‘Half of adults shoplift in supermarkets and there is one item that people steal

ALMOST half of adults admit to shoplifting in supermarkets, a shocking survey has revealed.

And many bottlenecks when using self-checkouts.

The most common item stolen is the 10p reusable bag – with six in ten admitting not to have paid for it.

About 45 percent consists of baked goods such as pies, pastries and rolls.

And 40 percent admit to stealing fruit, either by eating it in the store or not entering it at the self-checkout.

As many as 1,075 of the 2,500 people surveyed – 43 percent – ​​admitted to stealing from the stores.

The main excuse was the cost of living crisis and other financial pressures.

Some said they were motivated by the ease with which certain items can be stolen without detection.

And a significant minority claimed they steal to protest what they see as unfair practices by big companies.

The research, conducted by marketing website Fatjoe, states: “These findings call for a reappraisal of the way supermarkets tackle theft.

“The data suggests that current deterrents may not be effective for a large portion of the population – highlighting the need for innovative solutions that address prevention and the root causes of theft.

“The motives behind stealing highlight the importance of addressing broader socio-economic issues such as poverty and inequality, which can indirectly contribute to the prevalence of theft.”

Boss Joe Davies said: “This research sheds light on the important issue of supermarket theft in Britain – revealing not only the scale but also the nuances behind why people choose to steal.

“The results serve as a call to action to take more holistic and compassionate approaches to preventing theft – ultimately focused on a solution that benefits consumers and retailers.”

The number of shoplifting incidents in England and Wales last year reached 402,482 – the highest level in two decades, statistics showed.