The Best Thieves in Europe

A survey on stealing in stores by the Nottingham Center for Retail Research, covering 32 countries, placed the Czechs well ahead of its neighbors in terms of numbers of thieves and the damage they do. Last year, Czech thieves cheated retailers of 1.4 percent of their turnover. This makes thieves responsible for 40 percent of overall retail losses.

Although India and Thailand placed first overall in terms of sheer numbers, Czech thieves rule in Europe, placing well ahead of Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Austria, Switzerland, Iceland and Germany, on the other hand, placed lowest on the list. (details)

I bet if they counted stealing in bars and restaurants the result would be significantly different, at least not so in favor of Czechs. Or maybe we just haven't tried hard enough?

Also, on a related note, Chinese thieves are nice too, especially wallet pickers. They would only take out the cash and mail you back the wallet with cards and everything else in it; or tell you on the phone where they left your wallet (sometimes involving the 3rd stoll of the Men's room in a department store)... Of course not all of them but the above are real stories I've witnessed or experienced myself! Besides, if Czech thieves really rule, well bring back my Thinkpad and iPod and camera and everything!!!

I'm looking forward to a stealing competition in Europe... should take place soon given the level of boredom European media reaches now.