A man shops at a supermarket in Montebello, California on September 29, 2017,Data released from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health showed Los Angeles County has the largest food insecure population in the country, with more than half a million households earning incomes that are below 300 percent of poverty. /
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Nearly one in three Americans say they have shoplifted this year, with most citing financial pressures linked to inflation and the rising cost of living, according to a new LendingTree survey.
The study, based on responses from 2,000 adults surveyed in early June, found that 30% of respondents admitted to shoplifting in 2026, up from 24% who said the same in 2024. About 90% of those who acknowledged stealing said affordability concerns and broader economic conditions were among the reasons behind their actions.
Respondents reported stealing primarily everyday necessities rather than discretionary items, as CBS News points out. Food and nonalcoholic beverages were the most commonly stolen goods, followed by clothing and personal hygiene products. Some also reported taking toys, electronics and school supplies.
Americans are shoplifting everyday essentials, with food and nonalcoholic drinks ranking as the most popular items to steal
Via Unsplash
"These findings show how deeply inflation and financial stress continue to affect many households," Matt Schulz, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst, said in a statement. "When people are willing to risk the consequences of shoplifting for basics like food and personal hygiene products, it's an unmistakable sign that many families are struggling mightily just to make ends meet."
The survey also found that respondents were slightly more likely to steal from large retail chains than from independent stores. Nearly half, 47%, identified Walmart as the easiest retailer to shoplift from, followed by Family Dollar, Amazon Fresh and Kroger.
Schulz cautioned that the consequences of shoplifting can extend well beyond the immediate financial pressures that motivate it. "Shoplifting may feel like a way to solve an immediate cash-flow problem, but getting caught can create a much bigger one," he said, noting that arrests can lead to fines, legal costs and long-term obstacles to employment and housing.
The findings come as many Americans continue to report financial strain despite signs that inflation has moderated. Government data released this month showed annual inflation slowed to 3.5% in June from 4.2% in May, helped by lower gasoline prices. Economists have warned, however, that renewed tensions involving Iran could push energy prices higher again, potentially reversing some of that progress.
Public sentiment also suggests affordability remains a dominant concern. A recent Harris Poll conducted for The Guardian found that 95% of Americans believe the country is facing an affordability crisis, with many reporting difficulty paying for groceries, gasoline and other everyday expenses despite a relatively strong labor market.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Tags: Inflation, Iran, Cost of living, Trump administration
