Eyes all over: Shoppers share their outrage after spotting one 'dehumanising' detail in a Coles store

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.


compressed-coles epping.jpeg
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.
 
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It (the surveillance) appears unfortunately, to be a necessary result responding to the huge levels of thievery today.

Cost of living pressure is a reality.

I feel it too but learning to adjust (including buying other items or less) is a way of coping rather than stealing the things in an entitled manner.
 
I think that stores need to have camera's in supermarkets. Stealing is becoming so prevalent in these shops that I can't blame them. Why complain about them unless you are light fingered yourself. They are not harming anyone, most probably protecting more customers. Get a life
 
The screen above the scanner is fine, but having cameras above the customers is an invasion. Anyone watching those videos will see us put in our pin number when we spend over a certain amount. Please don't tell me all the staff ate honest, I've had my purse taken from my bag at work, and that shows not everyone respects others.
 
The only time I notice is when my little grandson jumps up and down to see himself on screen. Frankly if it helps to stop stealing that pushes prices up I really don’t give a flying fruit bat.
You should give a flying fruit bat, you are paying for this security through your groceries that you purchase.
 

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