Supermarket managers across Germany are reporting a significant increase in shoplifting, with three Edeka store owners confirming a trend previously highlighted by a Rewe executive. These retailers observe that shoplifters are increasingly desperate, often citing a lack of money as the primary motivation, and are becoming more violent, with some resorting to threats or brandishing knives. Björn Fromm, who operates three Edeka stores in Berlin, has seen a 30% rise in thefts over the past three years, attributing it partly to a shift in mentality where individuals feel justified in compensating for perceived financial shortfalls through theft. He also notes that rising food prices, up 15-20%, contribute to more frequent and larger thefts. The escalating aggression of shoplifters necessitates the presence of security guards in stores, as staff now face physical attacks. This trend aligns with broader economic concerns in Germany, including over three million unemployed and 13.3 million people at risk of poverty, though direct statistical links to shoplifting rates are not officially established. The overall annual damage from shoplifting in Germany is estimated at around three billion euros, which ultimately leads to higher prices for consumers.