The 9 Most Stolen Items from Walmart in Arizona

• Walmart loses billions of dollars every year due to theft
• Walmart has implemented preventative measures, but it's not enough
• The most commonly stolen items are easily concealed

With Arizona Walmarts on the brink of ripping out the self-checkout kiosks, many have wondered why they would abruptly pivot.

For years, stores across Arizona have transferred the work that was once done by store employees onto customers. Many people have expressed anger, annoyance, and irritation about having to perform this duty as they face rising prices and decreased customer service.

Walmart Faces a Serious Problem: Theft

Walmart admits it loses billions of dollars every year. The problem: shrinkage, as it's known in business. Theft or shoplifting, as it's known to the rest of the world.

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In parts of Arizona, incidents of shoplifting and theft are not rigorously or consistently prosecuted. Studies have shown that these places have higher rates of shrinkage, which includes theft, damage, and errors.

How Walmart is Taking Action Against "Shrinkage"

Theft detection devices, like merchandise tags that activate security, is one-way stores work to prevent shrinkage. Big ticket items like televisions and cameras not only have theft deterrents attached but an employee is required to release the item. The customer then has to pay in the department where the item is displayed, like electronics, for example.

Deterring Theft at Self-Checkout Kiosks in Arizona Walmarts

Self-checkout machines are most often exploited by thieves, so measures are in place to prevent theft.

Barcode scanning, weight comparison, camera and video analysis, security personnel, and random audits are a few ways stores try to keep merchandise from walking out of the store unpaid. As you can guess, these measures don't always work.

Some of The Most Commonly Stolen Items from Walmart

• Small Electronics
• Cosmetics
• Food
• Personal Care Items
• Over-the-Counter Medications
• Clothing, Accessories, and Jewelry
• Toys
• Alcohol
• Baby Formula

Some of these items are stolen because they're high-ticket items, easily concealable, and in high demand.

Original Sources: 13 Walmart Theft Statistics You Need To Know In 2023, Walmart Self-Checkout Theft: Detection, Implications & Most Stolen Items