Woolworths comes under fire for new security measure: ‘Pretty sneaky’
- Replies 36
Major supermarkets across Australia are ramping up their efforts to combat theft, and the changes are impossible to miss.
Coles and ALDI have boosted their surveillance systems and streamlined store layouts to monitor potential shoplifters more closely.
Woolworths, however, has taken things a step further. Their latest tactic has not only tightened security but also ignited a heated debate among shoppers, raising questions about privacy and customer trust.
The tactic involves covert staff members discreetly monitoring shoppers as they navigate the aisles, looking out for any signs of suspicious behaviour.
This practice was brought to public attention when a Woolworths employee shared insights on an online platform, revealing that staff are trained to detect potential shoplifters well before any alarms are triggered at self-checkout stations.
‘I work at Woolworths, if you’re stealing we know long before the self-scanner says anything,’ they wrote.
Another employee corroborated this, noting that employees often communicate with checkout teams to keep an eye on individuals who appear to be acting unusually or whose pockets seem excessively full.
‘It’s not foolproof, but it can help catch people whose pockets are just a little too bulging,’ they added.
The controversy intensified when a customer recounted their experience of being shadowed by an out-of-uniform 'security guard' while shopping.
The whole post read:
The shopper also shared that they felt sorry for the employees who carry out this task. They added: ‘I don’t think it’s a job anyone chooses. Surely it is out of necessity to pay their bills.’
This incident has sparked a conversation in the comments section, with most people expressing concern about the experience.
‘Thanks for the post, and the info. I had no idea,’ one user commented. ‘Sucks it made you feel like s*** but props to you (and that dude) for being upfront and adult about it.’
‘To be fair, I would say most of the actual staff wouldn’t know that’s a thing apart from the front-end staff,’ another said.
A third person wrote: ‘Seems the cost of paying people to follow around individuals would be greater than any good that are potentially stolen.’
‘Pretty sneaky. Good to know, though,’ someone remarked.
Other users shared their similar experiences while doing their grocery shopping.
A commenter shared: ‘That sounds about right. I once left Woolworths without buying anything (my dad was in another store and needed me), and I was carrying a couple of empty reusable bags.’
‘The checkout worker starts yelling at me, saying she needs to check my bags (which is fine; just don't be rude). So, I go back and show her the empty bags, which I guess disappointed her because she gives me a dirty look and then goes back to what she is doing. No “thank you” or “sorry for the inconvenience,” they added.
Another shopper shared: ‘My local IGA used to do this, and I'd be a target occasionally.’
‘I'd just make a game of it and waste their time. I'd go around a corner when they were keeping pace at the other end of the aisle, but then I'd double back and go two aisles back etc.’
‘It's absolutely disgusting that they profile people based on appearances and I'm sorry you had to deal with it,’ they said.
According to a spokesperson from Woolworths, the company is dedicated to preventing theft incidents within its stores.
‘The majority of our customers do the right thing but we have a number of initiatives that we use, both covert and overt, to help reduce retail crime.’
‘These initiatives include the use of camera technology at the checkouts, double welcome gates, CCTV and a trial of gates at the exit to our self-serve checkout area.’
‘All of our team are trained and have a number of tools available to keep them and our customers safe in the event of conflict or anti-social behaviour,’ the spokesperson added.
Last year, Woolworths installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia. The new security technology uses rooftop sensors to track customers and prevent exits for those who have not paid for their goods.
Have you noticed increased security measures while shopping in your local supermarket? Do you feel these tactics are justified, or do they cross a line? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Coles and ALDI have boosted their surveillance systems and streamlined store layouts to monitor potential shoplifters more closely.
Woolworths, however, has taken things a step further. Their latest tactic has not only tightened security but also ignited a heated debate among shoppers, raising questions about privacy and customer trust.
The tactic involves covert staff members discreetly monitoring shoppers as they navigate the aisles, looking out for any signs of suspicious behaviour.
This practice was brought to public attention when a Woolworths employee shared insights on an online platform, revealing that staff are trained to detect potential shoplifters well before any alarms are triggered at self-checkout stations.
Woolworths received criticism for their new security measure. Image source: Shutterstock
‘I work at Woolworths, if you’re stealing we know long before the self-scanner says anything,’ they wrote.
Another employee corroborated this, noting that employees often communicate with checkout teams to keep an eye on individuals who appear to be acting unusually or whose pockets seem excessively full.
‘It’s not foolproof, but it can help catch people whose pockets are just a little too bulging,’ they added.
The controversy intensified when a customer recounted their experience of being shadowed by an out-of-uniform 'security guard' while shopping.
The whole post read:
The shopper also shared that they felt sorry for the employees who carry out this task. They added: ‘I don’t think it’s a job anyone chooses. Surely it is out of necessity to pay their bills.’
This incident has sparked a conversation in the comments section, with most people expressing concern about the experience.
‘Thanks for the post, and the info. I had no idea,’ one user commented. ‘Sucks it made you feel like s*** but props to you (and that dude) for being upfront and adult about it.’
‘To be fair, I would say most of the actual staff wouldn’t know that’s a thing apart from the front-end staff,’ another said.
A third person wrote: ‘Seems the cost of paying people to follow around individuals would be greater than any good that are potentially stolen.’
‘Pretty sneaky. Good to know, though,’ someone remarked.
Other users shared their similar experiences while doing their grocery shopping.
A commenter shared: ‘That sounds about right. I once left Woolworths without buying anything (my dad was in another store and needed me), and I was carrying a couple of empty reusable bags.’
‘The checkout worker starts yelling at me, saying she needs to check my bags (which is fine; just don't be rude). So, I go back and show her the empty bags, which I guess disappointed her because she gives me a dirty look and then goes back to what she is doing. No “thank you” or “sorry for the inconvenience,” they added.
Another shopper shared: ‘My local IGA used to do this, and I'd be a target occasionally.’
‘I'd just make a game of it and waste their time. I'd go around a corner when they were keeping pace at the other end of the aisle, but then I'd double back and go two aisles back etc.’
‘It's absolutely disgusting that they profile people based on appearances and I'm sorry you had to deal with it,’ they said.
According to a spokesperson from Woolworths, the company is dedicated to preventing theft incidents within its stores.
‘The majority of our customers do the right thing but we have a number of initiatives that we use, both covert and overt, to help reduce retail crime.’
‘These initiatives include the use of camera technology at the checkouts, double welcome gates, CCTV and a trial of gates at the exit to our self-serve checkout area.’
‘All of our team are trained and have a number of tools available to keep them and our customers safe in the event of conflict or anti-social behaviour,’ the spokesperson added.
Last year, Woolworths installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia. The new security technology uses rooftop sensors to track customers and prevent exits for those who have not paid for their goods.
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