That situation contrasts with Catalonia, Andalusia, Madrid and the Valencian Community, which together account for more than 60% of thefts. Catalonia leads the distribution with 18.4%, followed by Andalusia (16.3%), Madrid (15.6%) and the Valencian Community (10.7%).
SHOPLIFTING COSTS RETAIL MORE THAN 2.8 BILLION EUROS A YEAR
Although Aragon is among the territories with the lowest incidence, shoplifting continues to have a significant economic impact on Spain’s retail sector. AECOC’s latest Retail Distribution Shoplifting Barometer puts the annual losses caused by shoplifting and fraud at 2.817 billion euros, equivalent to approximately 1.1% of the sector’s revenue.
In addition, the profile of these crimes is changing. Repeat offenders commit 51% of shoplifting incidents, while a further 35% is linked to organized gangs. This situation is compounded by rising tensions inside stores: 74% of retailers say they perceive greater aggression or intimidation.
The rising cost of living, the existence of parallel markets where stolen products can be sold and difficulties in reinforcing in-person surveillance are among the factors prompting small businesses to seek new forms of protection. This trend is particularly evident in bars and restaurants, retail stores and businesses selling products that are easy to resell.
NIGHTTIME IS THE PERIOD OF GREATEST RISK
Small retailers face their greatest vulnerability after closing their shutters. According to estimates included in the document, thefts are concentrated mainly between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m., when there is less foot traffic, fewer witnesses and, in some areas, more limited lighting.
Sunday night into Monday also emerges as one of the periods with particularly high incidence. The businesses most exposed are bars and restaurants, retail establishments and stores with merchandise that can subsequently be sold easily. This concern also extends to rural areas and industrial estates, where coverage and the presence of people may be lower during much of the night.
MORE TECHNOLOGY TO PROTECT SMALL BUSINESSES
Against this backdrop, alarm systems and solutions connected to monitoring centers are becoming increasingly important for small businesses. The aim is no longer solely to prevent a break-in or theft, but also to reduce its consequences, protect employees and customers, and allow the business to continue operating after an incident.
This protection can also be used in response to episodes of violence inside the premises. The document cites the recent case of a business where an emergency device was activated after a person began throwing furniture and confronting other customers. The alert made it possible to activate the protocol and notify the authorities, and the incident ended without personal injury or property damage.
Despite this growing concern about the security of small retailers, Aragon remains at the lower end of the national statistics, well below the share recorded by the regions with the largest populations and highest levels of commercial activity.
