Woolworths is rolling out controversial security gates that prevent customers from leaving if they have not paid – following in the footsteps of Coles.
The gates are part of an advanced security system that uses sensors on the store’s roof to track shoppers as they enter the self-service checkout area.
The sensor then sends a signal to open the exit gate, allowing shoppers to leave if they have paid for their items.
However, if the sensors detect that a shopper may be stealing, the gates stay closed, preventing their exit.
Woolworths told Daily Mail shoppers remain unidentifiable throughout the process as the technology does not use facial recognition or CCTV.
The grocery giant started introducing the gates in August of last year, and since then, they have been installed at eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
The security gates have been rolled out in eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
It’s understood they will be installed in more stores as they are upgraded.
One such gate was newly installed at Sydney’s Central Park shopping centre recently.
‘Exit gates are one of a number of initiatives, both covert and overt, to minimise instances of retail crime in store networks across the Group,’ a spokesman told Daily Mail .
Coles introduced similar security gates last year across several stores.
Coles uses security cameras above the self-service checkout machines that track all items being scanned and placed into bags.
If discrepancies are found, the smart gates shut and an alarm rings out, keeping the customer within the store.
If that fails to keep a suspected thief from leaving the store, the wheels on new high-tech trolleys will completely lock up the moment they leave the store.