In a surprising trend, condoms have emerged as the most stolen item in shops across the Canary Islands during the summer season, surpassing the usual suspects such as alcoholic drinks and suncream. This finding comes from a report by Checkpoint Systems, which highlights significant regional variations in shoplifting patterns across Spain.
On a national scale, sun creams, sun tan oil, and alcoholic beverages are the top three most frequently stolen items, followed by condoms and mosquito repellents. This top-five list indicates a strong seasonal influence, with products related to summer activities and personal care being highly targeted.
The Checkpoint Systems report also reveals notable differences in the types of products stolen in various Spanish regions:
Madrid: Oils and cosmetic products are most commonly stolen.
Andalusia (Costa del Sol): Anti-mosquito products and sun creams top the list.
Valencian (Costa Blanca) Suntan lotion and ice cream are frequently targeted.
Galicia: Octopus and oils are notably stolen.
Balearic Islands: Swimsuits, bikinis, and makeup are the primary items stolen.
Basque Country: Mobile phone accessories are a consistent target year-round.
Murcia: Iberian chorizos, cheeses, and mosquito repellents are the most stolen items, respectively.
Aragón: Coffee capsules and cosmetics stand out as the most stolen products.
Catalonia, which is the home of Barcelona, recorded the highest volume of thefts during the summer of 2023, accounting for more than 26% of the national total. In this region, wines, spirits, sun tan oils, and Spanish sausages and chorizos were the most stolen items.
The report shows a significant financial impact on the commercial sector, with unknown losses representing 0.9% of the total turnover for distribution companies in Spain. This equates to approximately €592.2 million in the summer alone. Food and beverage products account for 32% of these thefts, while suncreams, makeup, and beauty products make up 27%.
According to the barometer, about 45% of thieves are between the ages of 31 and 50. The Ministry of the Interior's data shows that summer thefts in Spain make up 26.2% of the annual total, with over 170,000 cases reported in 2023. The trend of increasing thefts has continued, with a 26.4% rise compared to the same period two years prior, suggesting that this pattern may persist.
The report from Checkpoint Systems highlights the dynamic nature of shoplifting trends in Spain, influenced by seasonal demands and regional preferences. The spike in condom thefts in the Canary Islands is a notable deviation from national trends, highlighting the unique challenges faced by retailers in different parts of the country.
