Walmart is the largest retailer in the United States and has 66 stores across Washington. Walmart must constantly deal with “shrinkage,” which in retail jargon means theft from consumers and “inside jobs.”

With shrinkage comes a price increase to compensate for the losses. Sometimes there are even stock shortages for people who want to shop honestly.

Here’s a look at the things most commonly stolen from Walmarts in Washington.

What items most often disappear from Walmart shelves here in Washington?

Beer

Beer and wine are not particularly expensive at Wal-Mart, but some underage children (or penniless alcoholics) steal them.

sunglasses

Sunglasses are a popular target group due to their small, resalable and relatively easy to remove packaging.

Clothing

An understaffed dressing room makes it easier for thieves to wear the items of clothing under other clothing or stuff them into a bag.

Mobile phone accessories

Cell phone accessories such as chargers and cases are often stolen because they are small, can have medium to high value, and are resealable.

cosmetics

In some Wal-Marts you have to look for cosmetics in this section and there are always plenty of cameras in this department too.

Baby food

Due to shortages, baby formula prices have skyrocketed, leading to desperate parents and unethical resellers stealing the formula and driving the price up even further.

Sausage and cold cuts

Sausage is relatively expensive and sold in small packages, so it is often subject to theft. However, it is likely to be quite cold on the thief’s skin.

detergent

Cleaning products may be difficult to get away with, but smaller bottles are stolen.

Small electronics

Small electronics like earbuds are stolen because they have resale value. Even if they are locked and have security features, thieves still find ways in.

Small collectible toy

Toys may seem like a strange category to steal (if you’re over eight), but small, high-value toys like action figures or Legos have resale value.

Jewelry

Valuable jewelry is kept under lock and key. Nevertheless, silver-plated jewelry or jewelry with zirconia is often stolen.

Over-the-counter medications

They can be expensive and the bottles are small – the perfect combination to “fall” into a handbag.

Office/school supplies

We’ve all accidentally stolen a pen at some point (after signing up for a giveaway), but some people intentionally go into a Wal-Mart to do it.

Shavers

Many razors end up locked up because many people steal these small, high-value items.

toilet paper

At Wal-Mart, small packages “get lost” all the time.

Video games and accessories

Many video games and accessories are locked away. However, if the resale value is high, thieves will find a way.