The Fragrance Conundrum: Why Lock Perfumes And Colognes?

It is not uncommon to find perfumes and colognes under lock and key in retail stores. This is because they are often targeted by thieves and shoplifters, who may steal them to resell or use themselves. Theft is a significant issue in retail, and placing high-theft items under lock and key is one way to deter thieves and ensure that products are not constantly stolen.

High retail theft

Retail theft is currently very high, and perfumes and colognes are often targeted by thieves. These items are small, easy to conceal, and can be resold for a good price, making them attractive to shoplifters.

Perfumes and colognes are also frequently stolen by drug addicts who sell them in bulk to wholesalers, who then sell them on to dollar stores. This is a common occurrence, and it is not unusual for retailers to lose dozens of items a week to theft.

Theft is not limited to perfumes and colognes, but also includes other small, everyday items such as deodorant, shampoo, and razor blades. The public often expresses confusion as to why these items are locked up, but the reason is simply to prevent constant theft.

Retailers employ various strategies to reduce theft, including locking up items, placing them out of reach, or keeping them behind the counter.

Theft by drug addicts

Drug addicts are known to steal perfumes and colognes to sell for quick cash to fund their drug habits.

Perfumes and colognes are often kept under lock and key in stores to prevent theft. Drug addicts are known to steal perfumes and colognes to sell for quick cash to fund their drug habits.

In a 2014 article, John P. Thomas writes about the addictive power of toxic perfumes and colognes. He explains that fragrances contain chemicals that have narcotic-like properties, which can cause dependency and trigger the need for repeated use of the product to avoid the discomfort and irritability of withdrawal.

Thomas also writes about the emotional addiction to fragrances, which is due to the olfactory pathway in the brain through which sensations of smell enter the subconscious part of the brain.

In a 2004 study of postmenopausal women, it was found that an odorless synthetic pheromone designed to match the pheromones of young women was added to the women's preferred fragrance and used daily for six weeks. During the experimental period, a significantly greater proportion of participants using the pheromone formula recorded an increase in romantic affection.

In a 2024 Reddit post, a user writes about their experience working in retail and dealing with theft. They write, "Every time I have to unlock a case I'm asked why it is locked up...People in general genuinely don't have any concept of retail theft that's anything other than 'poor person shoplifted one five-dollar item they desperately needed.' At least 90% of our non-ORC theft is s* people don't need or could have paid for and chose not to."

Theft of small, easily concealable items

Small, easily concealable items are often targeted by thieves due to their portability and low risk of detection. These items can be quickly and discreetly tucked away in pockets or bags, making them appealing targets for shoplifters.

Perfumes and colognes fall into this category, as they are typically small and compact. Their high value and desirability also make them attractive to thieves. A single bottle of perfume or cologne can be quite expensive, and thieves may aim to steal multiple items in one trip.

Additionally, these items are often displayed on easily accessible shelves or counters, making them vulnerable to theft. To prevent theft, retailers may keep these items under lock and key, requiring customers to request access from staff. This adds a layer of security and makes it more difficult for thieves to target these products.

Other small items that are commonly locked up in stores include deodorant, dandruff shampoo, and razor blades. These items are also prone to theft due to their size and value, and locking them up helps deter thieves and ensure they remain on the shelves for legitimate customers.

By implementing these security measures, retailers can reduce the incidence of theft and ensure that their customers have access to the products they need. While it may cause a slight inconvenience to customers, it is a necessary measure to protect their inventory and prevent losses.

Theft of items that are easy to resell

Retail theft is a serious issue, and unfortunately, it is a common occurrence. Shoplifters target items that are easy to steal and resell, and perfumes and colognes fall into this category. These items are often small, portable, and easy to conceal, making them attractive targets for thieves. The resale value of perfumes and colognes can also be high, especially for designer or luxury brands, which makes them appealing to thieves looking to make a quick profit.

To prevent theft, many retailers have started keeping perfumes and colognes under lock and key. This is a security measure to deter thieves and reduce the risk of these items being stolen. By keeping them locked up, retailers make it more difficult for thieves to access and steal these items. This strategy is similar to how high-value items such as electronics or jewellery are often kept in locked display cases or behind counters in stores.

Theft of deodorant, dandruff shampoo, and other personal care items is also common, as mentioned in the sources. These items are also small and easy to resell, and they are sometimes stolen in bulk by shoplifters. Retailers may implement similar security measures for these products, such as keeping them under lock and key or in locked display cases.

Additionally, some thieves may steal multiple items during a single trip to the store. This is known as "ORC theft" (organised retail crime) and involves clearing shelves or displays of products. This type of theft can result in significant losses for retailers and can impact the availability of certain products for legitimate customers.

By taking measures to prevent theft, such as keeping high-value or easily resold items under lock and key, retailers can reduce their losses and ensure that products are available for customers who need them. While it may be an inconvenience for honest shoppers, these security measures are necessary to combat the high rate of retail theft.

Theft of items to fund drug habits

Theft of perfumes and colognes is often associated with funding drug habits. This is a common occurrence in retail, with many items stolen daily to be sold on for a quick profit. Drug addicts may steal to fund their habits, and perfumes and colognes are an attractive target due to their high value and small size.

For example, in 2018, a prolific offender named Dean Langford stole hundreds of pounds worth of perfume from Boots to fund his drug habit. He was caught by security staff and found to be in possession of Class C drug Subutex. He admitted to selling stolen perfume to buy drugs.

Retail theft is a significant issue, and it is not limited to perfumes and colognes. Thieves often target small, valuable items that can be easily sold or traded for drugs. This can include deodorant, body wash, and other personal care products.

Theft to fund drug habits is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address it effectively. This may include improving security measures, increasing access to addiction treatment and support services, and implementing harm reduction strategies.

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