Kmart Australia is trialling a controversial new surveillance technology at its self-service checkouts to combat theft.
Stores across the country have installed security cameras and AI technology at checkouts to detect if a customer has not scanned an item.
Customers are alerted if something was not scanned and given the opportunity to correct the error before an agent is called.
The employee can view the images to check whether the item has been scanned correctly.
Kmart isn't the only retailer to step up its anti-theft measures as the cost of living crisis has seen a spike in shoplifting, but shoppers say the technology makes them feel like they're being 'treated like a criminal' .
Kmart has taken the controversial step of installing more security cameras and AI technology at self-service checkouts to combat shoplifting
This is what a Kmart spokesperson said 7Life the security cameras will help keep prices down.
“In the current cost of living crisis, we are proud to continue offering customers the same low (or even lower) prices,” they said.
'The reason we are exploring these types of technology options, as many others in the industry have already done, is because they have been shown to be effective in controlling what is becoming an increasing problem in Australia and help us keep prices low for the future. vast majority of our customers doing the right thing.'
They added that the technology being tracked is similar to what many other major retailers and supermarkets have implemented, explaining that it detects items that have been scanned incorrectly so that customers can check that they have entered all their items.
'For the vast majority of our customers there will be no impact on their shopping experience. Customers can opt out by having a team member assist them with checkout, and there will be signage in the store explaining the purpose of the trial,” they said.
Kmart isn't the only retailer to step up anti-theft measures as the cost of living crisis has seen a spike in shoplifting. Shoppers feel like they are being 'treated like a criminal'
Shoppers spotted high-tech security gates in Coles stores installed at the exit of self-service checkouts.
Hundreds of Aussies have spotted the 'bizarre' new installations and posted photos of them online, labeling them as 'creepy' and 'intimidating'.
New security cameras above the cash registers monitor all items being scanned and placed in bags. If anomalies are detected, smart gates are closed while an alarm sounds, keeping the customer inside the store.
If that doesn't get a suspected thief out of the store, the wheels on new high-tech carts lock completely as soon as they leave the store.
The supermarket installed the latest anti-theft system to help stop theft, following a 20 per cent increase this year. The gates are one of the final steps in this system.
Woolworths also announced plans to spend $40 million on CCTV upgrades, body-worn cameras and other surveillance measures.
In June, Woolworths revealed it would install more than 500 'bite-sized' cameras on every shelf of its Wetherill Park store in NSW to help improve product availability.