Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
  
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
  
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

 

[JayEeGeeP]

Too bad their service doesn't match their level of security.

 

[Observer]

The only ones that need to be concerned are the ones that want to do something deceitfully. Keeping in mind also that people are not perfect, cameras shouldn't be an issue really.
I like to collect the 4 cents a litre vouchers for fuel reduction and will do just over $30 transactions but the cameras pick up the fact that I still have something in my trolley and will cease checkout operations until someone comes and checks things over. When all is good, I proceed with scanning the next $30 worth.
No biggie from me.

 

[cheviegirl34]

Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

View attachment 25293

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

View attachment 25294

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

We have no privacy anymore. Not a good feeling to think as you walk around a shop that someone is watching your every move can’t scratch yourself or blow your nose without someone looking at you. Not comfortable at all!

 

[elaine41]

Simple solution - go to manned checkouts. Keep people employed. I refuse to do the work of a checkout operator & not get paid for my work. So don't complain if you are prepared to work for free & they put a camera on you to make sure you do the job properly.

 

[Olddingo]

Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

View attachment 25293

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

View attachment 25294

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

The only ones that whinge about this sort of tecnology are the ones who are doing the thievery. Smae as the surveillance around car parks. Wish there was more they could do when they catch the low life's. Most of them are kids and know they can get away with it.

 

[Alan-k]

Simple solution - go to manned checkouts. Keep people employed. I refuse to do the work of a checkout operator & not get paid for my work. So don't complain if you are prepared to work for free & they put a camera on you to make sure you do the job properly.

100 % I like the idea of keeping people employed, trouble is they put slow / new staff on these checkouts trying to force you to the self serve. I have noticed with self serve they have more card only checkouts then cash moving us into that cashless society

 

[Trudi]

Security cameras have been in EVERY shop and not just grocery stores, for ages!

A couple of years ago I had a chat with a guy that owned a smallish news agency where I live and he told me that despite having 8 security cameras, it was still not enough and some people still got away with shoplifting.

 

[starrysnan]

I have no problem with security cameras as like most people we are not shoplifters. I was a bit surprised though when I spotted security tags on trays of meat recently at the supermarket. who would have thought?

 

[Olddingo]

We have no privacy anymore. Not a good feeling to think as you walk around a shop that someone is watching your every move can’t scratch yourself or blow your nose without someone looking at you. Not comfortable at all!

Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

View attachment 25293

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

View attachment 25294

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

 

[Olddingo]

Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

View attachment 25293

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

View attachment 25294

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

 

[Olddingo]

We have no privacy anymore. Not a good feeling to think as you walk around a shop that someone is watching your every move can’t scratch yourself or blow your nose without someone looking at you. Not comfortable at all!

Once again you can blame the minority for that. We all have to change our ways because a few can't be trusted.

 

[Annna]

100 % I like the idea of keeping people employed, trouble is they put slow / new staff on these checkouts trying to force you to the self serve. I have noticed with self serve they have more card only checkouts then cash moving us into that cashless society

Yes, exactly.

Slow/New staff frustrates the shopper into moving to self serve checkouts.

Also, having 7 traditional checkout stations that are manned by only 2 checkout operators is a way to get shoppers to move to self serve.

The card only checkouts are aimed at savings for the store. No longer having a cash handling burden (no counting, balancing or banking).

I'm a cash shopper because I've had my card details stolen before and found transactions made by the thief.

I have to wait for cash only self serve checkouts and do so patiently.

I do get cranky when card customers standing in the line where the store has 6 self serve card checkouts and 2 cash only self serve checkouts jump on to the cash checkouts.

I allow the card people to go ahead of me to use the card checkouts. They should reciprocate.

 

[jazzer8542]

Stepping into a supermarket today can feel like accidentally wandering onto the set of a spy movie. Locations? Coles and Woolworths. The main actors? Every unsuspecting customer who’s just popped in for a quick grocery shopping trip!

Coles and Woolworths have increased security measures, carefully tracking shoppers' every move at self-service checkouts.

Imagine this, during grocery shopping, you find yourself face-to-face with your image on a screen!

