Retail theft surges in Denmark as industry calls for tougher penalties

Reported shoplifting incidents in Denmark have risen by nearly 74 percent between 2021 and 2025, according to figures from Statistics Denmark, prompting business groups to demand stricter measures from politicians currently forming a new government.

Industry organisations Dansk Erhverv and HK Handel have issued a joint statement urging lawmakers to introduce a series of initiatives to curb the sharp increase in retail theft, which they describe as a “very serious problem” creating widespread insecurity among shop workers.

“Despite the major consequences, politicians are not taking this issue seriously enough,” said Mette Høgh, chair of HK Handel, a trade union for retail employees. The groups propose a national prevention campaign targeting schools, police, and municipalities, as well as expanded police powers to issue bans against repeat offenders and harsher penalties for violence or threats against staff.

Data from the retail association De Samvirkende Købmænd shows that reported shoplifting cases grew significantly faster than law enforcement and the judicial system could handle, risking public trust in consequences for crime. “This creates a backlog that weakens both law enforcement and confidence that criminal acts will have repercussions,” said Jannik Nytoft, the group’s CEO.

In 2024, reported shoplifting reached its highest level in roughly 25 years, with 2025 figures remaining nearly as high. Estimates suggest goods worth around 2 billion Danish kroner (approximately €270 million) are stolen annually. While other theft categories have fallen by over 50 percent in the past decade, retail theft has moved in the opposite direction.

“If this trend isn’t reversed, we risk sending the message that shoplifting is a crime you can commit without facing meaningful consequences,” Nytoft warned. “That’s a signal society cannot afford to send.”

Attempts by public broadcaster DR to obtain comment from acting Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard were unsuccessful.