Self Service Checkouts Are Creating A World Of Shoplifters
That’s right- the new era of serving ourselves is causing us to shoplift. Recent research discovered that shrinkage has increased since the introduction of the ‘fast-lane’ checkouts.
It’s a sad truth but one that is evident during the latest research carried out by the Loss Prevention Research Council. Having the right to serve ourselves without having to pass through too many watchful eyes seems to have encouraged many people to sneak an item or two through.
Why Does This Happen?
Firstly, it’s worth noting that not all of the shrinkage might be intentional stealing. Although that maybe excusing self-serving customers a little too much. But there are technical difficulties and it’s possible that the machines themselves could take part of the blame.
Another reason that the Loss Prevention Research Council came up with is that it’s an easy outlet for stealing habits to take place. With the illusion of anonymity and the fact nobody is watching it gives consumers the idea that they can put a few free products through without any consequence.
How To Combat Self Service Cheats
If you are one of the people described above, you may want to think twice before putting through your free groceries. With observations taking place up and down the country there will now be new regulations and security measures put in place. With new cameras or staff procedures enforced, many thieves could be caught before getting out the door. The latest research found that by simply showing people they are being watched it could decrease the amount of shrinkage. This could save supermarkets huge amounts of money as it reduces their losses in recent years. The new checkouts have been cost efficient and the way forward for many big chains so it doesn’t seem as though anyone will look to abandon that concept anytime soon. Instead- shops will be putting monitors up and just by seeing ourselves it is likely to deter those looking to steal. It’s as simple as that- by feeling watched we are unlikely to place an item through without paying. There will also be random checks from staff and footage kept for later accusations and cases.
Use Online Self Service
Okay, shopping with the self-service checkouts is simple. Well at least it poses as an easy task until you get asked to “put your item in the bagging area” despite already putting it there. But there’s an easier way to serve yourself and that’s online. You won’t need to sneak anything through as that’s our job, we find freebies, promotions and amazing sales. Try out our Tesco discount codes, Sainsburys promotional codes and Waitrose coupons. You’ll be able to save cash whilst helping us raise for charity too, as 20% of profits goes to a good cause.
By Daniel Treasure, 11th August.