Meat and cheese top stolen items as experts warn grocery theft on the rise

Shoplifting appears to be on the rise at grocery stores in Canada as a growing number of supermarkets report an increase in thefts of food and pharmacy products.

Shoplifting appears to be on the rise at grocery stores in Canada as a growing number of supermarkets report an increase in thefts of food and pharmacy products.

Industry experts say meat is the No. 1 stolen item followed by cheese and over-the-counter medicine.

Liquor stores are also reporting an increase in theft since the onset of the pandemic.

It’s unclear whether the uptick in shoplifting is due to escalating inflation and food insecurity, a growing resale market for stolen goods or other factors.

But experts say thefts have become more brazen in recent months and customers wearing face masks make it more difficult to identify people.

Several grocers across the country have expressed concern with surging shoplifting and aggressive behaviour, said Gary Sands with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.

“Retailers are seeing more thefts and physical confrontations,” said Sands, senior vice-president of public policy for the industry group.

“Just in the last few weeks, grocers have been seeing a lot more meat theft. Meat prices have definitely risen.”