Shopping for essentials should be an easy, carefree task for everyone.

However, with the cost of living on the rise, many Australians have been distressed over their weekly shopping.

Yet, in a bustling suburb in Melbourne, a supermarket recently came under fire for what some customers call a 'dehumanising' security measure.

A shopper shared a photo of a Coles branch in Epping, showing an overwhelming number of security cameras installed above the checkout area.

'I don't think my local Coles has installed enough cameras,' the shopper shared anonymously on social media.

The looming cameras left many shoppers feeling as they stepped into a science fiction novel—where every move is being monitored, and personal space is becoming a thing of the past.

A Coles store in Epping had multiple CCTV cameras installed in the checkout area. Image Credit: Reddit/LordBeerus2193

This photo sparked a heated debate about privacy, security, and the modern shopping experience.

Some shoppers shared their unease about the sight.

'Hey Coles Epping, how many more cameras do you need?' a shopper snarked.

'Looks like they really hate their customers,' a second customer thought.

'I get that cameras are necessary, but why so many? They could achieve the same thing with a few cameras. Is it to deter theft?' a third asked.

'That's creepy.'

Other shoppers likened the scene to 'a gaming floor at a casino' or 'an art piece'.

'All the cameras make it feel kinda dehumanising in a way,' one comment read.

Another person added, 'It feels like I'm going through a maximum security military checkpoint.'

On the flip side, other shoppers defended the supermarket's decision to add the cameras.

'Having cameras over the checkout and tills where cash theft, robbery, harm or abuse to staff and external crime is most likely to occur? It doesn't seem that unreasonable,' a shopper said.

'These cameras are there for my protection as well as theirs,' another shopper argued.

'Too many people are stealing, abusing other people, and turning nasty. It's 2024.'

'If someone you cared about got punched in the face at Coles, you'd be demanding camera footage for the police,' they continued, highlighting the role of surveillance in keeping stores safe.

Retail theft has been a significant issue in Australia, with supermarkets reporting an estimated $9 billion in losses every year.

It's a figure that undoubtedly influenced Coles to implement several security measures—including cameras.

A Coles spokesperson addressed the controversy in a statement.

'While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately, a small number don't,' they stated.

'We have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores, including security personnel and surveillance technologies such as CCTVs. Any recorded footage is done so in line with all relevant laws and Coles' Privacy Policy.'

The incident raised concerns about the changing retail landscape and the evolving expectations of privacy.

As technology advances and the threat of crime persists, finding a balance between security and personal freedom becomes increasingly complex.

Key Takeaways

• A Coles supermarket in Epping has been criticised after a shopper shared the store's heavy use of security cameras.
• The photograph made rounds on social media, prompting mixed reactions from the public.
• While some shoppers found the security measures excessive, others argued that they were reasonable for the protection of staff and customers.
• A Coles spokesperson emphasised that the company's top priority is the safety of staff and customers and mentioned that the CCTVs were a part of their security efforts.

Have you noticed an increase in surveillance when you shop? Does it make you feel safer, or does it make you uncomfortable? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

 

[LOUIS A]

Not only Coles, on a recent shop at Aldi I found out how useful they are, on checking my receipt I saw an item that I had not purchased, the store manager was then able to check the security camera over the till and refunded me for that item.

 

[AprilMaree]

That many is creepy and concerning. I can understand the need for surveillance but there is a limit. The Epping store has surpassed stupidity with theirs. A question I have is do they save the recording, for how long and who can access it? What if they had a data breach and someone subject to DVO could be put at risk.