Grocery stores in Finland are facing an increase in shoplifting and violent incidents prompt the introduction of new security measures such as body cameras, secure checkout booths and enhanced monitoring of self-checkout areas. Since 2020 the number of reported thefts and disturbances has tripled.
Published: 11/08/25 | 14:24
A survey conducted by the Finnish Commerce Federation reveals that shoplifting cost retailers around half a billion euros in losses in 2022 and retailers also spent an equal amount on enhancing security.
The increase in shoplifting is particularly notable in Helsinki. According to the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce cases of shoplifting in the capital have risen by 60 percent within a year.
Mikko Länsiluoto who manages the K-Supermarket in Postitalo downtown Helsinki told Yle that he spends three to four hours weekly addressing shoplifting and other disruptive behavior. Länsiluoto observed that disturbances have grown in the city center reflected by a rise in thefts especially involving alcohol. Over 100 individuals were detained at his store last year.
To address these issues stores have implemented various strategies. At Länsiluoto’s K-Supermarket live camera monitoring has been introduced at self-checkout stations. Staff also use walkie-talkies which is an old but effective method and valuable items are equipped with alarms that trigger if someone attempts to steal them.
Yle recently reported that an S-market store on Bulevardi has moved meat products behind the cashier to prevent theft. Länsiluoto mentioned that increasing security measures is becoming a significant expense for his business and that investigating thefts takes up staff time reducing customer service availability.
The S-Group has responded to rising shoplifting and threats against employees by installing secure checkout booths and body cameras in smaller stores. These booths that are surrounded by plexiglass panels and accessible via personal key cards were initially introduced in the Helsinki metropolitan area and are now being installed in Tampere at the Sale Amuri and the newly opened Sale Hippos locations.
Meeri Pirinen, who is Director of the Sale grocery chain at Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa noted that the demand for secure checkouts reflects a change in the environment with threats becoming more blatant. She also said that Sale plans to expand body camera use to protect staff currently implemented in Helsinki and expected to spread to other regions like Pirkanmaa this year.
Lidl’s communications team told Yle that although some checkouts are fitted with plexiglass barriers to safeguard employees they do not currently plan to install fully secure checkout booths.
Petri Käyhkö, who is Head of Corporate Security at Kesko retail group stated that their approach focuses on prevention through staff training, security personnel, undercover store detectives and video surveillance.
