New survey suggests shoplifting on the rise for everyday essentials. See the results here

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - A new survey suggests shoplifting is on the rise, and it’s not just big ticket items.

The new survey from Lending Tree found 30 percent of Americans say they’ve shoplifted, up from 23 percent in 2024, and a lot of what people admit taking are everyday essentials.

Heartland News spoke with Lending Tree’s chief consumer finance analyst, Matt Schulz, and he said the survey clearly shows higher prices and the economy are a big part of what’s behind this.

He said among people who shoplifted in the past year, 90 precent blamed inflation and the broader economy.

And when it comes to what’s being taken, food and nonalcoholic drinks top the list at 30 percent, followed by clothing and accessories at 25 percent and hygiene products at 20 percent.

Grocery stores were the most commonly reported location, followed by dollar stores and department stores.

Schulz said these numbers point to more that just theft, he said they point to financial strain.

“High prices, whether its groceries or gas or whatever, are really really causing an issue and making things really challenging for them and shrinking their financial margin for error down to practically zero,” he explained. “And when that sort of thing happens people look for ways to make their lives better, and it’s pretty clear with this report that a lot of people see shoplifting as a way to make their lives a little bit better on the margins and are willing to take that risk.”

Schulz added that even when people frame it as a quick fix, the consequences can be serious if you’re caught.

Heartland News reached out to police in Cape Girardeau who said they’ve not seen a noticeable increase in shoplifting reports.