A recent study by Utrecht University researchers has reportedly revealed that cosmetics theft by gangs of Eastern European criminals is “one of the biggest issues” affecting the Dutch beauty industry. Among the items generally targeted are Maybelline mascaras, L’Oréal shampoos and brand-name razor blades, which are re-sold on the Dutch black market. Observing that they appear to work in highly organized groups, researcher Dina Siegel, speaking to officials and criminals in Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, said that the thieves use prepared aluminum bags to steal the beauty products, which are generally not protected as well as other types of goods. Siegel also implied that although cosmetics theft in the Netherlands is a “really big industry,” neither Dutch nor Eastern European police have made the issue a priority. See Cosmeticsdesign-europe.com, September 20, 2013.