Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.

However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.

We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.

Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.

Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.

The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.

'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.

'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'

It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.

However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.

'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.

While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'

Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.

'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.

'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.

Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.

'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'

Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

You can read more about this story here.

Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.

One shopper 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 in 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 cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.

You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian shopper has expressed her concerns over new surveillance cameras installed at Coles supermarket's self-service checkouts.
  
• The woman discovered her image displayed on a small screen while scanning her groceries, which she described as 'invasive' on social media.
  
• Coles implemented the new surveillance as part of several security measures in response to the increased rate of theft, which has risen by 20 per cent this year.
  
• Coles' new security measures have elicited mixed reactions, sparking privacy concerns amongst some customers, and it was noted that similar technology has been implemented by other retailers such as Woolworths and Kmart.
  

Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I carry a security seal from Kmart in my wallet to see what happens when I walk out of other stores.
Nothing at all! Not even Kmart! Are they a single use item? Or different security codes for different stores?
I go shopping 9 out of 10 days so I might try taking a security protected item without scanning it to see what happens. I'll warn the self checkout staff before I do.
All in the name of research for us SDC members.

 

[Veggiepatch]

What an invasion of privacy. Luckily I shop online so that won't affect me.

How do you pay online? By credit card?
There's your privacy up in smoke.

 

[Rudiczarzoff]

Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.

However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.

We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.

Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.

View attachment 30833

Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.

The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.

'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.

'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'

It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.

However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.

'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.

While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'

Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.

'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.

'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.

Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.

'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'

Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

You can read more about this story here.

Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.

One shopper 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 in 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 cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.

You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian shopper has expressed her concerns over new surveillance cameras installed at Coles supermarket's self-service checkouts.
• The woman discovered her image displayed on a small screen while scanning her groceries, which she described as 'invasive' on social media.
• Coles implemented the new surveillance as part of several security measures in response to the increased rate of theft, which has risen by 20 per cent this year.
• Coles' new security measures have elicited mixed reactions, sparking privacy concerns amongst some customers, and it was noted that similar technology has been implemented by other retailers such as Woolworths and Kmart.

Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!

When these self-serve checkouts started to appear some years ago, I was last in a lengthy line of shoppers at a checkout. A Coles staff member said to me " you can come straight in here and serve yourself". I responded with," will I get discount for doing your job?" To this day I refuse to "serve myself", as I want people to have a job. In the not too future when Coles and Woolies don't have checkout operators anymore, I will pick a stinking hot day close to xmas and head to a busy coles store, fill my trolley with meat and 250-gram packets of different meats from the deli section, ice cream, head to the self serve checkout, where I will say " I don't know how to do this" and just walk out!

 

[Ritam]

Amazing how ppl are so quick to blame the shopping centres for trying to protect their merchandise, rather that the source of the problem, the shop lifters. For all those who say they won't shop at Coles anymore, fantastic at least the queues won't be as long for the rest of us. If you are not doing anything wrong then you have nothing to hide, simple as that. I applaud these stores for doing what they can to stop these shop lifters. Good on you Coles!!!

I totally agree! Shoplifters - thieves that they are, are the reason these businesses have to take such action!

 

[Veggiepatch]

When these self-serve checkouts started to appear some years ago, I was last in a lengthy line of shoppers at a checkout. A Coles staff member said to me " you can come straight in here and serve yourself". I responded with," will I get discount for doing your job?" To this day I refuse to "serve myself", as I want people to have a job. In the not too future when Coles and Woolies don't have checkout operators anymore, I will pick a stinking hot day close to xmas and head to a busy coles store, fill my trolley with meat and 250-gram packets of different meats from the deli section, ice cream, head to the self serve checkout, where I will say " I don't know how to do this" and just walk out!

Must be a fan of the Zarsoff Brothers with that user name.

 

[IAN3005]

Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.

However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.

We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.

Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.

View attachment 30833

Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.

The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.

'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.

'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'

It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.

However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.

'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.

While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'

Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.

'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.

'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.

Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.

'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'

Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

You can read more about this story here.

Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.

One shopper 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 in 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 cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.

