In recent years, the rise of self-checkout systems in retail stores has revolutionized the way consumers make purchases. With increased convenience and efficiency, these automated machines also became the new favorite place for the in-store thieves that want to go home with stuff they haven’t paid for. The Banana Trick consists in substituting the barcode of a high-priced item with the barcode of a cheaper item, such as a banana. But, there’s a new trick used by shoplifters that is now being detected by supermarket loss prevention officers.
It is a new way of stealing small objects using a toy with distraction, while using the self-checkout kiosks that may look like they’re not being watched over. People are trying to pretend that they’re paying for just one product when, in fact, there are a number of items inside that have not been paid for. What is it, and why are retailer stores starting to worry?
The bucket trick is the new thief in town, and stores went police mode
In a recent incident caught on camera, a Walmart employee has released footage of a shopper attempting a cunning trick to obtain multiple items for the price of one at the retail giant’s self-checkout system. The video, which quickly went viral on TikTok, showcases the audacious actions of a customer who skillfully evades detection. This incident not only highlights the need for heightened vigilance in retail environments, but also sheds light on the challenges faced by employees in handling such situations.
The video captured by the vigilant Walmart employee reveals the shopper’s ingenious method to deceive the self-checkout system. The customer is seen placing various items into a plastic bucket, which, astonishingly, manages to scan as empty. This discrepancy allows the shopper to pay for only the bucket, while the concealed items go unnoticed.
The footage quickly gained traction on TikTok, garnering nearly 150,000 views since its upload, and at least 8,300 likes. She blocked the comments since some people stated to get, you know, kinda rough, and the controversy sparkled for this new self method. It has already been baptized as the bucket trick, and might be the replacement of the banana trick.
Why are self-checkout systems particularly vulnerable to theft?
Self-checkout systems are particularly vulnerable to theft due to several reasons. The lack of oversight by store personnel creates a significant risk of mistakes, theft, and fraud at the self-checkout kiosk. Research shows that part of the reason for higher theft rates is that some people are more likely to steal from machines more readily than human cashiers. Second, self-checkout thieves often rationalize their bad behavior, perhaps by blaming their theft on machine glitches, thinking they’re owed compensation for their “work” at the kiosk, or even telling themselves it was an honest mistake.
What are bird’s eye cameras and how do they stop shoplifters at the self-checkout kiosks
Equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, the Bird’s Eye camera captures high-resolution footage of the entire self-checkout area, including the checkout counters, scanning zones, and customer interactions. This vantage point enables it to observe and record a wide range of activities, helping to prevent theft, monitor transactions, and ensure a smooth shopping experience for customers.
The bird’s Eye camera is to monitor and record customer transactions at the self-checkout stations. By capturing detailed footage of the scanning and payment processes, it serves as a visual record of each transaction, enabling verification in case of any discrepancies or disputes. It can detect suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized item scanning, attempts to bypass payment, or tampering with the self-checkout system.
How do employees handle incidents of self-checkout theft?
Self-checkout theft is a growing concern for businesses that have implemented automation. One way to prevent theft is by training attendants in self-checkout surveillance. Employees should engage with customers, ask security for help, look for multiple card attempts, know the products, and watch for passersby. By acknowledging customers, employees can prevent barcode switching and shoplifting.
If employees know the approximate cost of items, they can determine if everything was scanned by looking at the total cost. Watching for people who attempt to leave the store without paying is also essential. In addition, businesses can use AI and machine learning to secure their checkouts, which can identify items placed in the checkout area and charge the customer accordingly.