‘Standards are down’: Coles new security feature concerns shoppers
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In a world where the cost of living seems to be on the rise, supermarkets are often seen as battlegrounds of the everyday budget.
With prices for essentials creeping higher, it's no surprise that some individuals might resort to desperate measures.
However, Coles is taking a stand against shoplifting by implementing a new security measure that has sparked quite a conversation among shoppers.
Coles has recently initiated a trial that involved placing security tags on selected high-value items, such as meat, in some of their stores.
This move is a direct response to the increasing rates of shoplifting, which have escalated alongside the cost of living crisis gripping the nation.
The security tags, designed to trigger alarms if the tagged items are taken without being scanned at the checkout, have been spotted on products like steaks, causing a stir on social media.
Images of the tagged meat prompted a range of reactions from users, with some expressing their disdain through humour and others voicing their concern over the implications of such measures.
One social media user quipped about the high value of meat, saying, 'Considering they’re worth more than gold, a security tag is a lightweight solution.'
Another user lamented, ‘Love walking into my grocery like a prison too. Hope they bring in pat-downs next month.’
‘It’s a good day to be vegetarian, they ain’t guarding the tofu,’ another added.
The sentiment that security tags on food items are a depressing sign of the times was echoed across the thread, with one user poignantly stating, 'Down down, standards are down.’
The tags are designed to be removed by staff members and can still be processed through self-serve checkouts.
A Coles spokesperson has emphasised that this is a 'very small trial' currently limited to just ten stores in Victoria.
They reassured that most Coles customers 'do the right thing in store'.
‘Measures like this are for the ones who don’t,’ they said.
‘We are always reassessing and trying new security measures and are keen to hear local feedback on the trial.’
Despite the rise in shoplifting rates, there has been limited public outrage, which some attribute to the perception of supermarket price gouging amidst the cost of living crisis.
Coles Group supermarkets reported a total sales revenue growth of 5.9 per cent to $40.5 billion during the 2023 financial year.
Coles has been implementing strict security measures in their efforts to curb theft and protect their staff and customers.
Last year, the supermarket giant also faced criticism from its customers for introducing a ‘prison-like’ security feature. You can read more about the story here.
Have you seen security tags on products in your nearest supermarket? Let us know in the comments below!
With prices for essentials creeping higher, it's no surprise that some individuals might resort to desperate measures.
However, Coles is taking a stand against shoplifting by implementing a new security measure that has sparked quite a conversation among shoppers.
Coles has recently initiated a trial that involved placing security tags on selected high-value items, such as meat, in some of their stores.
This move is a direct response to the increasing rates of shoplifting, which have escalated alongside the cost of living crisis gripping the nation.
hoppers were concerned about Coles’ new security feature. Credit: @aaliUGh / Reddit
The security tags, designed to trigger alarms if the tagged items are taken without being scanned at the checkout, have been spotted on products like steaks, causing a stir on social media.
Images of the tagged meat prompted a range of reactions from users, with some expressing their disdain through humour and others voicing their concern over the implications of such measures.
One social media user quipped about the high value of meat, saying, 'Considering they’re worth more than gold, a security tag is a lightweight solution.'
Another user lamented, ‘Love walking into my grocery like a prison too. Hope they bring in pat-downs next month.’
‘It’s a good day to be vegetarian, they ain’t guarding the tofu,’ another added.
The sentiment that security tags on food items are a depressing sign of the times was echoed across the thread, with one user poignantly stating, 'Down down, standards are down.’
The tags are designed to be removed by staff members and can still be processed through self-serve checkouts.
A Coles spokesperson has emphasised that this is a 'very small trial' currently limited to just ten stores in Victoria.
They reassured that most Coles customers 'do the right thing in store'.
‘Measures like this are for the ones who don’t,’ they said.
‘We are always reassessing and trying new security measures and are keen to hear local feedback on the trial.’
Despite the rise in shoplifting rates, there has been limited public outrage, which some attribute to the perception of supermarket price gouging amidst the cost of living crisis.
Coles Group supermarkets reported a total sales revenue growth of 5.9 per cent to $40.5 billion during the 2023 financial year.
Coles has been implementing strict security measures in their efforts to curb theft and protect their staff and customers.
Last year, the supermarket giant also faced criticism from its customers for introducing a ‘prison-like’ security feature. You can read more about the story here.
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