A survey carried out by the Center for Retail Research reveals Britons are the most prolific shoplifters in Europe.

The survey finds they stole 3.58 billion pounds of goods from their nation's shops last year. An amount equivalent to 1.59 percent of British retail turnover.

Razor blades are the most stolen items, followed by alcohol and toiletries.

The survey finds Finland has the second worst shoplifting problem, followed by Portugal and Greece.

The Swiss have the least stickiest hands, with theft accounting for 0.89 percent of Swiss retail turnover. All in all, Europeans have stolen 30.8 billion euros worth of goods from stores in 2004; roughly 71.5 euros per person.