Walmart Knows When Customers Commit Theft at Self-Checkouts Machines. Retail theft, particularly “shrinkage,” remains one of the most significant challenges for stores across the country. This phenomenon, characterized by the consistent theft of small quantities of products, leads to substantial financial losses, impacting retailers’ profit margins and their ability to operate efficiently.

According to the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD), annual losses attributed to retail theft in Mexico amount to billions of pesos. These figures reflect not only the direct economic impact but also the additional costs incurred from implementing preventive measures, such as installing surveillance cameras, hiring security personnel, and deploying monitoring technologies.

How Does Walmart Detect Theft at Self-Checkout Machines?

With the emergence of self-checkout technology, retailers like Walmart have sought to streamline the payment process, allowing customers to scan and pay for items themselves. However, this raises a critical question: can the retailer detect when someone fails to scan an item?

A Walmart employee recently shed light on this in a viral video on social media, revealing how staff are equipped to detect theft at these self-checkout stations, which may appear vulnerable due to their self-service nature.

In the video shared by TikTok user @thewalmartguy69, the employee displays a scanning device used by Walmart personnel. The device screen reads: “Point of view: We know when you’re stealing.”

The employee explains that this technology is provided by Zebra Technologies, a company specializing in retail tracking solutions. Zebra provides scanners and software to major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Costco.

The Technology Behind Theft Detection

These devices allow employees to connect to the self-checkout machines, monitoring their usage in real time. The scanners display detailed information, including which machines are active, what items have been scanned, and the quantity of each product. This data helps identify situations where customers hold items that haven’t been scanned or hide unscanned items in bags or pockets.

In follow-up videos, the worker elaborates further, noting that the scanners also show when items are removed from the list or when customers request assistance. The employee adds: “We see everything.”

This advanced tracking technology reflects Walmart’s commitment to combating retail theft, ensuring that self-checkout stations remain efficient while deterring potential thieves.

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