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!

 

[Inot54]

Why has no-one asked why? According to article Coles has introduced (or will be) cameras, lockable trolley wheels and FOG MACHINES!!!! What?! They’re going to set off the fog and the shop lifters won’t be able to see to find their way out and the rest of us can party like it the 70’s. WooHoo!!!

 

[Babbie]

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!!!

Totally agree with you.People forget that there are cameras everywhere now. In the workplace, on public transport, train and bus stations, public buildings, people have them in their cars, in their homes.

 

[June E]

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

Not only more economical but instead of treating everyone as a would be thief they could have kept the staff on all checkouts and had the manned checkouts as the only way out.

 

[Leenie]

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?

This is over the top ,I don’t shop there but it’s treating everyone as if they were thieves,this is not good , so maybe teach coles a lesson and blockade the store in question.

 

[June E]

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!

So if they stop the shoplifters will the prices drop ? Because everyone has been paying extra for years apparently to pay for the stealing . Of course not we will have to pay for all the new security. So as usual the ordinary honest shoppers lose out again.

 

[June E]

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 please tell us where you shop ? Because all the supermarkets will be doing same thing eventually.

 

[Jay Jay]

Why would you choose to shop in businesses that increasingly treat all their customers as potential criminals??

And to those respondents who say 'if you are not doing anything wrong what's the problem?' (and don't mind being seen as potential thieves rather than valued customers) .. I suggest you read George Orwell's novel, '1984' - it's happening now. The more we accept restrictions on our privacy, the more licence will be taken by business (and givernment entities) to increase those restrictions and invasive surveillance practices.

 

[KithB]

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!

 

[Veggiepatch]

So please tell us where you shop ? Because all the supermarkets will be doing same thing eventually.

IAN3005 stated several posts ago that he shops at Aldi.

 

[KithB]

Bring back the checkout staff and they won't have a problem with theft, they left themselves open when they asked you to self-serve so they could save money on wages but now find they are losing more than they saved not the shoppers problem it's the Supermarkets issue we are all getting a bit sick of this Big Brother always watching and dictating what we do and how long before we can't use cash at these Supermarkets.

 

[DiBoz]

Coles ha

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!

d reported that the photos are not kept. I can’t see the problem we are on cameras every where we walk. Shopping centres, Cinemas , shops , restaurants walking in the CBD of any major size town. This is a way of life for us all because of the theft and mugging that happen every day every where in our
beautiful country. Just stop to think if you were attacked or mugged what would be one of the first things you would look at to help identify the person or persons involved. .. Yep security camera footage.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I could always get a Ronald Reagan mask and go shopping Point Break style.

 

[jon24lyn]

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!

Am not concerned, people will find almost the same thing in Woolworths. I understand that some people are shoplifting because they can’t afford to buy things. People have to realise that there are gangs shoplifting and then selling the goods.
Just remember that in the end we the customer pays for the cost of shoplifting.

 

[Mazzs1950]

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!!!

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!!

Please get rid of your mobile phone if you are so worried about your privacy and stay home. You leave a digital footprint with your phone so you can be traced as to where and when you have been. All shopping centres as well as many streets have CCTV cameras for our safety!

 

[Revhead61]

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!

Instead of paying what must have been millions of dollars on security cameras how about putting the prices down so people don't feel the need to steal from you "like you are stealing from us."

 

[gordon1940]

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!!!

Wave and Smile at the screen and mouth "Have a good Day".

 

[Snoozin]

Sooooooo, when are they going to give us all Staff Discounts for having to scan all our own groceries. If they kept their check out staff they wouldn't need to buy all this invasive technology.
My Local Coles doesn't even have one assisted check out, they have 10 self serve check outs & 3 new check outs that look exactly like the assisted check outs we are all used to, except you have to do all the work, you put your groceries on the conveyor belt & then walk down to the check out part & scan & pack all of your groceries yourself.
I mean Really Coles??? you don't make enough money out of us as it is, that we now have to be unpaid Coles staff as well. Well Coles I won't be coming in to pack the shelves at night any time soon .... unless you actually pay me to!

 

[Babbie]

Sooooooo, when are they going to give us all Staff Discounts for having to scan all our own groceries. If they kept their check out staff they wouldn't need to buy all this invasive technology.
My Local Coles doesn't even have one assisted check out, they have 10 self serve check outs & 3 new check outs that look exactly like the assisted check outs we are all used to, except you have to do all the work, you put your groceries on the conveyor belt & then walk down to the check out part & scan & pack all of your groceries yourself.
I mean Really Coles??? you don't make enough money out of us as it is, that we now have to be unpaid Coles staff as well. Well Coles I won't be coming in to pack the shelves at night any time soon .... unless you actually pay me to!

I’m sure they couldn’t care less whether you shop there or not. They have plenty of clientele.

 

[magpie1]

we shop online and don't steal anything anyway when we do shop.....so while some are apprehensive about all of these cameras at Coles, just remember that technology is capturing your every move and shopping experience when you use your cards to swipe for anything. Then when you leave, all of your phone usage can track you, and when you drive back to home you will be tracked along the way etc etc. BIG BROTHER HAS ALL OF US COVERED. And in the future it will only get worse folks.

 

[Tygie]

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.

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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!

Yeah well Woollies has similar ideas - I was in there last Friday and i saw myself in a square on the screen and have heard them talking about the security gates too and the trolley wheel locks.

But they can't stop you bringing something to cover the camera on the checkout with (that you take when you go) right? Or if you're short like me, a slight bend of knees and the cameras misses 95% of you (or in woollies case stand a little off to the side and it misses you).

Also I use a trolley from a different store so Coles will be 'stuffed' with their wheel locks on that one.

Maybe if they trained their staff better and didn't spend so much on all these crazy ways to invade our privacy and catch everyone doing everything (legal or not) then the 2 big supermarkets wouldn't have to charge so much for everything. Or here's another idea - put more than one person on manning the DIY checkouts take the pressure off the one, they can't be everywhere around multiple checkouts at once.