Shoplifting is on the rise across the UK, costing retailers millions each year. While people steal a variety of products, some items are taken far more often than others—mainly because they’re easy to grab, valuable, and in high demand.

From bottles of premium alcohol to everyday tech accessories, stolen goods quickly find their way into online marketplaces, informal networks, and direct resales. Here’s a look at the top five most commonly shoplifted and resold items in UK retail.

1. Alcohol

It’s no surprise that alcohol tops the list of stolen items. Premium spirits like whisky, vodka, and gin disappear from supermarket shelves at an alarming rate. These high-value bottles are easy to resell—whether through private sales, social media, or even dodgy backdoor deals with bars and clubs.

As alcohol prices continue to rise, thefts are only increasing. The resale market is strong, making it an easy target for shoplifters looking to make quick cash.

2. Beauty Products & Perfumes

Luxury makeup, designer perfumes, and skincare products are shoplifting gold. They’re small, expensive, and always in demand. High-end brands are particularly vulnerable, as thieves can slip them into pockets or bags without drawing attention.

These stolen goods often end up on second-hand selling platforms, advertised as “unwanted gifts” or discounted items. With people always looking for a bargain on premium beauty products, shoplifters have no trouble offloading them.

3. Expensive Meat & Specialty Foods

Steak, seafood, gourmet cheeses—high-end food theft is a growing issue in the UK. While some people steal for personal use, there’s also a thriving resale market, especially among small restaurants or individuals looking for a deal.

With the rising cost of groceries, more people are willing to buy stolen food, making it a hot item for shoplifters. Supermarkets are struggling to keep premium food items secure, but thefts show no signs of slowing down.

4. Over-the-Counter Medicines & Supplements

Pharmacies and supermarkets regularly deal with shoplifters targeting medicines and supplements. Painkillers, cold remedies, vitamins, and protein powders are especially popular, as they’re pricey and easy to flip for profit.

People looking for cheap health products fuel this underground market, and stolen medicines are often sold informally at lower prices. Since these items are always in demand, they remain one of the most frequently stolen categories in retail.

5. Tech Accessories & Small Gadgets

Chargers, headphones, USB sticks, power banks—these small but valuable gadgets are easy to grab and sell. Unlike bigger electronics, they don’t require activation or tracking, making them a safe bet for shoplifters.

Stolen tech accessories quickly pop up on online selling platforms, often advertised as “brand new” or “unused.” With high demand and a steady flow of new products, these items remain a favorite among thieves.

A Retailer’s Nightmare

Retail theft is no longer just about small-time shoplifters grabbing a few items—it’s an industry of its own. Stolen goods move fast, whether through personal networks, online marketplaces, or unregulated second-hand sales. Some of these items are taken out of necessity, while others are stolen purely for profit.

With shoplifting becoming more frequent, businesses are facing an ongoing struggle to keep high-theft products secure. And as long as there’s a demand for discounted goods, stolen items will continue to find their way into the market.