Coles experiences ‘technical mishap’ with new anti-theft device
- Replies 28
It's no secret that retail theft is an ongoing issue for supermarkets.
They will go to protect their merchandise—from security guards and CCTV cameras to more discreet sensor detection technologies. And let's not forget those alarms at store exits.
But Coles has devised a new way to protect their stores and customers.
Coles is now installing ‘Anti-Theft Fog’ devices at its stores across the country.
The ‘Anti-Theft Fog’ releases a thick fog over shelves, check-outs, and store registers when an alarm is triggered after hours, making it difficult for thieves to see within the premises.
However, a 'technical mishap' at one store made people witness the ‘smoke cloak’ in action—the fog began to be released during store hours.
A shopper shared photos of their alarming experience on social media.
They said they went grocery shopping at Coles’s Melbourne late at night when the smoke filled the front of the store.
‘Not sure exactly what happened as I was wearing my headphones and zoned out in my own world, but I stopped by my local Coles to grab something for dinner on my way home around 10:20 pm last night,’ they said.
'As I was walking to the checkout, I heard a loud pop and smoke gradually filling the store (there was no burning smell, and everyone in the store was relatively calm, however, the firm alarm did go off).’
'The smoke eventually went away after two to three minutes. Does anyone know what it may have been?'
Several users answered that the smoke was likely the store’s anti-theft device.
‘Anti-theft fog, it’s used to stop thieves,’ one confirmed.
‘They're meant to go off if the store is broken into/ram raided after closing time as it’s nearly impossible to steal stuff when you can't see s***,’ another said.
‘Definitely a malfunction if it was during open times.’
Another commented, ‘It’s called a smoke cloak.’
The shopper said he wasn’t aware that this type of device existed.
‘Thank you to everyone who took the time to clarify that it’s a security/anti-theft mechanism,” they said.
‘I genuinely had no idea that they used them at grocery shops!’
It’s also understood that there are no health risks associated with fog technology.
Did you know that Coles has another security measure in its stores?
In a previous story, a shopper shared his experience pushing his trolley–with nothing but his toddler and empty reusable bags in it. As the alarm began to beep, his trolley wheels were locked up, and they couldn’t move.
‘I had no idea Coles had tech to lock up your trolley,’ he told his shocking experience.
According to Coles, ‘Trolley lock technology has been in place at several 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.’
Coles also confirmed that they employ plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and use other anti-theft measures, such as product protection and target hardening, to ensure their customers’ safety and the security of goods.
Members, do you think anti-theft fog devices are an effective tool for catching thieves? Let us know in the comments below!
They will go to protect their merchandise—from security guards and CCTV cameras to more discreet sensor detection technologies. And let's not forget those alarms at store exits.
But Coles has devised a new way to protect their stores and customers.
Coles is now installing ‘Anti-Theft Fog’ devices at its stores across the country.
The ‘Anti-Theft Fog’ releases a thick fog over shelves, check-outs, and store registers when an alarm is triggered after hours, making it difficult for thieves to see within the premises.
Coles’s Anti-Theft Fog creates a mishap in one of its stores. Credit: Reddit
However, a 'technical mishap' at one store made people witness the ‘smoke cloak’ in action—the fog began to be released during store hours.
A shopper shared photos of their alarming experience on social media.
They said they went grocery shopping at Coles’s Melbourne late at night when the smoke filled the front of the store.
‘Not sure exactly what happened as I was wearing my headphones and zoned out in my own world, but I stopped by my local Coles to grab something for dinner on my way home around 10:20 pm last night,’ they said.
'As I was walking to the checkout, I heard a loud pop and smoke gradually filling the store (there was no burning smell, and everyone in the store was relatively calm, however, the firm alarm did go off).’
'The smoke eventually went away after two to three minutes. Does anyone know what it may have been?'
Several users answered that the smoke was likely the store’s anti-theft device.
‘Anti-theft fog, it’s used to stop thieves,’ one confirmed.
‘They're meant to go off if the store is broken into/ram raided after closing time as it’s nearly impossible to steal stuff when you can't see s***,’ another said.
‘Definitely a malfunction if it was during open times.’
Another commented, ‘It’s called a smoke cloak.’
The shopper said he wasn’t aware that this type of device existed.
‘Thank you to everyone who took the time to clarify that it’s a security/anti-theft mechanism,” they said.
‘I genuinely had no idea that they used them at grocery shops!’
It’s also understood that there are no health risks associated with fog technology.
Did you know that Coles has another security measure in its stores?
In a previous story, a shopper shared his experience pushing his trolley–with nothing but his toddler and empty reusable bags in it. As the alarm began to beep, his trolley wheels were locked up, and they couldn’t move.
‘I had no idea Coles had tech to lock up your trolley,’ he told his shocking experience.
According to Coles, ‘Trolley lock technology has been in place at several 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.’
Coles also confirmed that they employ plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and use other anti-theft measures, such as product protection and target hardening, to ensure their customers’ safety and the security of goods.
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