Kmart Australia installs AI technology and more security cameras at self-serve check outs to stop shoplifting

Kmart Australia is trialling controversial new surveillance technology at self-checkouts in a bid to curb theft.

Stores across the country have CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence technology installed at checkout counters to detect whether a customer has scanned an item.

Customers will be alerted if something was not scanned and given the opportunity to correct the error before calling an employee.

The employee will be able to review the footage to verify that the item was scanned correctly.

Kmart isn’t the only retailer stepping up anti-theft efforts as shoplifting rates soar due to the cost of living crisis, but shoppers say the technology makes them feel like they’re being “treated like criminals.”

Kmart has taken the controversial step of installing more security cameras and artificial intelligence technology at self-checkout counters in an effort to curb shoplifting.

A Kmart spokesperson said this. 7Life Security cameras will help keep prices low.

“With the current cost of living crisis, we are proud to be able to continue to offer customers the same low (or even lower) prices,” they said.

“The reason we are exploring technology options like this, as many others in the industry have already done, is because they are proven to be effective in solving what is becoming a larger problem in Australia and help us continue to keep prices low on the vast majority of most of our clients do the right thing.”

They added that the tracked technology is similar to that which many other major retailers and supermarkets have implemented, explaining that it detects items that have not been scanned correctly so shoppers can check they have sent all their items.

“For the vast majority of our customers, this will not impact their shopping experience. Customers can opt out by asking a team member to assist them when placing their order, and there is signage throughout the store explaining the purpose of the trial, they said.

Kmart isn’t the only retailer stepping up its anti-theft efforts, as the cost of living crisis has led to a surge in shoplifting. Shoppers feel they are being ‘treated like criminals’

Shoppers have noticed high-tech security gates installed at self-checkout exits in Coles stores.

Hundreds of Australians have spotted the “bizarre” new installations and posted photos of them online, calling them “creepy” and “spooky”.

New security cameras above checkout machines track all items as they are scanned and bagged, and if discrepancies are detected, smart gates close while an alarm sounds, keeping customers inside the store.

If that doesn’t deter a suspected thief from leaving the store, the wheels of the new high-tech carts will completely lock the moment they leave the store.

The supermarket has installed the latest anti-theft system to help stop thefts after a 20 per cent rise this year. The gate is one of the last stages in this system.

Woolworths also announced plans to spend $40 million on CCTV upgrades, body cameras and other surveillance measures.

In June, Woolworths announced it would install more than 500 small cameras on every shelf at its Wetherill Park store in NSW to improve product availability.