Referring to the sixth European retail theft barometer, a report on shoplifting which draws on information supplied by Checkpoint Systems, Coldiretti, the organisation of farmers and agricultural businesses, reveals that the food item mostly widely stolen by shoplifters in Italy is Parmesan cheese. 9 percent of all pre-packed Parmesan is stolen, followed by meat (5.5 per cent) and wines and spirits (2 per cent).

Razor blades are the most widely stolen item of all, almost 20 per cent disappearing in thefts.

The total value of goods shoplifted in Italy in 2005 was 2.6 billion, 1.24 per cent of all retail sales, costing the average Italian family 178 a year in increased prices.