According to a National Retail Federation survey, the spike in stealing suggests the economy is on the upswing.
The report shows retailers lost $37 billion in 2010 from theft, up more than $3 billion from 2009.
Analysts say it's likely because retail employees are more afraid of being caught and fired in a recession, so they're less likely to steal. But they're willing to take more risks when they have a better chance of finding a new job.