Poland sees a 28.5% drop in shoplifting incidents in 2024, linked to economic and legal changes.
Drop in Shoplifting Rates
In the first half of 2024, Poland reported a 28.5% decrease in shoplifting cases, with 17,100 incidents compared to nearly 24,000 the previous year. Similarly, petty thefts fell by 12.4%, totaling 125,700 cases.
Legal and Economic Influences
Experts attribute this decline to several factors. Legal changes, such as raising the theft threshold from 500 to 800 PLN, might have influenced statistics, but are not seen as the main cause. The improved economic situation and lower inflation have also reduced the financial pressures driving theft.
Retail Sector and Security Measures
Increased security measures and preventive actions by retailers are also significant contributors. Larger stores remain the primary target for thieves, with nearly 103,000 incidents, while small stores saw fewer cases.
Looking ahead, economic uncertainties and potential inflation increases could impact theft rates. The evolving landscape requires continuous monitoring to fully understand these trends.