Retail Giants Tackle Self-Checkout Theft Surge with AI and New Security Measures

February 22, 2025
Retail Giants Tackle Self-Checkout Theft Surge with AI and New Security Measures
  • Since introducing self-checkout systems in 2018, Carrefour has achieved a balanced usage rate of 50% between traditional and self-scanning checkouts.

  • Carrefour has expanded its self-checkout areas to approximately 120 stores, including franchises, while Delhaize reports that self-scanning now accounts for 60% of its transactions.

  • In response to significant losses, such as Jumbo's reported 100 million euros due to shoplifting last year, supermarkets are implementing new security measures, including AI to detect suspicious behavior.

  • Despite the theft concerns, many supermarkets, including Lidl, Cora, and Colruyt, are continuing to expand self-scanning technology in their stores.

  • However, the rise of self-scanning has been accompanied by an increase in theft, known in retail as 'démarque inconnue', as noted by Carrefour spokesperson Siryn Stambouli.

  • Jumbo is testing confrontation monitors at self-checkouts to deter potential thieves by allowing customers to see themselves scanning their items.

  • Delhaize also assesses unscanned products to determine if they were forgotten or stolen, occasionally redirecting customers back to traditional checkouts.

  • To combat theft, Carrefour has launched awareness campaigns for both employees and customers to educate them on proper self-scanning procedures.

  • Frequent offenders identified through loyalty cards may face increased scrutiny and potential bans from using self-scanning services.

  • In cases of discrepancies during random checkout controls, Carrefour employees may correct the transaction, but significant theft could involve police intervention.

  • While some franchises have discontinued self-scanning due to theft concerns, this remains a rare occurrence.

Summary based on 1 source


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