Shoplifting reaches record high in 2023

More and more shop owners are demanding compensation from shoplifters caught in the act, even before contacting the police, according to a new survey carried out by Buurtsuper.be, part of the union of some 85,000 independent entrepreneurs (Unizo) based in Flanders and Brussels.

The organisation representing supermarkets and specialist shops wants federal government negotiators to make tackling shoplifting a priority, as the number of shoplifters is skyrocketing.

Several governments ago, the "tackling shoplifters" proposal was approved, but it has not been implemented. Buurtsuper.be is therefore launching a petition entitled "We’ve had enough", calling for effective measures against shoplifting.

The organisation insists shopkeepers should be given the opportunity to deal with shoplifters themselves. If not, a strong joint policy should be established with the police and judiciary – the legal system including judges and magistrates that resolves disputes.

Last year, the police recorded 24,021 shoplifting incidents in Belgium, Buurtsuper.be said. This figure, based on 2023 crime statistics, represents a slight increase (up 3.24%) on the 2022 figure and the highest level seen.

Buurtsuper.be director Luc Ardies said: “The actual number of thefts is far more than those actually recorded, given that only 11% of thefts are reported by retailers.”

Indeed, in a survey carried out by the organisation, nine out of 10 shop owners said they faced at least one incidence of theft every week.

“Discouragement in the sector is extremely high,” Ardies added, emphasising that the impact on affected retailers is “enormous”.

“Studies show that shoplifting costs retailers up to 1% of their turnover,” he said. “As a result, up to half of their net profit can be lost.”

According to research by broadcaster RTBF, shopkeepers in Mons have reported, on average, three or four thefts a day or up to 20 a week.

To counteract their loss they are, as Buurtsuper.be says is their right, taking matters in their own hand by for example posting photos of thieves on social media and banning them from returning.