Explore the top 10 most stolen items worldwide with fascinating facts and surprising stats. From cheese to sneakers, discover what thieves can't resist and why.
When we think of theft, our minds might jump to high-stakes heists or luxury goods. But in reality, some of the most stolen items worldwide are things you'd never expect. From everyday groceries to designer wear, this list uncovers the curious habits of thieves around the globe. Packed with fun facts and stats, here are the top 10 most stolen items worldwide.
1. Cheese
Believe it or not, cheese takes the crown as the most stolen food item in the world. A report by the Centre for Retail Research revealed that about 4% of all cheese on store shelves vanishes due to theft. As someone who worked briefly in a supermarket deli, I remember we always had to double-check cheese inventory—because blocks would simply disappear!
2. Meat
Closely following cheese, meat is another top contender for food theft. It's high-value, easy to conceal, and often targeted by organized retail crime rings. In some places, cuts of steak or ribs are among the priciest items in grocery stores, making them prime targets.
3. Razor Blades
It might seem odd, but razor blades are one of the most lifted non-food items. Compact and expensive, they slip easily into pockets or purses. A friend working in retail once told me their store kept razors in locked cases—not jewelry, but razors!
4. Alcohol
Alcohol is consistently ranked high among stolen goods, especially spirits and premium brands. According to global retail reports, alcohol theft accounts for a significant chunk of losses, especially around holidays and large sporting events.
5. Smartphones and Electronics
While a bit more difficult to nab, smartphones and small electronics remain desirable for thieves. Their high resale value and compact size make them an attractive target, particularly in crowded public places like transit stations or concerts.
6. Cosmetics and Perfume
Luxury beauty products are often small, pricey, and easy to smuggle, which makes them theft magnets. Stores frequently report missing items like mascara, lipstick, and high-end perfume testers. The beauty aisle might look glamorous, but it’s also a hotspot for stealthy shoplifters.
7. Baby Formula
Surprisingly, baby formula is one of the most shoplifted items, and not just by desperate parents. Its resale value is high, especially on the black market or in areas with food scarcity. This product has even been linked to organized retail theft rings due to its easy resell potential.
8. Sneakers and Branded Apparel
Fashion-forward and always in demand, high-end sneakers and branded clothing are popular among thieves. From snatching display shoes to slipping shirts into bags, fashion theft is a persistent challenge for stores worldwide. I once saw a viral video of someone stealing a single Yeezy from a window display—only to realize it was the left shoe only.
9. Laptops and Tablets
Much like smartphones, these items are major targets in both retail and personal theft. Public spaces like cafes and airports see frequent thefts, often when devices are momentarily unattended. Travel tip: never leave your tech gear out of sight!
10. Over-the-Counter Medications
Items like pain relievers and allergy meds round out our list. They're easy to resell and often used in various forms of misuse. Pharmacies and supermarkets alike have to keep close watch over these seemingly harmless products.
The Bigger Picture
Retail crime is a global issue. A 2022 report by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention found that shoplifting costs retailers over $45 billion annually worldwide. Many items on this list aren’t stolen out of necessity, but because of their value, resell potential, and ease of theft.
As someone who has both worked in retail and been the unlucky victim of a phone snatching, I can say this list offers more than just trivia—it’s a window into human behavior, both desperate and calculated. It’s fascinating how everyday items can become the most stolen items worldwide simply because of a mix of convenience, value, and opportunity.
The top 10 most stolen items worldwide aren’t just random objects—they’re a reflection of economic trends, human psychology, and even pop culture. Whether it's cheese or sneakers, every item on this list has a story. So next time you're in a store, glance at the locked cabinets—you might be looking at one of the world’s most targeted treasures.