Target might be the land of $1 deals and surprise finds, but it’s also a hotspot for sneaky shoplifters with oddly specific tastes. Some items fly off the shelves—literally—not because of great sales but due to sticky fingers and clever distractions. This article lists the top products that disappear more often.

Apple Accessories

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According to the National Retail Federation, tech items under $200 are among the top stolen merchandise in U.S. stores, and Target is no exception. Their compact size and resale appeal make them an easy score for thieves who know precisely what sells fast.

Cosmetics

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Small, high-demand items like concealers, lipsticks, and mascaras frequently vanish, especially those from affordable brands like e.l.f. or buzzy TikTok favorites. Most products fit in a palm and don’t have anti-theft tags, which makes them easy to sneak into a sleeve or pocket.

Razor Blade Cartridges

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Razor refills are oddly expensive for how tiny they are. One pack can cost upwards of $30, and it's understandable why thieves love them. Some Targets lock them up or place them behind customer service, but even then, people get creative.

LEGO sets

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Who knew colorful plastic bricks could cause such chaos? LEGO sets, especially the licensed ones like Star Wars or Marvel themes, often retail for $50 to over $100. Resellers scoop them up illegally and list unopened boxes online for cash.

Baby Formula

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Baby formula regularly lands on store theft lists for two reasons: it’s expensive and a necessity. Families in need sometimes turn to theft, but it’s also a target for organized retail crime. It’s heartbreaking and complicated—this one walks a line between crime and social issues.

Over-the-counter Medications

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Allergy meds, sleep aids, and cold remedies are not glamorous, but they go missing constantly. Most are small enough to hide in a sleeve or purse and are surprisingly pricey. Even generic brands like Up & Up get hit. Commonly stolen products include melatonin, ibuprofen, and anything with pseudoephedrine.

Basic Clothing

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Black leggings, tees, sports bras, and sweatpants—this is stuff that’s easy to hide under layers or shove into a tote bag. Loss prevention teams often spot tags and hangers left in fitting rooms. Some do wardrobe swaps: wearing stolen items out and tossing their old clothes behind.

Headphones

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Target sells a mix of wired and wireless headphones and many vanish like magic. Even cheaper models under $30 disappear regularly. Some thieves even bust open locked displays or grab-and-go while pretending to price-check. All this for a bass boost!

Video Games

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Despite being behind plastic cases or locked cabinets, video games remain a top theft item. PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch titles often disappear in high volumes, especially during new releases. Even sealed display boxes have been tampered with.

Phone Cases

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The more stylish or tech-savvy the design, the quicker it disappears. Brands like OtterBox, Kate Spade, and Apple’s own sleek silicone covers get swiped regularly thanks to their high resale value and compact size. Many also hang openly on pegs or sit in bins without protective packaging.

Body Sprays

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If something smells too good to be true, it’s probably missing a security tag. Body sprays like Axe, Old Spice, and Bath & Body Works-style mists fly off shelves—sometimes literally. Theft spikes around back-to-school season and holidays, when demand climbs.

Candles

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Large glass jars aren’t exactly subtle to carry, but theft still happens. They have gift appeal and resale potential, and honestly, they’re just tempting. Around the holiday season, some stores see a spike in candle theft. Some even crack open the lids for a quick sniff before walking away... without paying.

Pet Supplies

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Dog treats, cat toys, collars—if it’s small and for pets, it’s at risk. These products are rarely tagged and are often placed near store edges or corners. Some shoppers casually toss items into reusable bags and bank on the low staff presence in those aisles.

School Supplies

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Theft spikes during back-to-school season, especially for branded items or bulk packs. Some parents steal supplies out of desperation, while others just spot an easy opportunity. High-theft items include graphing calculators, mini staplers, and mechanical pencils.

Minor Home Decor

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Small home accents like decorative trays and mini vases are among the targets. They’re big enough to be noticed and small enough to fit into an oversized purse. Loss prevention teams report higher shrinkage in seasonal home aisles where trends change fast. Thieves love a quick living room refresh, too.