Did you know about this new security measure at Coles? One shopper was shocked to discover it
- Replies 32
In a world where shoplifting is a constant concern for stores like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI, it’s not surprising to hear about the anti-theft measures they have in place.
CCTV and anti-theft devices top the list of precautions the major supermarkets take when it comes to shoplifting, but many are unaware of a new technology that has been quietly rolled out in certain stores across the country.
One shopper, who found himself at the receiving end of this measure, took to the internet to share his experience and warned other customers to exercise caution when leaving the store.
The man said he was pushing his toddler a trolley–with nothing but empty reusable bags in it–out of a Moonee Ponds Coles store in Melbourne when an alarm was suddenly triggered. As the alarm began to beep, he realised the trolley wheels had locked up and could not move.
After an exchange with a cashier, who verified that nothing had been stolen, the employee then 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device and the man was allowed to pass through.
The experience still shook the shopper, and he wrote, 'I had no idea Coles had tech to lock up your trolley.’
When contacted, a Coles spokesperson clarified that the supermarket giant had a few security measures to reduce theft from their stores.
'Coles has 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,’ the spokesperson said.
‘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,’ they added.
The spokesperson said they’re open to customer feedback, ‘Some of these security measures are trials at this stage, and we are keen to hear what our customers think of the new technology before it is rolled out further.’
Like its rivals, Coles 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.
A similar incident has been shared by a customer on social media:
Have you encountered a similar instance at your local Coles, dear members? Share your experience below!
CCTV and anti-theft devices top the list of precautions the major supermarkets take when it comes to shoplifting, but many are unaware of a new technology that has been quietly rolled out in certain stores across the country.
The man said he was pushing his toddler a trolley–with nothing but empty reusable bags in it–out of a Moonee Ponds Coles store in Melbourne when an alarm was suddenly triggered. As the alarm began to beep, he realised the trolley wheels had locked up and could not move.
A new security measure at Coles causes trolleys to be locked up and unable to move. Credit: Rusty Todaro/Shutterstock
After an exchange with a cashier, who verified that nothing had been stolen, the employee then 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device and the man was allowed to pass through.
The experience still shook the shopper, and he wrote, 'I had no idea Coles had tech to lock up your trolley.’
'Coles has 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,’ the spokesperson said.
‘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,’ they added.
The spokesperson said they’re open to customer feedback, ‘Some of these security measures are trials at this stage, and we are keen to hear what our customers think of the new technology before it is rolled out further.’
Like its rivals, Coles 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.
A similar incident has been shared by a customer on social media:
Have you encountered a similar instance at your local Coles, dear members? Share your experience below!
Last edited by a moderator:
.png){kind=icon}
