Coles shoppers left confused over security measure picture

Shoppers have been expressing frustration over increased security measures, and now a new snap circulating has Aussies baffled.

Shoppers have been left confused by a new addition to the self-serve checkout at a major Australian supermarket.

The image, shared to Reddit, showed two black gates at the exit point of a Coles self serve section.

Some were baffled by thenew feature, taking to social media to ask for an explanation.

“What’s with the new ominous scanners at Coles,” the photograph was captioned.

News.com.au understands the gates are not scanners but Smart Gates, one of the latest in a long line of security measures that have been introduced across the country in response to rising theft rates.

“While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don’t,” a Coles spokesperson told news.com.au.

“Coles has a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including CCTV, electronic article surveillance (EAS), and in some stores new smart gate technology that automatically opens as customers make payment for their products.”

Shoppers spotted a new security measure at Coles. Picture: Reddit

The spokesperson added: “Additionally, trolley lock technology has been in place at a number of our stores in recent years and this technology uses sensors to prevent trolleys leaving the store if someone hasn’t first paid at a register.”

Some social media users were torn on the issue with some considering it a great idea, but the response was overwhelmingly against the gates.

“Great idea if you don't steal you shouldn’t be intimidated by them,” one social media user commented.

Another commented: “Great idea, stops the runners.”

Shoppers questioned the additional measures. Picture: Facebook

“Anyone who supports this nightmare development should move to an autocratic/police state, they don’t deserve to live in a (relatively) ‘free country’,” someone else said.

One commented: “They pump millions into making sure you don’t steal a candy bar worth $2. But won’t hire extra staff to do that same job or keep the stores clean.”

“This is where the profits are going. Not automation to improve the experience as a customer, but more automation to remove jobs and increase distrust in the customer. Super cool,” another social media user commented.

Coles has clarified the gates are gates and don’t scan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

“My local got these. Haven’t been back since. It’s too far. ‘Self serve’ is unpleasant enough. Now we’re prisoners in the store till they deign to release us? Bring back service cashiers already,” one customer said.

Woolworths has a similar system, which was announced in August this year – but it is currently only in a handful of stores.

Woolworths are trialling something similar. Picture: Supplied

The supermarket giant is trialling automatic gates and new hi-tech sensors at its Fairfield store in NSW, with other sites planned for expansion.

The new sensor technology would stop shoplifters dead in their tracks.

The store says it’s an additional measure to reduce stock loss and keep staff and customers safe.

A Woolworths spokesperson said at the time the rollout would also include stores in Wentworthville and Randwick Metro in NSW, along with stores in Moorabbin, Millers Junction and Woodgrove in Victoria.

Originally published as Coles shoppers left confused over security measure picture