AT CHRISTMAS LUXURY FOOD IS A STEAL: A 4% INCREASE IN SUPERMARKET THEFTS, OVER 2009, OF FINE WINES, CAVIAR AND TRUFFLES. COLDIRETTI SAYS CHRISTMAS SHOPLIFTING “TURNOVER” IS 660 MILLION EUROS

Kleptomaniac, yes, but chic. Food thefts in supermarkets have increased by 4% over 2009 in the holiday season, but what is striking is the “target” of stolen goods: fine wines, sparkling wines, spirits, caviar, truffles, paté and exotic foods. The data is published by the Coldiretti (Association of Italian Farmers) Research Center that estimates the total value of “Christmas” thefts for 2010 at 660 million euros.
The trend is increasing so much so that, say the experts, the volume of thefts exceeds sales of year-end holiday shopping. In essence, for each product put into the cart, at least one more is stolen from the shelves and placed in the pockets of coats, in handbags, backpacks of the more adventurous customers. What is the identikit of the “Christmas kleptomaniac”? He is under 40, with a peak average of about 26 years old. Customers are responsible for 62% of thefts while employees 30% and suppliers 8%. The entire ”chain” depletes the turnover of retail and small food shops that often don’t have cameras and security officers.

Is the economic crisis to blame? Perhaps, but the Arsene Lupin “gourmand” is not looking for the essential, rather they have their eyes (and hands) on luxury foods.. Noblesse oblige.