By Editorial Staff
Updated: October 31, 2026
The landscape of retail security in Colombia has undergone a significant transformation. According to the XXIV National Census on Shrinkage and Loss Prevention, presented by the National Federation of Merchants (Fenalco) at the "Góndola 2026" summit in Cartagena, the retail sector is facing an unprecedented wave of organized theft. Most notably, chocolates and confectionery have ascended to the top of the list of most stolen items, signaling a shift in criminal interest toward high-turnover consumer goods.
The report, developed by Fenalco in collaboration with the consulting firm We Team and supported by Sensormatic, provides a sobering look at the economic impact of crime on major retail chains throughout 2025.
The Escalating Cost of Retail Crime: Key Findings
The data reveals a stark increase in economic losses. In 2025, losses attributed to external theft climbed to $115.095 billion COP, a sharp rise from the $92.137 billion recorded in 2024. This 25% increase highlights the growing efficiency and audacity of criminal groups operating within commercial establishments.
Fenalco’s study attributes approximately 68% of these external thefts to organized criminal bands, representing an economic impact of roughly $78.265 billion COP. These groups are no longer acting as opportunistic shoplifters; they are increasingly sophisticated, utilizing structured methods to bypass security protocols.
The Rise of Sweets as High-Value Targets
Perhaps the most striking finding is the change in the composition of stolen goods. In 2024, chocolates and confectionery occupied the fifth position on the "most wanted" list for shoplifters. By the end of 2025, they had claimed the top spot.
Industry experts suggest that this shift is not merely coincidental but deeply tied to the current economic environment. As inflationary pressures affect basic food baskets, items that were once considered affordable treats have become symbols of both personal consumption and easy-to-resell inventory on the informal market.
Economic Drivers: The Impact of "Healthy Taxes"
Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco, emphasized that this shift in criminal behavior must be analyzed within the broader context of rising prices for mass-consumption goods.
"This change deserves special attention in a context of rising prices for certain mass-consumption products," Cabal stated during the presentation. "We have warned about the impact that so-called ‘healthy taxes’—which are ultimately taxes on the local neighborhood—can have on the prices paid by consumers and the importance of evaluating their possible effects on purchasing habits."
Cabal argues that as prices for sugary goods and processed snacks increase due to government fiscal policies, these products effectively become higher-value assets for criminal organizations. The black-market value of these items creates a lucrative incentive for theft, as they are easily traded and possess a long shelf life.
Anatomy of a Crime: How Modern Theft Occurs
The 2025 census identified a significant evolution in the methods used to misappropriate merchandise. The most prevalent strategy currently involves concealing products within personal clothing, handbags, or backpacks. This method accounted for 33% of reported cases in 2025, compared to just 9% in 2024, indicating a massive shift in tactics.
Other reported methods include:
- Tampering with Security Tags: Using specialized tools to neutralize anti-theft sensors.
- "Blind Spot" Operations: Utilizing gaps in CCTV coverage to remove items from shelves.
- Collusion: Working in tandem with individuals inside the store to distract security personnel.
- Exit Forcing: Orchestrated rushes to overwhelm store exits or security checkpoints.
While these findings focus on large-format retail chains, Fenalco has issued a stern warning: the "contagion" of these criminal techniques is likely spreading to smaller businesses, including local neighborhood stores (tiendas de barrio), which often lack the sophisticated surveillance infrastructure of large supermarkets.
Internal Threats: The Hidden Challenge
While external theft is surging, the report offered a complex view of internal losses—those perpetrated by store employees or contractors. Interestingly, economic losses from internal theft decreased by 14% in 2025, falling from $67.948 billion to $58.438 billion COP.
However, the nature of these internal thefts has become more alarming. The participation of organized criminal groups within the staff has increased from 33% to 40%. Furthermore, the breakdown of who is committing these acts has shifted:
- In-house employees: Participation increased from 41% to 48%.
- Outsourced personnel: These individuals accounted for 52% of internal cases.
The most common internal theft modality remains the "non-billing" tactic, where cashiers knowingly allow merchandise to pass through checkout points without being registered. This accounts for 17% of all internal cases, highlighting a critical vulnerability in store management and personnel oversight.
Geographical Distribution: The Epicenter of Retail Loss
The report provides a clear geographical map of where these crimes are most concentrated. Unsurprisingly, the nation’s largest urban centers are the primary targets for organized retail crime.
- Bogotá: The capital city accounts for 46.6% of all reported cases, representing a staggering 62.2% of the total economic impact.
- Medellín: Follows in second place, representing 20.5% of cases.
- Cali: Rounds out the top three, accounting for 14.8% of cases.
These figures suggest that the density of commerce, combined with the presence of established criminal networks in these major hubs, creates a "perfect storm" for retail theft.
Judicial Effectiveness: A Persistent Hurdle
A major point of contention highlighted by the census is the disconnect between the detection of theft and the judicial outcome. Retailers report that only 17.6% of external theft cases result in effective judicial prosecution. For internal cases, the rate is slightly higher at 29.4%, yet still alarmingly low.
There is a stark divide between primary capital cities and secondary municipalities regarding legal efficacy. In major cities, the perceived effectiveness of judicial processes rose from 36% in 2024 to 40% in 2025. Conversely, in secondary cities, it fell from 19% to 16%.
This lack of legal consequences creates a "revolving door" effect. Criminals are emboldened when they perceive that the risk of being caught does not equate to the risk of serving time or facing significant legal repercussions.
Looking Forward: Strategies for 2026
As the country moves into 2026, the retail sector is on high alert. Regional reports indicate that chocolates, candies, tuna, and other canned goods will remain primary targets.
One of the most controversial findings in the Fenalco study is the acknowledgment by retail chains that 8% of current "shrinkage" (unaccounted inventory) is directly attributable to a reduction in private security personnel. As retailers attempt to cut costs in a difficult economic climate, the reduction in human oversight has created a vacuum that criminal groups have been quick to exploit.
Recommendations for the Sector
Fenalco suggests that to combat this rising tide, retailers must invest in:
- Enhanced Surveillance Technology: Moving beyond simple cameras to AI-driven anomaly detection.
- Personnel Vetting: Strengthening background checks for both in-house and outsourced staff.
- Public-Private Cooperation: Strengthening ties with the National Police to ensure that apprehended shoplifters are processed more efficiently, thereby increasing the "cost" of the crime for the perpetrator.
- Inventory Management: Implementing stricter controls on high-risk categories like confectionery, potentially moving these items to more secure areas of the store.
In conclusion, the 2025 data serves as a wake-up call for the Colombian retail sector. The transition of everyday goods into high-theft items is a symptom of broader economic and social challenges. Without a coordinated effort between the private sector, judicial authorities, and policymakers, retailers will continue to bear the burden of a crime wave that is increasingly organized, bold, and costly.
