Shoppers are shocked by this supermarket’s anti-theft tactic!
- Replies 14
In recent years, Aussies have been grappling with the changes in supermarkets’ security systems.
From trolley locks to security gates, supermarkets are applying these preventive measures to combat the rise in shoplifting amid the cost of living crisis.
One supermarket, however, took it to the next level by introducing a strange tactic to prevent theft.
Australian supermarket chain Drakes has introduced GPS-tracking security devices on high-end meat products.
This approach is a response to the increasing number of individuals who have resorted to stealing food due to financial struggles.
With over 60 stores across South Australia and Queensland, Drakes Supermarkets is taking a firm stance against theft by encasing expensive cuts of meat in security boxes, along with the usual plastic packaging.
This initiative deters potential shoplifters by triggering a GPS alert if the product leaves the store without the security device removed.
JP Drake, the director of Drakes Supermarkets, has stated that this is a 'first for supermarkets in Australia’.
‘Meat is the number one thing that is stolen from our supermarkets,’ he said. ‘If someone leaves the store without it being detached then that'll set off the GPS.’
The GPS trackers are being trialled at two Drakes locations, with plans to expand the program across the chain.
Each security box costs a hefty $30, but the supermarket believes the investment is justified to prevent theft, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per incident.
Coles has also implemented a similar strategy by adding security tags to select meat products in nearly a dozen stores throughout Victoria.
However, this crackdown got mixed reactions from customers, with some finding the heightened security measures 'depressing'.
While these tactics may help supermarkets reduce shoplifting as witnessed in recent news, they raise concerns about customer trust and privacy.
Nitika Garg, a professor at UNSW Business School, points out that consumers may feel uncomfortable with the new surveillance practices.
‘The idea that we are not being trusted as consumers is jarring to us because most of us do the right thing anyway,’ she said.
Samantha Floreani of Digital Rights Watch also criticised the focus on surveillance and the use of AI technology during a cost-of-living crisis.
‘People should have the ability to go do basic life essentials—like shop for groceries—without being constantly tracked and monitored,’ she stated.
‘It's telling that major supermarkets are prioritising investment in privacy-invasive surveillance technology in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, rather than considering other ways that might lower rates of theft, such as reining in their huge profit margins and lowering prices.’
As supermarkets turn to heavy surveillance, the debate over the balance between preventing theft and respecting consumer privacy continues to grow.
The question remains: is the convenience of modern shopping worth the trade-off in personal privacy?
Have you noticed an increase in surveillance while shopping? Do you feel these measures are necessary? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
From trolley locks to security gates, supermarkets are applying these preventive measures to combat the rise in shoplifting amid the cost of living crisis.
One supermarket, however, took it to the next level by introducing a strange tactic to prevent theft.
Australian supermarket chain Drakes has introduced GPS-tracking security devices on high-end meat products.
This approach is a response to the increasing number of individuals who have resorted to stealing food due to financial struggles.
With over 60 stores across South Australia and Queensland, Drakes Supermarkets is taking a firm stance against theft by encasing expensive cuts of meat in security boxes, along with the usual plastic packaging.
This initiative deters potential shoplifters by triggering a GPS alert if the product leaves the store without the security device removed.
Shoplifters often target expensive cuts of meat, leading Drakes to launch a drastic security measure. Image Credit: Nadin Sh/Pexels
JP Drake, the director of Drakes Supermarkets, has stated that this is a 'first for supermarkets in Australia’.
‘Meat is the number one thing that is stolen from our supermarkets,’ he said. ‘If someone leaves the store without it being detached then that'll set off the GPS.’
The GPS trackers are being trialled at two Drakes locations, with plans to expand the program across the chain.
Each security box costs a hefty $30, but the supermarket believes the investment is justified to prevent theft, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per incident.
Coles has also implemented a similar strategy by adding security tags to select meat products in nearly a dozen stores throughout Victoria.
However, this crackdown got mixed reactions from customers, with some finding the heightened security measures 'depressing'.
While these tactics may help supermarkets reduce shoplifting as witnessed in recent news, they raise concerns about customer trust and privacy.
Nitika Garg, a professor at UNSW Business School, points out that consumers may feel uncomfortable with the new surveillance practices.
‘The idea that we are not being trusted as consumers is jarring to us because most of us do the right thing anyway,’ she said.
Samantha Floreani of Digital Rights Watch also criticised the focus on surveillance and the use of AI technology during a cost-of-living crisis.
‘People should have the ability to go do basic life essentials—like shop for groceries—without being constantly tracked and monitored,’ she stated.
‘It's telling that major supermarkets are prioritising investment in privacy-invasive surveillance technology in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, rather than considering other ways that might lower rates of theft, such as reining in their huge profit margins and lowering prices.’
As supermarkets turn to heavy surveillance, the debate over the balance between preventing theft and respecting consumer privacy continues to grow.
The question remains: is the convenience of modern shopping worth the trade-off in personal privacy?
.png){kind=icon}
