UK supermarket chain Tesco takes self-service security to next level

A popular supermarket chain in the UK has introduced a drastic new plan to minimise theft at self-service checkouts.

Since the self-serve scanners were first introduced, customers have been abusing them by putting expensive products through as much cheaper items. And while they help supermarket giants cut down on staffing costs, self-service machines have also made it easier for sticky-fingered shoppers to nick items, costing the stores millions of dollars each year.

To help combat the issue, UK supermarket chain Tesco has installed CCTV at self-service checkouts as part of a crackdown on shoplifters, according to a report in the Mirror. 

Unlike the technology that has been operational in Australian stores since March, the CCTV will not only record the bagging area, but it will also broadcast the face of the customer on a screen above the checkout. The company has announced it will begin the trial in a small number of stores.

When asked if Aussie supermarket chain Woolworths would consider following Tesco’s lead, a spokesperson told Starts at 60: “Self-service checkout is an incredibly popular option for customers short on time, and we know the vast majority of shoppers do the right thing when using them. Of course, we have comprehensive security measures in place for those that don’t.”

Read more: Fuming wife dobs in husband over self-service checkout theft

Earlier this year, a new technology was developed in Australia to help minimise theft at self-service checkouts.The new technology developed by Aussie start-up company Tiliter Technology is set to combat theft and speed up the shopping experience.

The ‘smart’ checkouts will be able to tell the difference between products, making it impossible for customers to steal. Customers will also no longer need to search menus and tap in the correct fruit and vegetables, as the new technology does it automatically. It also removes the need for barcodes or having to enter additional information.

Tiliter Technology said the scanner uses a camera to identify the product and then automatically enters the information into the point-of-sale system.

Retail theft is estimated to cost the Australian retail sector over $7.5 billion per year, according to Australian Retailers Association.

Recently, a man was fined $326,00 for a self-service checkout scam involving expensive meat scanned as cheap fruit. And a year ago, a Queensland woman was found guilty of defrauding several Coles and Woolworths stores.

What do you think? Do you use self-service checkouts? Or do you avoid them?