Cases of shoplifting registered by the police in Germany 2013-2023

The number of shoplifting cases registered by the German police has fluctuated in the last decade, though the figures displayed in this graph show a decrease since 2015. In 2023, around 426,096 cases of shoplifting were recorded by police in Germany, a rather large increase compared to the previous year. 

Mind the shop

Shoplifting is damaging to any business. There are measures that can be taken in order to minimize shoplifting, such as video surveillance, tagging items, as well as hiring security personnel that are visibly present to customers in some shops. The reality is, however, that among theft crimes, shoplifting is the most common, so even with security measures implemented, it is difficult for stores to completely avoid being targeted.

Falling crime rate

Recent statistics show that the crime rate in Germany (estimated per 100,000 people) was falling considerably. However, since the pandemic the rate of crime in Germany has risen. Police have also recorded more crime offences since 2021.