Thieves just can’t seem to keep their hands off certain things, whether they’re the things we all know about, like gadgets and bikes, or the unexpected, like steak and baby formula. There’s a market for practically everything out there. Here are 18 of the most frequently stolen items across the country and why these particular items are so tempting for burglars.
Smartphones
It’s no shocker that smartphones are on the list, as these pocket-sized items are a goldmine for thieves. They’re usually worth quite a bit, and just about everyone has one, so burglars will snatch them from coffee tables or out of back pockets. Once they’re stolen, they’ll be sold in less-than-legit markets across the world.
Bicycles
Bikes are easy to swipe and even easier to sell, which is why they’re a hot commodity in the underworld market. Thieves often take them from bike racks or garages, and they later turn up in pawn shops or online ads. Most cities have a high rate of bike theft, especially in areas with limited secure bike parking.
Car Parts
A catalytic converter is part of your car, and it’s worth more than its weight in gold to thieves because of the precious metals inside. They can swipe one in less time than it takes to grab a coffee, which is why it’s such a common theft. Catalytic converters also don’t have easily traceable serial numbers, and many drivers are unaware of the risk until it’s too late.
Alcohol
Next time you’re at the store, just remember that alcohol is a top pick for shoplifters. It’s not hard to stash under a coat or in a bag, and booze has a quick turnaround on the streets, meaning that any kind of alcohol is a target for theft. Holiday seasons usually see an increase in these thefts as there are more parties and celebrations.
Clothing
Designer threads aren’t just for the runway; thieves love them, too. High-end brands can turn a nice profit on the resale market, so they’re quite popular for closet-raiding criminals to snatch from stores and even laundry lines. Online marketplaces have a sense of anonymity, making it easy for people to sell stolen clothes unseen.
Jewelry
Shiny things attract sticky fingers, so all kinds of jewelry, including diamond rings and flashy watches, can disappear quickly. You may see some of these pieces being sold at pawn shops or over the internet for a fraction of their value. Since most jewelry items are pretty small, they’re easy to hide, increasing the risk of theft.
Personal Care Products
While razors and shampoo might not seem expensive, they’re always in demand and small enough to hide, so they’re often a victim of the five-finger discount. Thieves will sell these items on the black market or even among their friends. People usually steal luxury lotions the most, especially from hotels.
Electronic Accessories
It might not be your fault if you’ve ever lost a charger or earbuds. Most of these items fetch good prices and are pretty tiny, making them perfect for pocketing and reselling. You can use these accessories for practically any kind of device, so there’s always a market ready for thieves to sell them on.
Power Tools
Power tools like drills and saws are easy to grab from open garages or construction sites. They sell quickly, usually without questions asked, which is why they’re a staple in the thief’s toolkit. If that wasn’t bad enough, they’ll sell for a high price and can be used in all settings, making them attractive targets.
Sporting Goods
Golf clubs and designer sneakers fetch a pretty penny, so it’s no surprise they often disappear from sports stores and gyms. Thieves usually target them for their high resale value and popularity. There’s a big second-hand market for sporting goods, especially since so many people enjoy doing sports, which is why these items are so frequently stolen.
Baby Formula
This may come as a surprise, but baby formula is also popular among thieves because it’s expensive, and many parents rely on it. Thieves steal it to quickly resell it to desperate parents for a lower price. Of course, they’ll only be sold online or through the black market, but it still happens more than you might think.
Meat
Have you ever found the steak section a bit too empty at your local grocery store? That might be because high-end meats like steaks and seafood are pretty popular for thieves, so they’ll sell them to people who want a gourmet meal cheaply. Thieves can easily hide them when grocery shopping, making them perfect for a quick getaway.
Perfumes and Colognes
Swiping a bottle of your favorite fragrance is quite easy for shoplifters. These bottles are usually expensive, so don’t be surprised to see them reappear in less reputable places. They’re sold for much less, and their appeal is undeniable. After all, everyone loves to smell good, and a little bottle can fetch a pretty good price.
Books
While most people go to the bookstore for a quiet browse, others have stickier fingers. Expensive textbooks and popular bestsellers often disappear and find a new home with budget-conscious students or keen readers who aren’t happy with retail prices. Book thefts are popular because there’s always a demand for educational and literary material.
Video Games and Consoles
Don’t let your guard down with the latest game releases because consoles and the games themselves are a magnet for thieves. They’re expensive and especially vulnerable during the holiday seasons because they’re quick to sell and easy to transport. You may see many of these stolen goods in the hands of eager gamers willing to turn a blind eye to a bargain.
Laptops
Any laptops left on a café table might tempt a passerby to make a quick heist. We all know how expensive they are, but you may not realize how much personal information is usually on them, too, so they’re a two-for-one deal for thieves. Whether it’s for their own use or resale, the portability and value of laptops make them a consistently stolen item.
Handbags
Every time you’re eying a designer handbag, many thieves are likely doing so, too. They’ll usually steal them from unwatched shopping carts or the backs of chairs in busy cafes, but not just because they’re stylish. Thieves can make a quick buck on the resale market, whether it’s online or in real life.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Next time you’re in the drugstore, keep a close watch on those over-the-counter meds. It doesn’t matter if it’s allergy relief or painkillers because thieves know they’re pretty small but have a huge demand. They can quickly slip them into their pockets and sell them right out of high-traffic areas where it’s easy to remain unnoticed.
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