The Stock Loss Problem The average stock losses of the German retail industry is 1,05 % of the turnover, with a profit margin which is almost at the same level. Shoplifting has become a mass phenomenon during the last 50 years. In 2005, 461.293 cases of shoplifting were reported to the authorities. The total number of shoplifting cases – reported and unreported - is supposed to be at least 40 times higher. In 2005, the German retailers spend 0,95 billion € on loss prevention. But is really each Euro worth it?