You're likely used to seeing security cameras in different stores; after all, they're meant to help prevent shoplifting and other criminal activity.

But Woolworths recently decided to take a step further towards improving their stores’ security by trialling some bold new techniques.

This includes the installation of automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas. Currently, these changes are being tested in select stores across Australia.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how this technology works in a recent report for a news show.

Woolworths added automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas. Credit: Dr Victor Wong/Shutterstock

'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open,' he said while trying to leave a self-checkout area.

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

According to one private investigator, Shane Windred, shoplifting is costing Australian retailers an estimated $9 billion every year.

The type of goods that tend to be stolen vary. Still, the investigator highlighted a recent incident where a shoplifter stole up to $500 worth of meat, which they claimed was for supplying a restaurant.

Similarly, Coles implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contains alleged stolen items. This is just one among several security measures that retailers are using to combat theft in their stores. You can read more details about this technology here.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is trialling automatic gates and high-tech surveillance at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia.
  
• The new security technology uses rooftop sensors to track customers and prevent exits for those who have not paid for their goods.
  
• Woolworths has experienced a rise in shoplifting activity, costing Australian retailers an estimated $9 billion a year.
  
• Meat has emerged as a prime target for thieves who aim to sell it rather than use it for personal consumption.
  

You can watch 7News Australia’s coverage here:

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Have you seen a similar technology in your local supermarket, dear members? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

[Sherza]

Just go back to how it used to be and do away with the self service. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out this was going to happen .

 

[elaine41]

The solution is really easy & doesn't involve the installation of high tech security measures. Get rid of self-checkouts & only use staffed checkouts the way it used to be. This will be more cost effective for the stores & less intrusive for customers.

 

[darrellh]

People would still brazenly walk out with unpaid goods in their bags or stuffed under their jackets. Self checkouts are not the problem, people who are prepared to steal no matter what are!

 

[Trudi]

The solution is really easy & doesn't involve the installation of high tech security measures. Get rid of self-checkouts & only use staffed checkouts the way it used to be. This will be more cost effective for the stores & less intrusive for customers.

Thanks but no thanks! I LOVE the self checkouts because they mean I don't have to wait in line behind a dozen or so shoppers that take an hour unloading their groceries, another hour for the checkout operator to put them through the register and pack them and another hour for the customer to pay for them, usually before they put their bags into their trolley!

When I shop, I put the purchases straight back into the trolley and pack them into bags when I am back at mdy car.

 

[Tipsy]

Thanks but no thanks! I LOVE the self checkouts because they mean I don't have to wait in line behind a dozen or so shoppers that take an hour unloading their groceries, another hour for the checkout operator to put them through the register and pack them and another hour for the customer to pay for them, usually before they put their bags into their trolley!

When I shop, I put the purchases straight back into the trolley and pack them into bags when I am back at mdy car.

So you are happy to see someone out of a job let them go on the Dole which is paid via your taxes and you do thier work for nothing... Can I get you to come to my place and mow the lawns, wash the windows, do the vacuuming mopping and ironing ALL FOR FREE.... I, a pure human will neve use these job stealing machines just the companies can get more profit.

 

[Trudi]

So you are happy to see someone out of a job let them go on the Dole which is paid via your taxes and you do thier work for nothing... Can I get you to come to my place and mow the lawns, wash the windows, do the vacuuming mopping and ironing ALL FOR FREE.... I, a pure human will neve use these job stealing machines just the companies can get more profit.

Sorry, but your attempt to send me on a guilt trip does not work!

 

[Tipsy]

Sorry, but your attempt to send me on a guilt trip does not work!

wasnt meant to send you on a guilt trip, it was just my opinion of an arrogant inconsiderate person

 

[Trudi]

wasnt meant to send you on a guilt trip, it was just my opinion of an arrogant inconsiderate person

I also don't go into bank branches or pay my bills at the post office, because I prefer to do my banking online in the comfort of my home, I don't use cash as I prefer to use my credit and debit cards.

