A survey done in 2011 revealed that cheese was the most shoplifted item in the world. Close behind that came fresh meat, candy and infant formula. It isn’t individuals stealing for personal use that makes it such a popular item to steal.
The fact is that cheese is small and easily fits into pockets as well as valuable. A lot of the theft is taken and resold in other markets and restaurants. Cheese is untraceable and all you have to do is remove the cheesemonger’s sticker and you’re ready to go.
Some smaller markets strategically place their cheese in the middle of the store with cameras on them to protect themselves from being cheese nabbed. Cheese is often times under bright lights for similar reasons. Cheese theft is a real problem in the grocery store industry and some types are very expensive and considered a delicacy. They can go for a good price.