In recent years, widespread reports of self-checkout-related theft have resulted in stern warnings from executives at major retailers.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon added that shoplifting is at “historically high” levels and could lead to price increases and store closures if not addressed.
1
A technique has been developed that can not only improve the quality of self-checkout machines, but also deter suspected shoplifters from using tactics such as the “banana trick,” Retail Wire reports.
That’s where the customer scans the expensive item with the code for the cheaper item.
AI technology created by Edgify allows machines to see scanned items.
In a YouTube clip showing the machine in action, shoppers checked out two varieties of apples: Red Delicious and Pink Lady.
There was a 30-cent difference in fruit prices.
The man put one of the apples on the scale.
I then tapped the name of the item that appeared on the screen and then repeated the process.
Enhanced machines detect items such as potatoes in plastic bags.
Theft-related incidents have become a major problem at supermarkets such as Walmart.
Last month, McMillon issued a stern warning about shoplifting while appearing on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
He said: ‘It’s higher than it has historically been’.
There have been reports of a spate of thefts at Walmart stores in recent months.
Stanton Powell allegedly filled a bag of dog food with stolen goods when he was at a supermarket in Ogden, Utah.
The officer claimed he filled the bag before resealing it with tape.
KSLTV reported that he passed checkout.
Police said Powell later admitted to stealing merchandise he was planning to sell.
He is currently facing charges including retail theft.
The US Sun reported on four shoppers who allegedly used the wrong barcode to swipe an item at a Walmart in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Known as a “switcheroo,” customers remove stickers from less expensive items and stick them on top of more expensive items.
Police in Toledo, Ohio, have been called into the store 11 times in the past two months to deal with thefts, according to WTOL.
Suspected shoplifters also use “passaround” to steal, according to The Atlantic.
That’s where items are put in the bag without being scanned.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the National Retail Foundation estimates that as much as $94.5 billion will be lost to “downsizing” in 2021.
The term “external contraction” describes the losses incurred by retailers, reported The Atlantic.
Shoppers sometimes make honest mistakes by forgetting to scan groceries, while others intentionally steal items.
