Retail

Self-service checkout blamed for increased shoplifting in Japan

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April 30, 2026

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Self-service registers have made it easier for shoplifters to exploit checkout systems, contributing to a rise in retail theft across Japan, according to a Japan Today report.

Police data show shoplifting cases increased 11.4% in 2023, followed by gains of 5.5% in 2024 and 7% the following year, reversing a long-term decline. Authorities said shoplifting now accounts for the largest share of non-burglary thefts, highlighting a growing challenge for retailers.

Experts cite a combination of economic pressures and behavioral shifts following the pandemic, along with the widespread adoption of self-checkout technology. They said unattended or lightly monitored registers lower barriers to theft and create opportunities for first-time offenders. Some suspects claim checkout errors when caught, but officials said those "mistakes" often involve failing to scan higher-priced items while paying for cheaper goods.

Retailers report shoplifting tactics have evolved alongside self-service systems. Common methods include scanning a single item from a multi-pack, substituting barcodes from lower-cost products or skipping scans entirely while staff remain spread thin across multiple registers. Authorities also note differences in patterns among offenders, including organized theft by groups and higher-value losses in some cases, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and deterrence strategies.