When customers visit your grocery store, they expect to see enough shopping carts available to help them carry their items. But when people steal carts from your location, it can hurt your ability to provide shoppers with this convenience. Read below to learn how many shopping carts are stolen each year and what you can do to prevent this from happening.
How Many Cart Thefts Occur Annually?
Don’t think you are alone if you have had the misfortune of having grocery carts stolen from your store. This is a major problem for retailers, with the Food Marketing Institute reporting that approximately 2 million shopping cart thefts occur each year, which can place a major financial burden on retailers.
Why Do People Steal Them?
Now that you know how many shopping carts are stolen each year, you may wonder about the reasons behind these thefts. Some common motives include personal use, resale, vandalism, and even simply to transport purchases back to residences. No matter the motivation behind it, the financial impact that these thefts have on retailers is a serious issue.
How Can I Stop My Carts From Being Stolen?
So what can retailers do to mitigate shopping cart theft? You can read about several measures you can consider implementing below.
Implement Anti-Theft Devices
Investing in anti-theft devices, such as wheel locks, can prevent shopping cart theft. These measures make it harder for thieves to take them from your parking lot.
Use Cart Retrievers
Engaging the services of a cart retrieval company can help recover stolen shopping carts, reducing the financial impact on your business. These companies specialize in locating and retrieving lost or stolen carts, providing a valuable service.
Engage Local Law Enforcement
You can also establish positive relationships with local law enforcement agencies. Keep them informed about any incidents of shopping cart theft and seek their guidance on effective prevention measures.
These steps can help you reduce the rate of shopping cart theft and protect your bottom line. Carriage Trade Service Co. offers new and refurbished metal and plastic shopping carts if you need to increase the size of your fleet after implementing these measures. We can provide you with the carts to improve your customers’ experiences.