I don't engage a cleaner or gardener and any small repairs around my home, if I can do them myself, I will do so.

I don't have my groceries delivered and I don't order stuff online that has to be delivered by a courier.
I don't do takeaways or restaurants, except when travelling.

I don't use taxis or uber drivers, buses, trains, trams, etc.

I don't go to see doctors or take medications and go to a hairdresser about twice a year.

I do, however, return trolleys to where they are supposed to be, place my litter into litter boxes, clean up after myself.

So, that makes it a post office employee, a bank employee, two security officers (ATMs), cleaner, gardener, handyman, grocery picker and delivery driver, courier, chef, waiters, fast food employees, taxi and uber drivers, bus, tram and train drivers, doctors, nurses, blood suckers, chemists and assistants, hair dressers, rubbish removers, trolley collectors, cleaners and probably a lot more people that are out of a job, all because of me.

As for your concern about people losing their jobs because of me, what is stopping you from employing them and to pay them to clean your house, seeing you suggested that I should clean your house? Considering that I am still paying tax on my retirement income, there is a good chance that the tax I pay goes towards your pension and benefits!

 

[Inot54]

You're likely used to seeing security cameras in different stores; after all, they're meant to help prevent shoplifting and other criminal activity.

But Woolworths recently decided to take a step further towards improving their stores’ security by trialling some bold new techniques.

This includes the installation of automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas. Currently, these changes are being tested in select stores across Australia.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how this technology works in a recent report for a news show.

View attachment 27575

Woolworths added automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas. Credit: Dr Victor Wong/Shutterstock

'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open,' he said while trying to leave a self-checkout area.

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

According to one private investigator, Shane Windred, shoplifting is costing Australian retailers an estimated $9 billion every year.

The type of goods that tend to be stolen vary. Still, the investigator highlighted a recent incident where a shoplifter stole up to $500 worth of meat, which they claimed was for supplying a restaurant.

Similarly, Coles implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contains alleged stolen items. This is just one among several security measures that retailers are using to combat theft in their stores. You can read more details about this technology here.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths is trialling automatic gates and high-tech surveillance at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia.
• The new security technology uses rooftop sensors to track customers and prevent exits for those who have not paid for their goods.
• Woolworths has experienced a rise in shoplifting activity, costing Australian retailers an estimated $9 billion a year.
• Meat has emerged as a prime target for thieves who aim to sell it rather than use it for personal consumption.

You can watch 7News Australia’s coverage here:

​

Have you seen a similar technology in your local supermarket, dear members? Share your experience in the comments below!

Depending on the type of shop I’m in I swap between manned and self serve checkouts but I love self serve at supermarkets. I have no problem with cameras, etc and other security measures or the loss of jobs that people keep saying is going on. That’s just the way it goes as we progress. I just hope that these gates to leave react and open quicker than the ones that let us into the store in the first place or we’ll be back to lining up again!

 

[elaine41]

So you are happy to see someone out of a job let them go on the Dole which is paid via your taxes and you do thier work for nothing... Can I get you to come to my place and mow the lawns, wash the windows, do the vacuuming mopping and ironing ALL FOR FREE.... I, a pure human will neve use these job stealing machines just the companies can get more profit.

When she has finished at your house, she can come to mine & mow the lawn, clean the windows, vacuum, do the washing, make the beds, bath the dogs.

 

[Veggiepatch]

At the local Woolworths there's another example of technology gone mad.

A detector at the self serve checkout that determines if you have any unpaid items in your trolley. All good BUT....

....bad luck if you have an item purchased at another store which is also sold by Woolies. The checkout locks up telling you that you have unscanned groceries in the trolley. It's happened to me several times and I'm sick of it.

You want a proof of purchase at the other store? Good luck with that as I generally don't want a receipt. The usual argument ensues which I never lose because I'm not legally obligated to have a receipt.

 

[MariaG]

Duuuuh. Hardly rocket science.
Stop utilising unpaid labour by forcing customers to do the work of paid employees. Problem solved.