Self-checkout theft and organised gangs drive Spanish retailers’ near €3bn losses

Retail theft and stock loss across Spain rose to €2.932 billion last year, with repeat offenders, organised crime and vulnerabilities at automated tills among the main concerns for retailers.

Shoplifting is becoming an increasingly costly problem for businesses across Spain, with retailers reporting almost €3 billion in losses during 2025 from theft, administrative errors and supplier fraud. New research also points to growing concerns about repeat offenders, organised theft and aggression towards shop workers.

Figures from the latest Commercial Retail Theft Barometer, compiled by NIQ with Checkpoint Systems and the Spanish retail association AECOC, put total losses at €2.932 billion. That represents 1.1 per cent of retail turnover and an increase of 4.1 per cent compared with 2024.

The figure does not represent shoplifting alone. Known in the retail industry as stock loss or retail shrinkage, it includes stolen goods, administrative mistakes and supplier fraud. Theft accounts for 81% of the total, while administrative errors and supplier fraud make up the remainder.

How much are Spanish retailers losing?

Theft accounts for 81% of the €2.932 billion total, with external theft representing 63% and employee theft 18%. Administrative errors contribute 13%, with supplier fraud making up the remaining six. More than half of the businesses surveyed, 54%, reported an increase in theft by people from outside their organisations over the previous year.

Repeat offenders are a particular concern. According to the research, 48% of thefts involve people who commit at least three thefts a year. Organised gangs are linked to 46% of thefts, with stolen goods often destined for resale through illegal markets. These categories can overlap, so the figures should not be added together.

Self-checkout tills under growing scrutiny

Automated payment systems have become a familiar sight in most supermarkets, but they are also creating new challenges for retailers. Around 67% of businesses surveyed believe theft is more frequent at self-checkout areas than at traditional tills staffed by employees.

Almost half say they have allocated additional resources to prevent theft at these payment points. For shoppers, this could mean closer supervision, additional security checks and changes to how automated checkout areas operate.

Shop workers seeing more aggression

Financial losses are not the only worry for Spanish retailers. The treatment of employees is becoming another major issue. Retailers report an increase in verbal or physical aggression towards shop workers by offenders, with 79% reporting such incidents.

Finding security personnel is also proving difficult, many reporting that recruitment has become harder, partly because of concerns about aggression.

What are thieves targeting in Spain for 2026?

The research also identifies changes in the products most frequently stolen from shops.

Within food and drink, wines and spirits now top the list, followed by sliced Iberian ham and other cured meat products, with chocolate in third place. Tinned goods and oils also feature among the five most targeted categories. Olive oil, which had previously occupied the leading position, has fallen down the rankings.

Personal care products are also attractive targets, with razor blades taking first place, followed by body-care products and make-up. Facial care products and fragrances also feature highly on the list.

Electronics retailers report frequent thefts involving headphones, mobile phone accessories and video games. Chargers and smartwatches are also attracting attention. Pet products are another category thieves are targeting, particularly wet food, parasite treatments, dry food and hygiene products.

Why the figures matter to shoppers

Retailers face the cost of replacing stolen stock, investing in security and allocating employees to theft prevention. These expenses can put additional pressure on businesses already dealing with rising operating costs.

For people living in Spain who regularly shop at local supermarkets, the findings give an insight into the challenges facing the businesses that serve their communities.

With Spanish retailers reporting annual losses from theft, errors and supplier fraud, tackling theft has become an important issue for businesses, employees and shoppers.