You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian shopper has expressed her concerns over new surveillance cameras installed at Coles supermarket's self-service checkouts.
• The woman discovered her image displayed on a small screen while scanning her groceries, which she described as 'invasive' on social media.
• Coles implemented the new surveillance as part of several security measures in response to the increased rate of theft, which has risen by 20 per cent this year.
• Coles' new security measures have elicited mixed reactions, sparking privacy concerns amongst some customers, and it was noted that similar technology has been implemented by other retailers such as Woolworths and Kmart.

Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!

Well, you people will shop there..... don't like it then don't shop there...I haven't for 20 years and don't intend to... I only go into the store to see what trick they're up to and have a good old laugh at the prices.

 

[Muffin11]

I wonder whether Coles management thinks about how they are stealing from us. They are using the current inflation rate to jack up the prices of most products and then have a few for sale at prices still higher than before the current economic situation. They have also reduced the content of their ready-made food packages. For example I bought my usual ready made food products and found that instead of 17 % chicken, it had less than 3 %. I complained directly to Coles. To give them credit, they replied efficiently and asked me to return to the store with the receipts and use their response to claim my money back. I have not done so because the store manager and staff at this branch (Westfield Bondi Junction) are very unpleasant people that I have had to deal with previously. My response is never to buy those products again.

 

[Aahgee]

If the new security measures bring down theft, will the extra profits mean cheaper prices for shoppers? I doubt that very much. Instead of investing in all this new invasive technology, just close self-serve and go back to maned checkouts. Easy fix

 

[cheviegirl34]

Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.

However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.

We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.

Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.

View attachment 30833

Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.

The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.

'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.

'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'

It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.

However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.

'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.

While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'

Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.

'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.

'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.

Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.

'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'

Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

You can read more about this story here.

Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.

One shopper 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 in 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 cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.

You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian shopper has expressed her concerns over new surveillance cameras installed at Coles supermarket's self-service checkouts.
• The woman discovered her image displayed on a small screen while scanning her groceries, which she described as 'invasive' on social media.
• Coles implemented the new surveillance as part of several security measures in response to the increased rate of theft, which has risen by 20 per cent this year.
• Coles' new security measures have elicited mixed reactions, sparking privacy concerns amongst some customers, and it was noted that similar technology has been implemented by other retailers such as Woolworths and Kmart.

Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!

I think it is just awful. I DO NOT want to be on any camera. There are already more than enough around!

 

[LeahI]

Another good reason never to use self-checkout. I refuse to do the job of a checkout operator & do not want to see my picture up on a screen (I hate my picture being taken by anyone - even family). I am fast thinking that I need to camouflage my face in supermarkets to maintain priv

This is a very tricky area as a shopping centre is NOT considered a public place, contrary to what most of you think. And according to Australian law, there is no right to individual privacy.
Images may be taken where, on reasonable grounds", trespassing or a criminal offence is suspected of being committed. Again, open to interpretation.
Without spending the rest of the year researching this matter, it is my view that Coles could be acting within the law with respect to individuals' images but acting in an unethical manner.

Well, you people will shop there..... don't like it then don't shop there...I haven't for 20 years and don't intend to... I only go into the store to see what trick they're up to and have a good old laugh at the prices.

So I guess you must be self sufficient to not need to go to a grocery store?

 

[LeahI]

If the new security measures bring down theft, will the extra profits mean cheaper prices for shoppers? I doubt that very much. Instead of investing in all this new invasive technology, just close self-serve and go back to maned checkouts. Easy fix

If you cast your mind back you may remember that there was plenty of theft prior to self serve.
We were given the chance to get out of a long queue with a few items, but as usual people can't be trusted to do the right thing. So for the convenience of getting out quickly with a few items, take my picture all you want.

 

[IAN3005]

So I guess you must be self sufficient to not need to go to a grocery store?

I shop at Aldi for reductions on goods about to expire and at the local greengrocer where the veggies are cheaper and of better quality...you have to do what you have to do to survive.

 

[Useless]

This has been bought about by self serve checkout as people try to cheat at what is put through and into trolley.so if you have done the right thing you have nothing to hide same at Coles and Woolworths both have the same system.

