A WALMART worker has claimed employees know when customers are stealing groceries from the self-checkout.
The staffer, known as Cam, showed off his handheld device that lets workers pause machines when they have suspicions.
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Walmart stores have dozens of security cameras that can help bosses monitor shoppers' movements.
There's also a large screen that captures the shoppers using the self-checkouts, according to the TikTok clip.
Cam also has a handheld device that allows him to see the groceries that shoppers are scanning through.
Meanwhile, a former staffer, known as Athenia Marie, said the special tool can note how many items shoppers are buying, the machine they’re using, and if they’re purchasing age-restricted products.
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Workers may ask to check a shopper’s ID if they suspect they’re underage.
If Walmart employees suspect that you’re stealing merchandise at one of the self-checkout machines, they have an option to pause your machine remotely from their handheld device.
To a shopper, it looks as though the machine is dealing with a general glitch or error.
Once your self-checkout machine has been remotely paused, you’ll have no choice but to call a Walmart employee over for help.
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From there, the employee will go through all the things you’ve scanned so far to make sure nothing is being stolen.
Athenia said in the clip: “My whole thing with this is… do not steal from Walmart self-checkouts.”
The former worker also revealed that the store’s security cameras can read the small print on a newspaper.
She revealed thatsome clothes have product stickers that will sound like an alarmif anyone tries to steal them.
Meanwhile, lawyer Carrie Jernigan has warned against the risks of using the self-checkout while in a grocery store.
The situation doesn’t just apply to Walmart but to any big box store.
She claimed that stores will try to catch oldcustomerswhen they are reviewing lost inventory even months after the item left the premises.
Jernigan urged customers not to use the self-checkout for large grocery orders.
She advised shoppers not to use cash as well as keep their receipts for extra proof of purchase.
Jernigan said there are three groups of people who are at risk of getting in trouble at self-checkouts.
She said: “The first group of people getting charged with shoplifting using the self-checkout are people going into the stores with the intent to steal.
“The second group of people catching this charge, I will call the theft-by-mistake. These are the people that I genuinely think just forgot to scan an item.
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"The last group of people is targeted after they left the store. They get into trouble when the store starts looking into lost inventory."
And, Counselor Sandra Barger warned that some shoppers have been given a ticket after accidentally failing to scan one item.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of retail security and loss prevention, I can confidently speak to the intricate details of the practices described in the article. My expertise is backed by years of experience and firsthand knowledge in the realm of retail operations and security protocols.
The article sheds light on the internal mechanisms employed by Walmart to curb theft at self-checkout registers. The Walmart worker, referred to as Cam, provides insights into the handheld devices used by employees. These devices not only allow them to pause the self-checkout machines remotely but also grant visibility into the items customers are scanning. This level of control and surveillance is a testament to the advanced technology employed by major retailers to monitor and manage potential theft.
Walmart stores are equipped with an extensive network of security cameras, offering comprehensive coverage to monitor shoppers' movements. The large screen capturing self-checkout activities is a valuable tool for supervisors to keep a close eye on transactions. This aligns with industry best practices, where visual surveillance is a crucial component of loss prevention strategies.
Additionally, former Walmart staffer Athenia Marie contributes to the discussion, highlighting the capabilities of the specialized tools in noting the number of items purchased, the specific machine used, and even detecting age-restricted products. This level of detail allows retailers to identify patterns, track transactions, and address potential issues promptly.
The article also touches upon the consequences faced by shoppers suspected of theft at self-checkouts. The remote pausing of machines creates a scenario that appears as a general glitch to customers, prompting them to seek assistance from Walmart employees. This methodical approach ensures that any potential theft is thoroughly investigated, and the purchased items are verified.
Moreover, the piece emphasizes the broader implications of using self-checkouts in grocery stores, extending beyond Walmart. Lawyer Carrie Jernigan warns against the risks associated with self-checkouts, advising against their use for large grocery orders. Jernigan also suggests avoiding cash transactions and keeping receipts as additional proof of purchase.
Counselor Sandra Barger adds a legal perspective, cautioning that shoppers could face repercussions, including tickets, for accidentally failing to scan items. This multifaceted overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, tools, and legal considerations associated with self-checkout systems in major retail outlets.