Yes, that's right! Every swipe, scan, and bagging manoeuvre you make is closely observed and judged by the vigilant eye of the supermarket attendant.

View attachment 25293

Surveillance cameras in grocery stores serve as a security measure to deter theft and monitor the shopping environment, ensuring the safety of both customers and employees. Image by igorovsyannykov from Pixabay

It may seem overwhelming, and we understand your concerns. However, before you let frustration take over, let's delve deeper into this modern-day grocery store drama.

In 2019, the introduction of cameras at self-service checkouts served a fascinating purpose: to deter shoplifting.

As Australia faced rising costs, including a 9.6 per cent increase in food prices recorded by both Coles and Woolworths in the past year, a few individuals succumbed to temptation and helped themselves to items without paying.

In the face of adversity, one might think: 'How about hiring more employees to help monitor?'

However, the supermarket duopoly had a different solution: more cameras! Yes, they opted for an increased surveillance approach.

As you do your regular shopping routine, picture yourself under a virtual magnifying glass.

Even harmless items like fruit can raise suspicions, and a simple mistake like misidentifying a cucumber could momentarily label you as a person of interest in this ongoing supermarket situation.

View attachment 25294

These cameras also help store management identify and address potential incidents, maintain inventory control, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Image by agk42 from Unsplash

Every small action you take can trigger an alert to the attendant, creating a sense of unease in what used to be a simple and peaceful errand.

If that wasn’t enough, this drama heightens when the attendant rushes over to review the footage flagged as suspicious!

As an innocent shopper, you can't help but feel a rush of guilt, turning your mundane grocery trip into an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

However, amidst this intense scrutiny, a surprising and ironic weak point in the system emerges.

Some sources suggest that the inspecting cameras are unable to monitor the contents of your reusable bags, creating a unique pocket of privacy amidst the surveillance throughout the store.

Key Takeaways

• Coles and Woolworths have increased surveillance at the self-service checkouts, making customers feel targeted and under scrutiny.
• The heightened surveillance aims to curb theft, with cameras showing customers and store attendants live purchasing activity.
• Some say that the store cameras can't see what's inside your reusable bags, giving you a private space in the midst of all the surveillance.

This world of extensive surveillance is hard to ignore. The feeling of being watched and judged is a stark departure from the more relaxed times we once knew.

While preventing theft is undoubtedly a priority for businesses, it is equally important to maintain the trust and comfort of customers.

Striking a balance between implementing security measures and preserving a welcoming atmosphere is essential for cultivating positive customer experiences.

Members, have you experienced these changes during your supermarket trips? How has it affected your shopping experience? Share your thoughts, and let's get talking!

 

[jazzer8542]

It’s very simple! Get rid of the self serve checkouts and employ more people to use the old fashioned human checkouts ! The will be no theft and no reason to spend so much on security and cameras! I’m sure the savings will pay for the theft and reduce prices !! Am I naive ???

 

[Macarj]

If your doing nothing illegal you have nothing to worry about

 

[Wandiwa]

I've posted this previously and I dont have a problem with cameras ....

I was in Coles recently and while waiting my turn to use the checkout, counted the cameras I could see, and therefore could see me .... Total 27.

 

[MariaG]

I have no problem with security cameras as like most people we are not shoplifters. I was a bit surprised though when I spotted security tags on trays of meat recently at the supermarket. who would have thought?

That's because you need to sell your first born child to be able to afford a nice lamb roast, or special steaks. I'm surprised they don't have armed guards at the chillers, and ninjas poised to pounce from the ceiling.

 

[Annna]

It’s very simple! Get rid of the self serve checkouts and employ more people to use the old fashioned human checkouts ! The will be no theft and no reason to spend so much on security and cameras! I’m sure the savings will pay for the theft and reduce prices !! Am I naive ???

I'd like to see that too but I think the megastores (Coles and Woolies and others) have done their calculations and concluded that tech is cheaper to run than people.

 

[Boris Stalinski]

If your doing nothing illegal you have nothing to worry about

100% agree. All shops, etc. need to protect themselves from the people who are trying to defraud them.
Last it was the POOR person who complained who could not download $300 or $500 from Woolworths, for goodness sakes, if you want cash go to the bank or ATM.