Stores are taking action over a damaging trend that has resulted in losses of over $850,000 for theft. There are distinctive signs that enable them to identify the perpetrators. Shoplifting has become a major issue for retailers, particularly at self-checkout stations where using “the banana trick” has become prevalent.
For instance, a customer may scan a T-bone steak that costs $13.99 per pound and instead apply a code for a less expensive item, such as a banana costing $0.49 per pound. Other tactics include “the pass all around” where you can remove an item from the conveyor belt without being scanned, and “the switcheroo” where the label of a cheap item is placed over the barcode of a more expensive product.
What is the banana trick and how it is used to steal
The “Banana Trick” is a scam used by shoplifters at self-checkout kiosks in stores. The trick involves scanning one more expensive item and then using a code for a cheaper one, such as a banana. This way, instead of paying for the originally scanned ítem, you pay less. The goal is to deceive the system into charging a lower price for the item being taken. This tactic is used in an attempt to steal goods from stores without getting caught.
Keys to understanding Banana Trick Theft damage in Self Checkout
The crucial element in these deceptive methods is to ensure both items are of similar weight, so the “unexpected item” alarm is not activated in the bagging area. Voucher Codes Pro, a company that provides coupons to online shoppers, surveyed 2,634 individuals and found that nearly 20% confessed to stealing items at self-checkout kiosks.
Over half of the respondents stated that they took advantage of the system due to inadequate detection by store security. A 2015 study conducted by the University of Leicester reviewed 1 million self-checkout transactions for one year, and found that of $21 million in sales, nearly $850,000 worth of goods left stores without being scanned or paid for.
The researchers noted that the ease of the thefts might tempt shoppers who would not normally engage in such behavior to do so.
Another finding was that some retailers contributed to the issue by creating an environment encouraging criminal behavior. The act has generated debate online, with some individuals asserting that stealing from machines is preferable to stealing from human cashiers.