It appears that in the wake of a weak economy shoplifting has become more widespread than it was just under a decade ago.

According to a recent survey by the National Retail Foundation, 96 percent of retailers reported being victims of organized retail crime within the past 12 months, with nearly 90 percent of them reporting that shoplifting rates in their stores have significantly increased over the last three years.

The most commonly shoplifted items are those goods in high demand that criminals can sell for near retail price. Drug store items like diabetic testing strips, infant formula, and high-end liquor make up the top three most commonly stolen items. While things like pregnancy tests, energy drinks and cigarettes, all fall in the top 10.

Retailers also report that items like denim jeans and designer clothing are also highly targeted, as well as cell phones, handbags, and digital cameras.

The survey also shows that organized retail crime is most common in the areas of Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San Francisco.

Top 20 Most Shoplifted Items

1. Diabetic Testing Strips
2.
Infant Formula
3.
High End Liquor
4.
Allergy Medicine
5.
Pain Relievers
6.
Pregnancy Tests
7.
Energy Drinks
8.
Denim Jeans
9.
Designer Clothing
10.
Cigarettes
11.
Handbags
12.
Weight Loss Pills
13.
Electric Toothbrushes and Replacement Heads
14.
Lotions and Creams
15.
Cell Phones
16.
High End Vacuum Cleaners
17.
LCD Monitors and Televisions
18.
Kitchen Aid Mixers
19.
Digital Recorders
20.
Digital Cameras

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