16 Most Popular Items People Steal from Walmart

Walmart is a popular stop for bargain hunters looking to save money shopping. But did you know there’s been a 50% increase in shoplifters in recent years?

This superstore has many products that thieves target, from everyday necessities to items they can sell for cash.

If you’ve visited your local superstore, you might see razors behind protective glass.

Shoplifters are likely to steal razors, especially since razor refills can be pretty pricey. Hair trimmers and electronic razors are also in this category.

Another item that’s popular to steal from Walmart is any type of cosmetics.

This can include makeup, makeup tools, and even skincare products. Some reasons could be because these items are typically pretty small and have a higher cost.

Walmart has a wide selection of over-the-counter meds, making them a common target for stealing.

OTC medications range from simple pain relievers to cold relief. Some require identification at checkout, which may explain why people might steal them instead.

Surprisingly, another popular item to thieve at Walmart is toys.

Shoplifters typically stay away from larger items, like bikes and board games, since they’re hard to steal. Smaller toys and trinkets, especially higher-priced items, are usually what they go after.

This is another product hiding behind a security case at your local superstore.

Video games, DVDs, and computer games can be targeted during shoplifting. These are popular for reselling since they’re such high-ticket items.

Thanks to their small size, most cell phone accessories are at risk of being stolen.

This includes cell phone charging blocks, cords, and even phone cases. This is another item people might resell after stealing.

Another common thing that thieves like to grab is electronics.

They may target anything from Bluetooth headphones to small cameras during their trip. You might be surprised at what items they can steal in this category.

Since Walmart has clothing for babies to adults, many shoplifters target this area of the store.

This superstore has clothing for every season and family member, making it a popular item to steal. They also have packs and sets of multiple clothing items that thieves might go after.

Surprisingly, sunglasses are commonly stolen at Walmarts everywhere. Perhaps it’s because this item is small and easy to conceal.

Though these aren’t a necessity like others on this list, it could just be for the “thrill” of stealing for some that they choose this item.

Though higher-cost jewelry is in a case, cubic zirconia and other jewelry are out on full display.

These lower-priced jewelry products have become an easy target for shoplifters. From earrings to bangles, this area is at higher risk of stealing.

It’s only within recent years that baby formula has become such a hot-ticket item, thanks to shortages.

You can often find baby formula behind protective cases to prevent stealing. Some stores have even moved their formula to the front so that employees can keep a better eye on this product.

Even detergent isn’t safe from shoplifters.

Costs can add up for both dishwasher and laundry detergent. So it’s no wonder thieves might go after this necessity.

This product might be shocking due to its size.

However, people still manage to pocket toilet paper and take it out of the store. They might target smaller packages of tissue.

Walmart has a wide selection of alcohol that underage shoppers might go after.

Some might even steal just one can or bottle from a package. Since customers need an ID to buy alcohol, some would rather pocket it than purchase it.

Any type of deli meat or packaged meat is at risk from shoplifters.

These smaller packages are easier to hide, and inflation has increased prices significantly. It’s no wonder this section of Walmart gets targeted often.

School and office supplies aren’t usually very expensive, but they can be pretty compact.

This section of Walmart gets targeted by shoplifters for its small items. Families with school children might struggle to keep up with the list of supplies needed each year.

With prices going up in recent years, it seems like shoplifting has become even more commonplace.

However, Walmart has strict security and employees checking receipts at exits to deter this.

They also offer layaway options for certain items if you’re trying to make your paycheck stretch a bit further.