Coles rolls out iPad-sized cameras at self-serve check-outs to stop thefts

Shoppers in some Coles stores across Melbourne’s east have threatened to walk away, as the supermarket giant trials tablet-sized cameras in self-serve checkouts to deter shoplifters.

Cameras have been installed at self-serve checkouts in Coles' Forest Hill store, and have been decorated with bunny ears. Picture: Supplied

Coles shoppers feel their privacy is being invaded and have threatened to abandon the supermarket giant as it trials cameras at self-serve check-outs to deter shoplifters.

The tablet-sized cameras have been installed in up to 12 of Coles supermarkets across Melbourne.

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Leader has seen the cameras in three Coles stores in the eastern suburbs including Ringwood Square, Forest Hill and Burwood.

The cameras are directly above checkout monitors and shoppers can watch themselves packing their bags on a tablet-sized screen. It is unclear if the cameras are recording any footage.

Forest Hill staff have tried to make the cameras look nicer by putting Easter bunny ears on them.

Vermont’s Judith Pinketron-Treloar said the cameras made her think there had been a spike in shoplifting, and they deterred her from using self-serve check-outs.

“I don’t really like using them because it’s cutting out jobs … this turns me off them even more,” she said.

“If I had a big shop there’s no way I would go through them, and I’d be tempted to switch to Woolies.”

Ms Pinkerton-Treloar said the cameras made her shopping experience feel like an invasion of privacy.

“I don’t like that feeling of being under observation when I am shopping,” she said.

“They know what I’m spending and buying through FlyBuys and this is another way of watching me.”

Coles is trialling cameras on its self-serve check-outs. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Ringwood’s James Smith also felt the cameras were “a bit over the top”.

“The first time I saw them I wondered what they were for, and I walked away feeling a bit strange,” he said.

Coles spokeswoman Meg Rayner said the retailer was trialling new security technology in a small number of stores to help it reduce assisted checkout theft.

Ms Rayner said the retailer’s security measures complied with all relevant laws and were outlined in large posters and signs at each store.

She said Coles also had covert security officers in its stores nationwide who caught and reported thieves to police.

“While the large majority of our customers do the right thing, it’s not fair that a small number of people get away with doing the wrong thing,” she said.

Ms Rayner did not say how long the camera trial would go for or if it could be rolled out in other stores.

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