Will retailers soon be covering part of the fine for shoplifting?
February 2026 - Every year, more than 24,000 shoplifting incidents are reported in Belgium. The actual number is probably much higher, but many retailers do not report incidents due to lack of time or because they expect little result. The federal government wants to change this with a new measure whereby shopkeepers can pocket part of the fine themselves.
The immediate amicable settlement – up to a maximum of 350 euros – has been in place since 2022, but currently all proceeds go to the government. Under the new scheme, part (possibly up to half) would go to the affected retailer.
In this way, the government wants to encourage entrepreneurs to notify the police more quickly and compensate them for the time and costs associated with theft (administrative hassle, extra staff deployment or investments in security such as cameras and surveillance).
Cautious optimism in the sector
Sector organisations are responding with moderate positivity. Buurtsuper.be points out that currently only around 10 per cent of cases are reported. This fosters a sense of impunity among thieves. At the same time, there are concerns: the measure will only work if the police actually attend the scene, and in practice this is not always a priority.
Comeos also supports the principle, but emphasises that the system needs to be simpler and clearer. Today, there are several different procedures in place (instant fines, GAS fines, private settlements), which causes confusion for both retailers and police services.
Extra incentive
It is not yet known exactly when the system will come into effect, but Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) wants to implement the measure in the course of the year. In addition, the government also wants to amend the law so that shopkeepers can voluntarily ask customers to open their bags without risking sanctions.
For entrepreneurs, this measure could be an extra incentive to no longer tolerate theft. Not so much for the money, but because a consistent approach could lead to fewer incidents and greater legal certainty in the long term. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this plan will make a difference in practice.