 

[barbaranne]

I am definitely not "pro" these invasive measures, and I think we are now becoming more savvy to security measures that have been around for a long time, but are becoming more and more intrusive.

It's interesting to hear people say they are going to boycott Coles, when both Woolworths and Kmart are also upgrading the type of security measures they use.

* Recently people were protesting about the security cameras above the checkouts in Woolworths which could even see the credit / debit cards people used.
* Bunnings, Kmart, and Good Guys recently stopped using facial recognition, due to protests from customers, but how long before that will be re-instated, and who else is using this without our knowledge?

Security cameras have been in stores for years, with cameras throughout their stores, just not as abundantly obvious as they have become.

For years we have being filmed in shopping centres, individual shops, public transport, car parks, banks, ATM's, businesses, airports, the list goes on.
Even neighbours' security cameras could be filming us, and how many people now own dash cams in case they need evidence of who is responsible in an accident, etc.

Perhaps we originally accepted "security cameras" because they made us feel safer, catching or identifying people in cases of violence, or theft, being just two examples.

Now we have CCTV's everywhere.

It's certainly disconcerting and disturbing to know that we are being filmed in so many places without our knowledge, and realising how much privacy we have lost.

 

[BJM]

I feel it’s invasive. Where will all this nonsense stop! I for one will not be shopping at Coles, they’re implying I’m a criminal maybe the ACCC needs to know I wasn’t aware that Woolies and KMart were doing the same. I guess I don’t need to go there either

 

[IAN3005]

I am definitely not "pro" these invasive measures, and I think we are now becoming more savvy to security measures that have been around for a long time, but are becoming more and more intrusive.

It's interesting to hear people say they are going to boycott Coles, when both Woolworths and Kmart are also upgrading the type of security measures they use.

* Recently people were protesting about the security cameras above the checkouts in Woolworths which could even see the credit / debit cards people used.
* Bunnings, Kmart, and Good Guys recently stopped using facial recognition, due to protests from customers, but how long before that will be re-instated, and who else is using this without our knowledge?

Security cameras have been in stores for years, with cameras throughout their stores, just not as abundantly obvious as they have become.

For years we have being filmed in shopping centres, individual shops, public transport, car parks, banks, ATM's, businesses, airports, the list goes on.
Even neighbours' security cameras could be filming us, and how many people now own dash cams in case they need evidence of who is responsible in an accident, etc.

Perhaps we originally accepted "security cameras" because they made us feel safer, catching or identifying people in cases of violence, or theft, being just two examples.

Now we have CCTV's everywhere.

It's certainly disconcerting and disturbing to know that we are being filmed in so many places without our knowledge, and realising how much privacy we have lost.

They have done their dash as far I'm concerned.... no going back. Teach them once and for all.... sales will fall. Not that I shop at any of the stores.

 

[PochiLoh]

Actually this is a feature on the self-checkout counters in Woolworth, before Coles started it as well. Personally i have no problems with that, and if I do, I always have a mask handy - LOL...

 

[Veggiepatch]

That's it! I'm going full tilt and purchasing a f**king nijab. See how that goes.

 

[IAN3005]

That's it! I'm going full tilt and purchasing a f**king nijab. See how that goes.

I knew the would be a use for those.....ha ha ha

 

[Countryjohn]

Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.

However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.

We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.

Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.

View attachment 30833

Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.

The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.

'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.

'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'

It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.

However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.

'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.

While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'

Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.

'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.

'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.

Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.

'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'

Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.

Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'

Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.

You can read more about this story here.

Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.

One shopper 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 in 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 cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.

You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian shopper has expressed her concerns over new surveillance cameras installed at Coles supermarket's self-service checkouts.
• The woman discovered her image displayed on a small screen while scanning her groceries, which she described as 'invasive' on social media.
• Coles implemented the new surveillance as part of several security measures in response to the increased rate of theft, which has risen by 20 per cent this year.
• Coles' new security measures have elicited mixed reactions, sparking privacy concerns amongst some customers, and it was noted that similar technology has been implemented by other retailers such as Woolworths and Kmart.

Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!

Maybe if they dropped back from their billion dollar profits and gave shoppers some relief at the check out they would not have to spend millions on security