Study finds theft “one of the biggest issues” affecting Dutch cosmetics industry

By Chris BARKER

- Last updated on GMT

Study finds theft “one of the biggest issues” affecting Dutch cosmetics industry
Cosmetics theft by gangs of Eastern European criminals is “one of the biggest issues” affecting the Dutch beauty industry, according to a new academic study announced this week.

Researchers at the Ultrecht University in the Netherlands have uncovered the fact that cosmetics brands such as Maybelline, Chanel and L’Oreal are frequently stolen by gangs to re-sell in the markets.

Criminals target all consumer goods, but cosmetics are often chosen because they are expensive, easy to steal and easy to transport, according to Professor Dina Siegel, one of the researchers.  

Professor Siegel told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com: “They are very well organized. The thieves are instructed by commissioners on how many beauty items of a particular brand to take.”

“They steal from everyone and everything- it is a matter of opportunity. Cosmetics are easy to steal and transport and aren’t as well protected as other kinds of goods.”

Undercutting prices

In general, relatively expensive brands are targeted including Maybelline mascaras, L’Oreal shampoos and razor blade brands such as Gillette.

The fact that the brands are stolen allows them to undercut legitimate retailer’s prices. Siegel explained: “If a tube of mascara is sold for €20 in a shop, the thieves will steal it and sell it to the market vendors for €4, who can then sell it on for €12-14.”

“In the Netherlands everything which is a luxury is still expensive, and it’s much cheaper than buying it in a shop.”

The thieves generally work in highly organized groups, entering retail locations with prepared aluminum bags and stealing beauty products, which are generally not protected by bars or closed windows.

European gangs

The gangs studied mostly originated from Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and the former Soviet Republics.

The Zwarte Markt (black market in Beverwijk north of Amsterdam has been particularly singled out as a location which the thieves use to re-sell their stolen products.

Professor Siegel says that existing measures such as alarms and security are “not enough” ​to make much progress in preventing the thefts.

She commented: “This is not a priority for either the Dutch or the Eastern European police. It will become a priority when it becomes clear that it’s a really big industry and that big profits are being made.”

Related news

Related products

show more

Discover Peptan for Beauty & Diverse Skins

Discover Peptan for Beauty & Diverse Skins

Content provided by Rousselot | 05-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

As beauty from within solutions soar in popularity, manufacturers need to be able to serve everyone, no matter their ethnicity or skin type.

FucoSkin®: Ocean-Inspired Sustainable Beauty

FucoSkin®: Ocean-Inspired Sustainable Beauty

Content provided by Hi-Q Marine Biotech International Ltd | 28-Aug-2024 | White Paper

FucoSkin® is a fucoidan-rich extract derived from the brown seaweed Laminaria Japonica, known for its excellent anti-aging and photoprotective benefits....

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Content provided by Geltor | 20-Mar-2024 | Product Brochure

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein and a mainstream ingredient for beauty. Type XXI collagen transcends a common protein into a powerful bioactive

Empowering natural barrier function for future-proof skin

Empowering natural barrier function for future-proof skin

Content provided by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics | 14-Mar-2024 | White Paper

Corneopeptyl™ is a new patented peptide biomimetic to the LCE6A protein, obtained by green chemistry-based synthesis. By mimicking the LCE6A protein activity,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Podcast