Shoplifting incidents have declined nationally in South Africa, but small retail businesses say theft continues to erode profits and increase operational stress.
According to the latest third-quarter crime statistics released by the South African Police Service, 9 385 shoplifting cases were reported nationally between October and December 2025, a decline of 448 cases, which is 4.6% lower compared with the same period in 2024.
While the national figures show a modest improvement, some provinces reported increases. In Gauteng, shoplifting cases rose to 3 252, up 39 cases (1.2% increase from 2024). In North West, cases went up to 351, an increase of 13 incidents. The Northern Cape reported 282 cases, an increase of 34 cases, 13.7% higher than in 2024.
These provincial differences matter for SMEs, which are often under-resourced and vulnerable to retail theft.
Research in the South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences shows shoplifting is a major contributor affecting profits, cash flow, and staff morale. Industry bodies such as the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa warn that theft increases operational costs and can influence pricing over time.
Large retailers rely on electronic tagging, security guards, and surveillance, tools that SMEs rarely afford, forcing smaller stores to improvise with limited resources.
“Even minor thefts add up,” said Nkosi. “It is not just the money lost but the constant stress of managing the shop and watching every customer closely.”
Small retailers feeling the pinch
Independent retailers say shoplifting remains common, especially in urban areas and township retail strips.
Thandi Nkosi, who owns a cosmetics shop in Pretoria, said small items such as perfumes, hair products, and makeup are frequently targeted.
“Customers sometimes come in pretending to browse but leave with items hidden in their bags,” she said.
“For a big store, it might not matter, but for us, losing even a few products means we have to reorder stock earlier than planned.”
Similarly, Kabelo Maseko, who runs a spaza shop in Mamelodi, said chocolates, cool drinks, and airtime vouchers disappear frequently.
“Individually, the items are cheap, but repeated losses over time become significant,” he said.
With tight margins, SMEs face a tough choice between absorbing losses and spending on security. Basic surveillance cameras, mirrors, and locked display cabinets are increasingly common but remain expensive.
Nkosi said she installed two CCTV cameras after repeated theft.
“It helps monitor the shop, but the equipment and installation were costly for a small business,” she added.
Some businesses limit customer numbers or keep high-value goods behind counters. In township areas, informal networks of shop owners warn each other about repeat offenders.
“If someone steals in one shop, we warn others nearby,” said Maseko.
Research by Michele Tonglet in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour shows that shoplifting is influenced by attitudes, social pressure, and perceived risk. Some offenders view theft as a rational choice, weighing the benefits against the risk of being caught. Weak store security further increases the likelihood of theft.
Common methods include concealment theft, where items are hidden on the person or in bags, price switching, where tags are changed, and grazing, which is consuming products without paying. These behaviours account for much of the loss retailers face.
