Sainsbury’s has recently rolled out a significant change at their self-service checkouts in response to the growing problem of shoplifting.
The supermarket giant has added cameras to their self-checkout machines, recording customers as they pack their items.
The cameras will now capture footage if a shopper bags something without scanning it, showing them a message:
“Looks like that last item didn’t scan. Please check you scanned it correctly before continuing.”
A Step Toward Preventing Theft
This measure comes as part of Sainsbury’s efforts to address a troubling rise in shoplifting incidents.
According to police records, 516,971 shoplifting cases were logged in 2024, a significant increase from 429,873 the previous year.
While the new system aims to reduce theft, it has sparked a variety of reactions among customers.
Some shoppers have complained that the system flagged errors in their packing, with one person explaining that the warning appeared because a packet of basil was “too light” to register properly.
Customer Reactions and Mixed Reviews
Customers have had some amusing and light-hearted responses to the new system.
One person joked that the warning message made them feel like they were getting a lesson in packing, with a nod to sports pundit Jamie Carragher’s commentary style.
Despite the frustrations, a source from Sainsbury’s told The Sun that the cameras were a way to deter shoplifters without being too harsh.
The source explained that most errors are innocent mistakes picked up by the scales, and that this new system was intended to offer a gentle reminder compared to the previous more abrupt methods, such as flashing red lights or staff intervention.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Theft Costs the Industry
The new security measure comes amidst a broader conversation about the financial impact of shoplifting.
Last year, more than half of the shoplifting incidents reported had no identified suspects, and only one in five cases led to a charge.
According to Tom Ironside, Director of Business and Regulation at the British Retail Consortium, theft is costing supermarket businesses £2 billion annually.
Sainsbury’s, in particular, has been proactive in reviewing and updating its security protocols to ensure a safer and smoother experience for customers, balancing both security and convenience.
Previous Security Controversy at Sainsbury’s
This latest security step follows an earlier controversial move by Sainsbury’s last year.
In May 2023, they introduced barriers at self-checkout stations that only allowed customers to leave the area once their receipt had been scanned.
Shoppers who didn’t have a receipt or were leaving the store empty-handed had to ask security to unlock the barrier.
This move was heavily criticized, with many customers feeling unfairly suspected of theft.
Despite the backlash, Sainsbury’s continues to implement such measures to curb shoplifting and ensure a safer shopping environment.
