  • Professional theft rings have been targeting city center stores for high-value items such as perfume, shoes and electronics to resell on the grey market.
  • Incidents of violent lone offenders attacking staff when confronted have risen, heightening safety concerns.
  • Only 2% of shoplifting cases are reported to police, with many prosecutions dropped for efficiency reasons.
  • The HDE is demanding urgent legal reforms, increased security investment and stronger judicial resources to counter professional gangs and aggressive individuals.