Shoplifting cases in Luxembourg have doubled over the past five years, with police recording more than 2,000 incidents in 2024, though the real figure is likely far higher.
On average, police in Luxembourg record around half a dozen cases of shoplifting or attempted theft from shops every day. These figures only reflect the incidents detected by staff and reported to the authorities, meaning the real number is likely much higher.
In Germany, for example, estimates suggest that up to 90% of thefts in shops are never reported. The trend in Luxembourg has been steadily rising over the past five years: while police registered around 1,100 cases in 2020, the number had already doubled to 2,000 by last year.
The statistics do not specify which goods are most frequently targeted. In neighbouring countries, however, shoplifters often go for shoes, electronics, perfume and clothing. In Germany alone, the total losses from shoplifting are estimated at around €3 billion annually.
The figures for Luxembourg were provided by the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) Minister of Home Affairs Léon Gloden and Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue in response to a parliamentary question from MP André Bauler of the Democratic Party (DP).
