Coles installs cameras at self-serve check-outs to stop people stealing items

A few free birds eye chillies here and a discounted avocados there are a thing of the past with Coles ramping up its self-checkout security technology.

If you’re one of those thieving shoppers who pockets avocadoes but pays for apples at the self-serve check out, be warned.

Coles have ramped up its security by installing tablet-sized cameras in up to 12 supermarkets in Melbourne.

The cameras act as a deterrent by displaying the footage collected from the camera directly above the checkout monitors.

Shoppers can see themselves scan their items, and hopefully think twice before bagging those few extra birds eye chillies.

Security cameras will keep an eye on the check-outs at Coles.

Coles confirmed with news.com.au the supermarket giant was trialling the security measure at the self-serve check-outs, which process more than eight million transactions each week.

“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,” a Coles spokesperson said.

Coles is currently trialling new security technology in a small number of stores to help us reduce the occurrence of assisted checkout theft.”

The chain says it works with police to limit thieves pocketing goods.

“There are also trained covert security officers in our stores nationally and they’re catching hundreds of thieves every week and reporting them to police,” the spokesperson said.

The trial comes after Aldi said it would not be installing self-check-outs at any stores across Australia.

Aldi’s Aussie division is perfectly happy with their staff operated check-outs.

The German retailer this week said it would be trialling the use of the staff-less check-outs in the UK but the Australian division it will stick with its fast and faithful method; longer conveyor belts where customers unload groceries in one go.

In 2017, it said its check-outs were 40 per cent quicker than supermarket rivals.

RELATED: Aldi staff must scan 1000 items per hour or face the sack

“We currently have no plans to trial stores with self-service check-outs,” an Aldi spokesperson told Yahoo.

“Feedback has told us that our shoppers prefer face-to-face interactions at registers, and that they are an important part of their in-store experience.

“Our current store format enables us to focus on creating the best possible in-store experience, while continuing to deliver high-quality products at permanently low prices.”

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