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!

 

[Rey]

That’s really very invasive technology… I won’t be shopping at Coles anymore…hope others and all will do the same… will be very very happy if one day an open Coles store will have not a single shopper inside!!! What a sight to behold!!
Let PEOPLE POWER WORK and not allow “giant” companies to dictate unreasonable rules to people that actually let this Shops exist!! No single customer to get in and shop no Coles!! Simple as that!!

 

[elaine41]

They have definitely gone rogue. How dare they lock up my trolley wheels because they THINK I may have goods which have not been paid for? What is the actual technology that the trolley knows there are unpaid things in there? There is something really nasty going on here. Guess I won't go to Coles again as I almost always have other shopping in my trolley since their store is in a mall & I won't be treated as if I am a thief because I have them in my trolley.

 

[ladykaliber]

have definitely gone rogue. How dare they lock up my trolley wheels because they THINK I may have goods which have not been paid for? What is the actual technology that the trolley knows there are unpaid things in there? There is something really nasty going on here. Guess I won't go to Coles again as I almost always have other shopping in my trolley since their store is in a mall & I won't be treated as if I am a thief because I have them in my trolley.

Is that the same locking up that trolley wheels do anyway. It is an achievement to get one that runs smoothly isn't it? I understand security is necessary but when is it too much?

 

[Glenlusk1943]

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!!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

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.

 

[Frigate]

Shoplifting was not a huge problem before introduction of self-service stations. Supermarkets did not do their homework by ignoring shoplifting risk, unfortunately any customer in supermarket is a de facto suspect.

 

[elaine41]

Shoplifting was not a huge problem before introduction of self-service stations. Supermarkets did not do their homework by ignoring shoplifting risk, unfortunately any customer in supermarket is a de facto suspect.

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 privacy.

 

[Go Cats]

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,I had better make sure I do my hair and put my makeup on before I next shop at Cole's.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Well,I had better make sure I do my hair and put my makeup on before I next shop at Cole's.

If that's a prerequisite to a shopping expedition, I'll never get the shopping done!
And I'm a male!
With hair!

 

[CristinaV]

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!

Because of those thieves that steal groceries, everyone has to pay the price.
Woolies has had a camera at the check out for a long time now. And yes, it is an invasion of privacy.
THANK YOU THIEVES!!!!

 

[chinkapook]

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

 

[Jan Purcell]

The only thing I have against Coles is that they have those electronic belts where you do it all yourself, give me a smiley check out chick any day, by having those robots it will get rid of the young workers, very unfair, more people on the dole, also if we serve ourselfs we should get paid for doing their work.

 

[Jest]

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!

smile your on candid camera.

 

[Bridgit]

Oh the outrage! Have you all forgotten that when you walk thru Malls etc smile you are on candid camera? CCTV is everywhere and there is no getting away from it unless you stay home and even then your neighbors security cameras can record you. If your are not a crook then why are you worried - invasion of privacy in a supermarket or self-serve? - to avoid all that shop online.

 

[LeahI]

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 agree. No worse than when the beeper goes off as you exit a store.
If you haven't done anything wrong then it's no biggie. Stop the thieves!!

 

[nvines]

Sooooo, perhaps it would have been more economical to continue employ staff to manage the checkouts after all....just saying.

 

[Stevo114]

I will paraphrase what the Coles person actually means.....

'Our customers are all a potential thief, we're gonna catch [you], one way or another' he added.

And to all those that think it is no problem being on CCTV all the time - how long do you think it will be before it is used for marketing purposes based on how you look or dress? eg - "let's find all the ladies with toddlers at the checkout, use facial recognition to identify if they are on our database and send them the latest deals from confectionary". Even more scary is AI social scoring. I am no conspiracy theorist but if you think they do all this for our benefit you are incredibly naïve.

Just use people at the checkouts if we cannot be trusted.

 

[GsGirl]

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!

If you aren't a thief then you will have nothing to worry about. Cost of living is high for all of us, majority don't steal. Those that do make prices rise for all of us.
Keep your sticky fingers to yourself!

 

[Bazza boy]

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!!!

all the security cameras etc don't worry us honest people one bit