Self-checkout theft and organised gangs drive Spanish retailers’ near €3bn losses

In 2025, Spanish retailers suffered nearly €3 billion in losses due to theft, administrative errors, and supplier fraud. Known as stock loss or retail shrinkage, these losses represented 1.1% of retail turnover and marked a 4.1% increase from the previous year. The majority of the losses, 81%, were attributed to theft, with the remaining 19% split between administrative mistakes and supplier fraud.

Self-checkout tills have become a source of concern for retailers, with some businesses reporting a higher frequency of theft at these automated payment points compared to traditional tills staffed by employees. Over half of the surveyed businesses noted an increase in theft by individuals from outside their organizations, while 48% of thefts involved repeat offenders committing at least three thefts annually.

Organized gangs were involved in 46% of thefts, often with stolen goods destined for resale in illegal markets. The research also highlighted the growing issue of verbal or physical aggression towards shop workers by offenders, with 79% of retailers reporting such incidents. Difficulty in finding security personnel, partly due to concerns about aggression, further exacerbates the problem.

The most frequently stolen products include wines and spirits, sliced Iberian ham, chocolate, and personal care products such as razors and body-care products. Retailers face the costs of replacing stolen goods, investing in security measures, and allocating employees to theft prevention, placing additional pressure on businesses already dealing with rising operating costs.