Grocers resort to high-end tech to catch beef thieves—are you being watched?
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As technology advances at a breakneck pace, it's not just the latest smartphones or smart home devices that are getting smarter.
Supermarkets across Australia are now harnessing cutting-edge technology to tackle a growing problem eating into their profits: shoplifting—particularly of high-value items like meat.
The phenomenon gave birth to a new term—' beef bandits'—as thieves increasingly target meat aisles for their gain.
According to the crime intelligence platform Auror, there was a staggering 85 per cent increase in meat theft last year, with over 67,000 incidents reported nationwide.
Reports suggested beef, chicken, lamb, and pork are on their to-steal list.
Grocers are now fighting back with an arsenal of technological tools, including CCTV and facial recognition software, to stop shoplifters.
Drakes Supermarkets went ahead and took the lead.
From introducing tracking devices to their premium selection of produce, Director John Paul Drake also reported using software directly connected to police databases.
This technology keeps tabs on serial offenders, including someone who allegedly stole a whopping $12,000 worth of food.
Footage of an alleged shoplifter was aired on A Current Affair as he stuffed his cooler bag with premium cuts of meat before leaving.
The same man was suspected of committing 27 thefts across Drakes's stores.
'We know these products are not going to people in need,' Drake stated.
'People in need don't need wagyu and Angus pure beef to have on their tables.'
Gary Mortimer from the Queensland University of Technology Business School also shed some light on the financial impact of shoplifting, noting that a single fillet of premium beef can cost between $80 and $110.
Stealing about three or four of those cuts may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
'Crime gangs often organise the intentional theft,' Mortimer explained.
'They're shopping for a list, and they've got a list of products they're seeking to on-sell.'
In a previous report, meat theft incurred around $9 billion in losses, hence the need for supermarkets to enhance their security measures.
However, high-tech surveillance isn't just about catching the culprits after the fact; it's also a deterrent for innocent shoppers.
Several advocacy groups questioned these measures and what they mean for the average shopper.
'People should be able to do basic life essentials—like shop for groceries—without being constantly tracked and monitored,' Digital Rights Watch Head of Policy Samantha Floreani stated.
Have you noticed an increase in security measures at your local supermarket? What do you think is the reason why beef thieves roam free? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Supermarkets across Australia are now harnessing cutting-edge technology to tackle a growing problem eating into their profits: shoplifting—particularly of high-value items like meat.
The phenomenon gave birth to a new term—' beef bandits'—as thieves increasingly target meat aisles for their gain.
According to the crime intelligence platform Auror, there was a staggering 85 per cent increase in meat theft last year, with over 67,000 incidents reported nationwide.
Reports suggested beef, chicken, lamb, and pork are on their to-steal list.
Grocers are now fighting back with an arsenal of technological tools, including CCTV and facial recognition software, to stop shoplifters.
Shoplifters now target supermarkets’ fresh section by stealing beef, chicken, lamb, and pork cuts. Image Credit: Pexels/Geraud Pfeiffer
Drakes Supermarkets went ahead and took the lead.
From introducing tracking devices to their premium selection of produce, Director John Paul Drake also reported using software directly connected to police databases.
This technology keeps tabs on serial offenders, including someone who allegedly stole a whopping $12,000 worth of food.
Footage of an alleged shoplifter was aired on A Current Affair as he stuffed his cooler bag with premium cuts of meat before leaving.
The same man was suspected of committing 27 thefts across Drakes's stores.
'We know these products are not going to people in need,' Drake stated.
'People in need don't need wagyu and Angus pure beef to have on their tables.'
Gary Mortimer from the Queensland University of Technology Business School also shed some light on the financial impact of shoplifting, noting that a single fillet of premium beef can cost between $80 and $110.
Stealing about three or four of those cuts may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
'Crime gangs often organise the intentional theft,' Mortimer explained.
'They're shopping for a list, and they've got a list of products they're seeking to on-sell.'
In a previous report, meat theft incurred around $9 billion in losses, hence the need for supermarkets to enhance their security measures.
However, high-tech surveillance isn't just about catching the culprits after the fact; it's also a deterrent for innocent shoppers.
Several advocacy groups questioned these measures and what they mean for the average shopper.
'People should be able to do basic life essentials—like shop for groceries—without being constantly tracked and monitored,' Digital Rights Watch Head of Policy Samantha Floreani stated.
