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.”