The current economic recession is fostering new types of theft and prompting the retail sector to implement different security measures. Theft of essential goods is on the rise, and the majority of thieves are non-professionals. The retail sector is investing in security systems in response to the increase in shoplifting and to mitigate the effects of the unfavorable economic climate and the current decline in consumer spending.
The typical thief is now an adult, often from a family facing financial difficulties, whose primary target is fresh food and essential goods. Consequently, some establishments have opted to protect these items with Food Labels or to lock food products in safes previously used for other types of goods.
Already, 10 million fresh food products (meat, Iberian ham) are protected with the 2010 RF label.
This label is ISEGA certified for direct contact with fresh food. It is also TÜV certified for microwave use under specific conditions. It is moisture-resistant and designed for use on food products stored at a maximum temperature of -18ºC.
The Spanish Confederation of Commerce has warned that if the downward spiral in consumption continues for the next six months, up to 10% of the sector could disappear in 2009, which would mean the closure of some 60,000 establishments and the loss of between 25,000 and 30,000 jobs. The last months of 2008 have left their mark on the retail sector, with significant sales declines.
The latest Global Shoplifting Barometer, prepared by the Center for Retail Research in Nottingham, reveals that in 2008, shrinkage in Spain amounted to €2.51 billion. This figure represents 1.31% of sales in this sector and is a 2.3% increase compared to 2007 (1.28% of sales). Each Spanish family pays an additional €195 per year due to these losses, which equates to €70 per person. Unknown losses in Spain have increased from 1.28% in 2007 to 1.31% in 2008.
The 2009 Barometer, to be presented at the end of this year, will undoubtedly paint a more negative picture, with a marked increase in theft.
The Retail Response:
Without protection systems against shrinkage, stores are increasingly suffering from theft.
Multiple security systems exist to prevent theft: fourth-generation anti-theft solutions, high-performance radio frequency tags (RFIDs) that are compact yet offer enhanced detection capabilities, and a wide assortment of polycarbonate protective cases (security boxes) for displaying items without compromising their safety. The goal is not only to reduce losses but also to increase profits and protect distribution margins.
Security tags can be applied manually at the point of sale or automatically during the food packaging process. They are technically designed for multiple applications on packaging and can be inserted into dry or fresh products, at room temperature or frozen.
