site.btaRetail Theft Doubles in Some Non-Food Sectors, Retailers Warn

Retail theft doubled in some non-food sectors in the first half of 2025, Non-Food Traders Association (NFTA) Executive Director Galin Popov said in an interview with BTA on Sunday.

He noted a sharp overall increase in shoplifting, including more offences by minors and higher-value items being stolen.

In his words, the organized secondary market for selling such products was highly developed. The thefts were not committed merely to obtain food, but formed part of a well-structured resale network. For some people, he added, this was a genuine business.

NFTA also called for changes to the legal framework, which its members considered outdated and misaligned with current needs. For example, when the value of the stolen items was up to two minimum wages and the legal conditions for imposing a penalty were met, the fine ranged from BGN 150 to BGN 300. This level was set in 2010 and had not been updated since. In 2010 the minimum wage was BGN 240, whereas it is now BGN 1,077 and is expected to be even higher in 2026, Popov explained.

Full text of the interview:

Retail chains in Bulgaria report a significant rise in shoplifting in the first half of 2025. What percentage increase does the Association’s data show?

Petty theft in shops rose sharply in 2025, with all participants in the NFTA survey confirming this negative trend. Every non-food segment – from DIY and furniture stores to bookshops and sports chains – reported an increase, and in some categories the rise was twice as high as last year.

Where is the biggest increase in theft?

The largest increase in offences was recorded in sports goods, which doubled compared to the first half of 2024, followed by DIY hypermarkets with a 60% rise. For books, furniture and household goods, the increase was around 20%.

What are the loss levels for non-food retailers from theft?

Losses for retailers from this type of theft were significant. The topic was sensitive because every investment in security, an activity not directly linked to generating sales, ultimately translated into higher prices. In the end, someone had to absorb this cost. Investments were made in several areas, primarily in technology: alarm and security systems, manned guarding, and artificial intelligence solutions.

How much do retailers invest in anti-theft systems?

Members of NFTA invest between BGN 70,000 and BGN 600,000 annually in security systems and personnel to prevent theft.

What items were most frequently stolen in each sector, for example, in sports goods, building materials, household items, furniture, and so on?

Our members were large retail chains offering a very wide range of products, including household goods, sports equipment, books and building materials. Thefts were primarily focused on small, high-value items that were easy to conceal and remove, such as luxury candles, tableware sets, bed linen, expensive appliances, premium clothing collections, plumbing components, tools, high-priced books and similar products.

Do you see a change in the profile of offenders?

According to NFTA data, this trend was accompanied by a shift in the profile of offenders. There was an increase in thefts committed by minors and underage children and, in some cases, by foreign nationals. Offenders became more resourceful and began using new methods to bypass security systems. The value of stolen goods also increased. A worrying finding was that reports to the authorities were rare, as retailers believed that filing complaints often had no real impact, which discouraged them from reporting thefts.

Could we talk about organized theft channels with people commissioning the crimes?

The organized secondary market for selling such products was highly developed. Thefts were not committed merely to obtain food, but formed part of a well-organized resale network. For some people, this was a genuine business.

Does NFTA see a need for legislative changes? Are the penalties in proven theft cases adequate?

The legal framework was severely outdated and no longer met contemporary needs. For example, when the value of the stolen items was up to two minimum wages and the legal conditions for imposing a penalty were met, the fine ranged from BGN 150 to BGN 300. This range was set in 2010 and had not been updated since. In 2010, the minimum wage was BGN 240, whereas it is now BGN 1,077 and is expected to be even higher in 2026.

What are the Association’s proposals for legislative and other changes to curb the rise in theft in the non-food sector and help tackle the problem?

NFTA had already been discussing new measures with representatives of the Interior Ministry to address the challenges retailers and law enforcement face in relation to theft. The proposals included installing higher-quality CCTV systems, establishing in-house teams to monitor theft, strengthening cooperation between retailers and the Interior Ministry, and introducing regulatory changes.

The introduction of intelligent video surveillance with facial and gesture recognition was discussed, with access restricted to Interior Ministry authorities and the possibility of contacting retailers when necessary. An opinion would also be sought from the Personal Data Protection Commission to ensure compliance with the applicable legislation.

These solutions were also discussed at a roundtable on security in retail outlets, organized by the Interior Ministry.

Is the sector ready for the planned introduction of the euro from January 1?

Large retailers were well prepared for the introduction of the euro. There were, of course, some remaining details to address – systems needed fine-tuning, and traders who had not yet secured euro cash had to do so. Overall, preparations were at an advanced stage, and a smooth transition from the lev to the euro was anticipated. There were some concerns about small businesses, but it was hoped that any difficulties would be resolved quickly, with support from regulators and industry organizations.

Are sales of non-food goods increasing before the switch from the lev to the euro, or are they stable?

So far, there have been no data indicating higher sales as a result of the upcoming introduction of the euro. Traditionally, demand for non-food goods is stronger before the December holidays, but this is a normal seasonal trend and is not related to the transition to the new currency.