WOOLWORTHS is introducing new hi-tech security measures that trap shoplifters inside the store to combat a spike in stealing.
The grocery store hope to crack down on light-fingered customers with a string of fancy gadgets at the self-checkout machines.
Automatic gates, state-of-the-art surveillance and rooftop sensors could soon be rolled out in stores across Australia.
The retail giant is currently trialling the new tech at its Fairfield branch in Sydney.
Several stores in New South Wales and Victoria will follow suit, as Woolworths wages war on shoplifters.
Sensors in the roof will detect and identify shoppers using self-serve checkouts, assigning them with an individual digital ID.
As well as this a red marker will flash on the machine until the customer has paid, at which point it will turn green.
Once payment is complete, the sensors will send a signal to open the new exit gates which will then swing open for the shopper.
But if the sensors recognize a shopper has not coughed up for their groceries – either by pretending to pay or attempting to walk straight out – the gates will stay firmly shut, blocking their exit.
Woolworths say customers will remain unidentifiable throughout the process, while each digital ID will be deleted as soon as they exit.
The supermarket group said the technology, which will also be implemented in express lanes, doesn’t use facial recognition or CCTV.
A spokesperson said: “We’ve recently begun a trial of new sensor technology to help reduce stock loss and to keep our customers and team safe.
“This is one of a number of initiatives, both covert and overt, to minimise instances of retail crime in store networks across the Group.
“All retailers are experiencing an increase in retail crime, and we’re no exception.
“We continue to look at additional measures that will help reduce retail crime, however, we do understand that most customers do the right thing at the checkout.”
However, some shoppers have threatened to take their business elsewhere after being outraged by the “excessive” measures.
One told 9News: “I know it’s a security measure, but some people might find it a bit intrusive.”
A social media user simply added: “Boycott!”
Another said: “I stopped shopping at Woolworths since they set up self-serving checkouts and removed people. Rather go elsewhere.”
And a fourth wrote: “Get rid of them, that’ll stop it. Bring back more cashiers.”
Woolworths have been battling against a shoplifting epidemic in recent months, prompting them to bring in tough measures.
It is costing Australian retailers up to $9billion a year, according to the National Retail Association.
And less than 20 per cent of retail crime is reported to police.
According to Lyons Law, penalties vary as shoplifting is dealt with under the state or territory’s own legislation.
But if the goods stolen are worth more than $2,000, suspects can face a prison sentence of up to ten years.
If the value of the goods is less than $2,000, the maximum penalty is two years imprisonment.
Private investigator Shane Windred told 7News he recently battled 11 shoplifters in the space of an eight hour shift.
He explained: “It is the craziest I’ve ever seen shoplifting in my life, and I’ve been doing the job over 30 years.
“I got a shoplifter yesterday who stole $500 worth of meat. She told myself and police she was supplying in a restaurant in Canberra.”
Woolworths will extend their trial of the security tech over the next month to Wentworthville and Randwick Metro stores in New South Wales.
Branches in Victoria including Moorabbin, Millers Junction and Woodgrove will also be rigged out with the new gadgets.
