Coles’ major move against theft could transform shopping as we know it
- Replies 34
From trolley locks to body cameras, Coles supermarket is trialling next-level measures aimed at reducing the issue of theft in its stores.
It’s hardly news that crime and shoplifting cases have been on the rise lately across all retail stores. But the effects of theft have taken a particular toll on the supermarket industry, to the tune of a staggering $9 billion in losses a year.
The retailers have been working hard to combat these losses, with Coles introducing several innovative security solutions to counter thieves.
‘We know that retail crime is on the increase across all retailers, and we have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores, including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS) and in some stores, new smart gate technology that automatically opens as customers make payment for their products,’ a spokesperson said.
The most recent announcement sees Coles introducing 'smart gateway technology', ensuring shoppers have paid for their items before leaving the store.
The gate is made up of two automated panels that let shoppers out after they've paid for their items. However, they otherwise remain shut to prevent people from making a run for it.
Coles also talked about the 'trolley lock' that automatically engages if sensors can detect that groceries in a trolley have not been paid for.
A spokesperson shared, ‘Trolley lock technology has been in place at a number of our stores in recent years, and this technology uses sensors to prevent trolleys leaving the store if someone hasn't first paid at a register.’
Some of our members believed that this is a great idea. Member @Furbaby wrote: ‘This is a great idea as so much of it goes on these days. I have seen locks when going out of shopping centres, but if they can do it at supermarkets, it would be so good.’
Member @Observer suggested: ‘Maybe even have the wheels lock up if you're thinking about moving the trolley beyond the boundary of the car park and not out into the streets, suburbs and creeks.’
If you’d like to learn more about the trolley lock technology, you can read the article here.
Additionally, the supermarket has recently revealed its plan to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 high-risk stores in states including South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
The cameras are worn by Coles staff and give the company their eyes and ears on the ground.
‘(It enables) us to understand in real time what is happening to our team members and the community as well,’ Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong stated.
She claimed that the company was adapting to the increase in retail crime and the growing physical and verbal abuse experienced by its staff.
Member @Liz shared her sentiment about this additional security measure: ‘I think it is such a sad state of affairs that it has come to this, but anything to stop theft is okay in my books. I am sure they have to warn you that these cameras and sound are in place under the Privacy Act. Moral: don't steal, and it won't worry you.’
‘I have no problem with anything they do to stop theft and abuse. I don't steal, nor do I abuse staff who are only trying to do their job,’ member @mylittletibbies said.
However, member @terri is sceptical about the body-worn cameras. He commented, ‘The large amount of cameras already in store don't do anything to stop theft. I highly doubt that another one, even at eye level, will do any better.’
You can read more about Coles body-worn cameras here.
You can watch A Current Affair’s report here:
What do you think of this new security measure, members? Have you seen it at your local Coles? Share your experience in the comments below!
It’s hardly news that crime and shoplifting cases have been on the rise lately across all retail stores. But the effects of theft have taken a particular toll on the supermarket industry, to the tune of a staggering $9 billion in losses a year.
The retailers have been working hard to combat these losses, with Coles introducing several innovative security solutions to counter thieves.
‘We know that retail crime is on the increase across all retailers, and we have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores, including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS) and in some stores, new smart gate technology that automatically opens as customers make payment for their products,’ a spokesperson said.
Coles announced their new measure against supermarket thieves: 'smart gateway technology'. Credit: haireena/Shutterstock
The most recent announcement sees Coles introducing 'smart gateway technology', ensuring shoppers have paid for their items before leaving the store.
The gate is made up of two automated panels that let shoppers out after they've paid for their items. However, they otherwise remain shut to prevent people from making a run for it.
Coles also talked about the 'trolley lock' that automatically engages if sensors can detect that groceries in a trolley have not been paid for.
A spokesperson shared, ‘Trolley lock technology has been in place at a number of our stores in recent years, and this technology uses sensors to prevent trolleys leaving the store if someone hasn't first paid at a register.’
Some of our members believed that this is a great idea. Member @Furbaby wrote: ‘This is a great idea as so much of it goes on these days. I have seen locks when going out of shopping centres, but if they can do it at supermarkets, it would be so good.’
Member @Observer suggested: ‘Maybe even have the wheels lock up if you're thinking about moving the trolley beyond the boundary of the car park and not out into the streets, suburbs and creeks.’
If you’d like to learn more about the trolley lock technology, you can read the article here.
Additionally, the supermarket has recently revealed its plan to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 high-risk stores in states including South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
Coles introduced body-worn cameras across 30 stores. Credit: Susan Wilkin/Facebook
The cameras are worn by Coles staff and give the company their eyes and ears on the ground.
‘(It enables) us to understand in real time what is happening to our team members and the community as well,’ Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong stated.
She claimed that the company was adapting to the increase in retail crime and the growing physical and verbal abuse experienced by its staff.
Member @Liz shared her sentiment about this additional security measure: ‘I think it is such a sad state of affairs that it has come to this, but anything to stop theft is okay in my books. I am sure they have to warn you that these cameras and sound are in place under the Privacy Act. Moral: don't steal, and it won't worry you.’
‘I have no problem with anything they do to stop theft and abuse. I don't steal, nor do I abuse staff who are only trying to do their job,’ member @mylittletibbies said.
However, member @terri is sceptical about the body-worn cameras. He commented, ‘The large amount of cameras already in store don't do anything to stop theft. I highly doubt that another one, even at eye level, will do any better.’
You can read more about Coles body-worn cameras here.
You can watch A Current Affair’s report here:
What do you think of this new security measure, members? Have you seen it at your local Coles? Share your experience in the comments below!
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