Diebstahlprävention im österreichischen Lebensmitteleinzelhandel

Abstract

Shoplifting remains a persistent and costly issue for the Austrian grocery retail sector. Despite modern technology and a wide range of preventive measures, losses due to inventory discrepancies remain significant. In the area of theft prevention, companies face a variety of challenges. Offenders continuously develop new techniques, and the wide range of product categories makes it more difficult to secure items effectively. Furthermore, it is often difficult to determine precisely where and how inventory discrepancies arise. The aim of this thesis is to identify the causes and patterns of theft in the grocery retail sector and to evaluate various preventive measures in terms of their effectiveness and utility. Following a theoretical introduction and the definition of key terms, different preventive measures were explained. To compare theoretical knowledge with the current situation in Austria, a qualitative research method was applied. Data was collected through semistructured interviews with experts from the grocery retail sector and the security field. The collected data was then analyzed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis. In order to provide practical recommendations for the implementation of preventive measures, a utility analysis was conducted based on the insights from literature and interviews. Eleven preventive measures were evaluated against various criteria, including effectiveness, cost, and legal framework conditions. The analysis shows that measures such as staff training, store detectives, and the use of mirrors are rated particularly effective. AI-based systems offer forward-looking opportunities but are currently rarely used due to the challenges they present. The results highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to theft prevention. A combination of technical, organizational, and personnel-based measures, tailored to the location, product category, and theft scenario, is essential for effectively reducing theft rates.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Marike Kellermayr-Scheucher (Supervisor)