Second-hand shoppers on platforms like Vinted and eBay are being urged to stay vigilant as a rise in 'shoplifting to order' sees criminals selling stolen goods online. Security experts warn that thieves are targeting specific items, often from high street retailers, and flogging them on second-hand marketplaces.
Andrew Cockerill, Account Director at Kingdom Security, explains that shoplifting to order involves criminals receiving a 'shopping list' of items to steal, such as jewellery, cosmetics, and branded products. These are often easy to conceal, though larger items are also targeted.
Cockerill cautions that buying such items could unknowingly involve shoppers in criminal activity. He advises being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, especially if a seller offers multiple high-value items at significantly reduced prices.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, shoplifting adds an estimated £133 to the average UK household's annual shopping bill. Cockerill emphasises that this is not a victimless crime, as costs are passed on to consumers and smaller businesses face heightened risks.
Shoppers are encouraged to report suspicious listings and remain alert to protect themselves and support retailers.
