New Zealand supermarkets say they are closely watching customers at the self-service checkouts.
That is after a British study found one in five people who bag their own groceries steal something.
Self-service checkouts are supposed to be an easier way for people to do their shopping, but it's also a tempting way to help yourself.
The survey found more than £1.5 billion worth of goods is stolen every year in the UK by people using the self-scanning machines.
Those who stole typically took around £15 worth of goods each month. Fruit, vegetables and bakery items were popular choices. But what about in New Zealand?
New Zealand supermarkets say staff and security cameras help deter theft at the self-scanning machines.
Foodstuffs, which operates the New World and Pak'nSave supermarkets, says there has been no noticeable increase in shoplifting since it first introduced the self-service checkouts in 2006.
But neither Foodstuffs nor Progressive will say how much shoplifting costs them.
The Retailers Association says that around $760 million worth of goods is stolen each year from New Zealand shops – just over 1 percent of turnover.
It's an estimate retail analyst Steve Davis says is likely to be on the low side.
"People will find a way to steal," says Mr Davis. "The self-service checkouts just offer one more method. Many shoplifters will stock with the traditional down the trousers, or in the bag."
Perhaps, when it comes to theft and human nature, the more things change the more they stay the same.
3 News
source: newshub archive
