How Pickpockets Stole 140 Billion Won, More Than Annual Profits... How Did They Do It?

Dutch Retail Chain Struggles with Shoplifting
Theft Losses Exceed Net Profit After Tax

Dutch retail chain 'Jumbo' revealed that its theft losses last year exceeded its annual net profit. There are claims that the increase in thieves due to rising living costs is also causing damage to businesses.

On the 3rd (local time), the UK Financial Times reported, citing statements from Jumbo's management, that the company's theft losses reached 1% of its annual sales. Jumbo is a European retailer headquartered in the Netherlands, operating about 725 stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries.

As of last year, Jumbo's sales amounted to 11 billion euros (approximately 15.7456 trillion KRW), with a net profit after tax of 80 million euros (approximately 114.5 billion KRW). In contrast, reported losses due to theft approached 100 million euros (approximately 143.1 billion KRW), close to 1% of sales. The theft losses exceeded the annual net profit by about 20 million euros (approximately 2.86 billion KRW).

Inside view of a supermarket store. The image is not related to any specific expression in the article.

In an interview with a local news agency, Jumbo stated, "We will strengthen in-store security to reduce losses," specifying plans to increase surveillance through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the number of security personnel. They also added that they will implement protective measures for employees who face "unpleasant situations and increased tension during work" due to thieves.

However, they said they will not discontinue the currently operating self-checkout counters. Some experts point to in-store self-checkout counters as a cause of increased theft crimes. Regarding this criticism, Jumbo's CEO explained, "Some thieves do not scan products or pay properly at self-checkout counters," but added, "Aside from these acts, theft methods are increasing and, above all, becoming more sophisticated. We have witnessed methods that shocked the management."

The company also urged for solutions to the worsening public safety issues in the Netherlands. Jumbo emphasized, "The theft problem is growing bigger. We are appealing to politicians to resolve this issue," and stressed, "The price others have to pay is also rising because of petty thieves."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.