Overview
- A LendingTree online survey of about 2,000 U.S. adults, reported this week, found roughly 30% of respondents said they have shoplifted this year, up from mid-20s shares in prior years.
- Among those who admitted shoplifting in the past year, about 90% said inflation or the broader economy helped drive their decision, with many pointing to affordability problems.
- Respondents most often said they stole everyday necessities such as food, nonalcoholic drinks, clothing and personal hygiene items, which suggests need rather than resale as a primary motive.
- Younger adults reported higher rates—Gen Z and millennials led the groups surveyed—and major chains like Walmart, Family Dollar, Amazon Fresh and Kroger were named most often as easier targets.
- More than half of self-reported shoplifters said they were never caught and warnings were the most common outcome when apprehended, a gap that raises questions for retailers, law enforcement and policy makers about loss prevention and social supports.