British consumers hunting for bargains on popular online marketplaces are being urged to exercise extreme caution. A sharp rise in a practice known as 'shoplifting to order' is seeing stolen goods flood platforms like Vinted and eBay, putting unwitting buyers at risk of supporting criminal activity.
What is 'Shoplifting to Order' and How Does it Work?
The scheme operates with thieves receiving specific 'shopping lists' of items to steal from particular shops or supermarkets. These criminals typically target high-value, easily concealable goods such as branded cosmetics, jewellery, and designer accessories, though some have been known to brazenly take larger items.
These stolen products are then quickly sold online, often at prices that seem too good to be true, to buyers who may have no idea of their illicit origin. Andrew Cockerill, Account Director for Retail at Kingdom Security, a firm that provides personnel to many high street retailers, highlighted the severity of the issue in January 2026.
The Real Cost of 'Victimless' Crime
Cockerill strongly refutes the idea that this is a harmless offence. "While it might be tempting to think that putting an order in this way is a victimless crime, it is anything but," he states. He explains that even when offenders are caught, the financial impact on retailers is significant, and these costs are ultimately passed on to all consumers.
The scale of the problem is substantial. Research from the Centre for Retail Research indicates that shoplifting adds an estimated £133 to the annual shopping bill of the average UK household.
The danger extends beyond finances. Cockerill points out that in smaller shops without dedicated security staff, shopkeepers and workers may feel compelled to confront thieves, putting their personal safety at serious risk.
How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Second-Hand
Andrew Cockerill advises vigilance for anyone browsing Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, or eBay. Key red flags include:
- Brand new items sold at a fraction of their retail value.
- Sellers who have a large, consistent inventory of high-value goods.
- Deals that seem unrealistic or too good to be true.
"These items may have come from 'shoplifting to order'," Cockerill warns, "and you could unknowingly be taking part in criminal activity."
As wallets feel the pinch in the new year, the temptation to grab a bargain is strong. However, experts stress that consumer awareness is the first line of defence against this growing trend, helping to protect both buyers and legitimate retailers from the fallout of organised retail crime.
