The number of shoplifting incidents in Latvia has increased sharply over the past year.

Photo: Pixabay, December 10, Minsk . Shoplifting has increased in Latvia, with the number of thefts increasing by approximately 16% over the past year, according to the online news portal Press.lv.

According to police, while more than 19,000 thefts were recorded throughout last year, 20,500 have been recorded in the first 11 months of this year. The most common items being stolen include:alcohol ,Coffee , chocolate, and cosmetics are popular because they can be quickly and discreetly hidden in a pocket or bag. Thieves are most active in the afternoon or evening, as well as during the pre-holiday season, when stores are busiest. 

Due to the current situation, retail chains are trying to strengthen security measures, specifically by placing more "buzzers" on certain products that are most popular with thieves.

"There are gangs, and there are young people who have started actively stealing energy drinks. If children are shopping in groups, they're probably interested in the thrill of it, trying to see if anyone is watching them first," shared Agniya Romanova, director of the Elvi Latvija store in Liepaja.

According to Novaja.lv, in most cases, if stores report theft, the perpetrators are identified. However, a new trend has emerged: at self-checkout, shoppers are intentionally indicating the wrong, cheaper item on the display or, by borrowing other people's loyalty cards, withdrawing the accumulated points.

Police say thefts are frequent and regular throughout Latvia. Many of them are repeat offenses, with the same individual committing new crimes.