Shoplifting Statistics in South Africa: Protect Your Store Today

That sinking feeling when you realise stock has gone missing is something no retail owner wants to experience. This loss, known in the industry as retail shrinkage, is a persistent challenge for businesses across South Africa. Shrinkage can result from employee theft, administrative errors, or spoiled goods, but one of the most significant contributors is shoplifting.

For South African retail store owners, the impact of this retail crime is substantial, as it cuts directly into profits and threatens business stability.

Understanding the scale of the problem is the first step toward finding a solution. This post explores the latest shoplifting statistics in South Africa and outlines effective ways you can protect your store.

Shoplifting Statistics in South Africa

The numbers on shoplifting and retail crime in South Africa tell a complex story.

While there has been a long-term decline over the last decade, recent years have seen worrying spikes.

• Recent Trends: Between 2022 and 2023, there was an estimated 20% increase in shoplifting incidents, particularly affecting provinces like Gauteng and the Western Cape. This surge created significant concern for retailers already navigating a tough economic climate.
• Latest Quarterly Data: However, the most recent official statistics for the second quarter of 2024/2025 (July to September 2024) show 11,056 shoplifting incidents. This is a notable decrease from the 14,016 incidents recorded during the same period in the previous year, suggesting that security measures may be starting to have an impact.
• The Bigger Picture: Despite recent fluctuations, it's worth noting that shoplifting incidents have fallen by about one-third from a peak of approximately 88,568 in the 2009/10 reporting year to around 60,167 in 2018/19.

While the latest quarterly figures offer a glimmer of hope, the overall trend shows that shoplifting remains a serious and costly issue for the retail sector.

The Broader Impact of Retail Shrinkage

Shoplifting is just one part of the wider problem of retail shrinkage. When we look at all forms of loss, the financial damage becomes even clearer.

• Overall Shrinkage: Some estimates from institutions like Henley Business School and the University of Johannesburg suggest that annual losses from retail shrinkage account for approximately 2% of total retail sales in South Africa.
• Employee Theft: Internal theft by employees is consistently identified as a major contributor to shrinkage, especially for small and medium-sized retail enterprises. One study found that internal theft was the strongest predictor of loss in sales volume.

These figures highlight that protecting a retail business requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both external threats like shoplifting and internal vulnerabilities.

How to Protect Your Store

Preventing theft is not just about catching criminals in the act; it's about creating an environment where theft is difficult and unlikely to occur.

You need to invest in robust shrink management solutions to safeguard your assets.

At Milestone Integrated Systems, we are experts in providing turnkey retail shrink management solutions tailored to your store's unique needs.

Our solutions include:

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Advanced tracking for high-value items, giving you real-time inventory visibility and control.
• Anti-Shoplifting Systems: We offer a range of technologies, including AM, RF, EM, and AI anti-shoplifting systems to deter and detect theft at the source.
• Open Display Security: Securely display your products without compromising the customer's ability to interact with them.

Secure Your Business with Us!

With decades of experience serving retailers across the African continent, Milestone Integrated Systems has the expertise and technology to help.

Contact us today.