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.

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.’

​

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.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper was shocked when he set off a security measure causing the wheels of his trolley to lock up.
• The customer claimed he was walking out with his toddler in the empty trolley when the incident occurred.
• A Coles spokesperson explained that the trolley lock technology is one of many security measures implemented to combat theft, with some currently being trialled, and customer feedback is welcomed.
• Coles and its rivals have been ramping up their anti-theft measures, including plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and product protection technology.

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!

 

[Tygie]

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.

View attachment 27035

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.’

​

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.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper was shocked when he set off a security measure causing the wheels of his trolley to lock up.
• The customer claimed he was walking out with his toddler in the empty trolley when the incident occurred.
• A Coles spokesperson explained that the trolley lock technology is one of many security measures implemented to combat theft, with some currently being trialled, and customer feedback is welcomed.
• Coles and its rivals have been ramping up their anti-theft measures, including plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and product protection technology.

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!

I don't use the trolleys at Coles - they are too small and a little lower than other stores.
Also seen plenty of people leave the store with items not paid for and gave up telling the staff as they just shrug their shoulders. The alarm goes off and no one really notices until someone goes out and has a look about by then whoever it was is probably long gone.

 

[Cheb]

At Dandenong Coles, which is across the road from the Dandenong Market, they have had these locking devices on their trolleys for many years. Too many people were taking them across the road to use at The Market and then not returning them. I have even seen some people lift them up and over the magnetic field just so that they could take them into The Market.

 

[carolearmstrong]

Fantastic idea. I’m sick of seeing abandoned trolleys leafy in streets etc presumably because people can’t be bothered to walk back to the shop. Can’t complain about high prices when customers don’t take responsibility.

 

[KiwiTrish]

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.

View attachment 27035

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.’

​

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.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper was shocked when he set off a security measure causing the wheels of his trolley to lock up.
• The customer claimed he was walking out with his toddler in the empty trolley when the incident occurred.
• A Coles spokesperson explained that the trolley lock technology is one of many security measures implemented to combat theft, with some currently being trialled, and customer feedback is welcomed.
• Coles and its rivals have been ramping up their anti-theft measures, including plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and product protection technology.

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!

No I haven’t but my granddaughter has trying to get to her car park with a baby and 4 grocery bags she was in tears not knowing how to get to her car with baby and bags

 

[Fifi2023]

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.

View attachment 27035

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.’

​

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.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper was shocked when he set off a security measure causing the wheels of his trolley to lock up.
• The customer claimed he was walking out with his toddler in the empty trolley when the incident occurred.
• A Coles spokesperson explained that the trolley lock technology is one of many security measures implemented to combat theft, with some currently being trialled, and customer feedback is welcomed.
• Coles and its rivals have been ramping up their anti-theft measures, including plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and product protection technology.

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!

I haven't encountered this, but 1) if it's been on 'trial' for a few years, then it's not a trial, but a feature. 2) are these trolleys the ones with the yellow stickers on the handle bars? I've noticed a few ' new ones' at my local Coles. 3) it is only their own trollies and not those of customers who use what I call " nana" trollies- those with a cover that you pull along behind you, which are great for the environment until they loose a wheel or rip, or you've put too much in. I ask no 3 because my understanding of this article was that the 'toddler' in question was the 'nana' trolley and did not make sense to me as how could they lock a private trolleys wheels when there is no magnetic device.
Cheers.

 

[Judy HB]

I don’t understand why the wheels locked in the article story. Was it because he just had empty bags in the trolley or because he just had a toddler in trolley? I would find that very annoying.

 

[Observer]

I don’t understand why the wheels locked in the article story. Was it because he just had empty bags in the trolley or because he just had a toddler in trolley? I would find that very annoying.

Toddler was in aisle 4 on shelf section 3E. The toddler wasn't paid for. ;-)

 

[MrCejay]

live in rural town trolley gets used to take groceries home then loaded with with cans bottles etc to go to Cash for Cans which is next door to me and only 200m back to supermarket

 

[Abby2]

I don't know anyone personally either. I read it in my local newspaper.

Consider yourself lucky to get a local paper
We lost ours several years ago - it was bought out by a big newspaper, so no local news.

 

[Leenie]

Fantastic idea. I’m sick of seeing abandoned trolleys leafy in streets etc presumably because people can’t be bothered to walk back to the shop. Can’t complain about high prices when customers don’t take responsibility.

Our council has bought in a policy to fine companies that don’t collect trolleys left the street,I think it is $2000 .

 

[Annna]

Woolworths and Coles should both have wheel locking trolleys with wheels locking if/when the trolley is wheeled BEYOND THE BOUNDARY OF THE SHOPPING CENTRE'S PROPERTY.

The trolleys should remain functional within the Centre and carpark boundaries.

I know that these stores have trolley collectors but this system still results in abandoned trolleys:

1. Sitting on streets for hours and sometimes days before they are collected; and

2. Being pushed onto properties sometimes causing damage to those properties; and

3. Being used as public garbage bins with passersby throwing empty drink bottles, used tissues or/and bags filled with scraps or worse, dog faeces in to them.

Wheel locking trolleys will keep them within the stores' properties, it is the best solution to this problem.

ALL WOOLWORTHS AND COLES SHOULD HAVE THEM.

 

[Leenie]

Consider yourself lucky to get a local paper
We lost ours several years ago - it was bought out by a big newspaper, so no local news.

Our just stopped printing we now get a local freebie fortnightly, just not the same.

 

[Lisa]

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.

View attachment 27035

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.’

​

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.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles shopper was shocked when he set off a security measure causing the wheels of his trolley to lock up.
• The customer claimed he was walking out with his toddler in the empty trolley when the incident occurred.
• A Coles spokesperson explained that the trolley lock technology is one of many security measures implemented to combat theft, with some currently being trialled, and customer feedback is welcomed.
• Coles and its rivals have been ramping up their anti-theft measures, including plain-clothes 'loss prevention officers' and product protection technology.

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!

So why would you get a trolley for the toddler and your shopping bags..without shopping in the store? It states you were walking out with out shopping ...who does that??