Wines on the shelf. Photo: Lehtikuva
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Grocery stores across Finland are stepping up security measures in response to a sharp rise in theft, threats, and violent incidents, with reported cases tripling since 2020.
A survey by the Finnish Commerce Federation found shoplifting losses cost retailers an estimated 500 million euros in 2022, with a similar amount spent on security upgrades. The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce recently reported a 60 percent increase in shoplifting cases in the capital over the past year.
Retailer Mikko Länsiluoto, who operates the K-Supermarket in Postitalo, central Helsinki, said he spends three to four hours each week dealing with theft and disturbances. Alcohol is the most frequently stolen item, and the store detained more than 100 people last year.
To deter theft, his store has introduced live video monitoring at self-checkout stations, walkie-talkie communication for staff, and alarm tags on high-value products. Other stores have moved targeted goods, such as meat, behind the checkout counter.
The S-Group has rolled out secure checkout booths, enclosed cashier stations with plexiglass panels and controlled access, in Helsinki and, more recently, in Tampere. Meeri Pirinen, director of the Sale grocery chain at Pirkanmaan Osuuskauppa, said the booths are in demand due to increasingly bold threats. The group also plans to expand staff use of body cameras beyond the capital this year.
Lidl said some of its checkouts are fitted with plexiglass but it has no plans to install fully enclosed booths.
Petri Käyhkö, head of corporate security at Kesko, said the company’s approach relies on prevention, staff training, security guards, store detectives, and video surveillance.
Retailers warn that the cost of security measures is becoming a significant burden, while the time spent dealing with theft takes staff away from serving customers.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
