The 15 Most Commonly Stolen Items From Michigan Targets

While their slogan might be "Expect More, Pay Less," they may want to change it to "We Expect You To Pay." In a somewhat ironic twist, Michigan shoplifters are targeting - Target stores. The company's bullseye has attracted more than just shoppers eager to part with their money; it's also drawn the attention of the Mitten State's criminal element.

Related: Here Are the 10 Most Commonly Stolen Items From Michigan Walmarts

You may have noticed we're paying more for products than ever before, and part of that markup is tied to what the retail industry calls 'shrinkage,' or the loss of inventory due to theft.

Alarming Shoplifting Statistics Impacting Pricing in Michigan

In the first five months of 2023 alone, Target stores across Michigan and the country experienced an eye-popping 120% increase in shoplifting. That's a shoplifting party that seemingly everyone was a part of except Target's bottom line. Before 2023, retail outlets across America reported a 94% increase in shrinkage over five years.

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So, what does that add up to in dollars? It's a hefty price tag: over $100 billion in 2023 alone. Who do you think ends up paying for that? Michigan shoppers, at least, those who bother to pay for their merchandise, which is 91.01% of us; the other 9.09% who do shoplift may be getting their products for free, but they are driving up prices for the honest consumers.

If you think, "It's those darn kids!" think again. In 2023, just 25% of retail thefts were committed by minors, with 66.6% of all shoplifters between 18 and 29 (old enough to know better).

Related: Is it Shoplifting if You Forget to Scan an Item at Self Checkout?

So, as we navigate these new choppy retail waters in Michigan, let's look at Target's 15 most frequently shoplifted items. I'll see you at the checkout.