- Target is rolling out cameras to identify shoplifting at self-checkout machines
- The new system will be rolled out to all Target stores by the end of 2024
- Called TruScan, it can reportedly identify unscanned items and repeat offenders
Target is rolling out a new anti-theft weapon at its self-checkout machines.
A new system uses cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers fail to scan and will notify them with audio and visual cues.
But the secret technology – known as TruScan – is different from simply having CCTV cameras trained on the area security officers are monitoring.
Instead, it is believed to use computers powered by artificial intelligence to monitor shoppers as they scan items.
Target began rolling out the cameras a few months ago and will equip all US stores with them by the end of the year.
Target is rolling out new anti-theft scanners on its self-checkout machines that will roll out to all stores by the end of the year
Self-checkout machines are particularly vulnerable to theft because thieves cannot either scan items or scan cheaper items
TruScan will identify shoppers “who repeatedly fail to scan their items even after being prompted,” according to documents seen by Bloomberg.
Little is known about how the technology will work. Target did not respond to DailyMail.com’s request for more information.
The term “artificial intelligence” was avoided in the Bloomberg report, but it is suggested that the new system could identify repeat offenders.
Self-checkout machines were introduced by retailers as a way to reduce labor, but in many cases it backfired.
The machines are more vulnerable to theft than traditional cashiers because thieves can either not scan items or scan incorrect, cheaper items.
Although many self-checkout systems now have scales that require shoppers to weigh items after they are scanned, they are not completely effective against shoplifting.
Target’s latest move comes after it announced last month that it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or less at most stores. He also said he plans to open more traditional cash registers.
The company said the changes will help reduce “shrinkage” – retail industry jargon for merchandise losses due to theft, damaged items and clerical errors.
Chief Financial Officer Michael Fidelke told analysts last year that “shrinkage growth remains a significant financial headwind and we are determined to continue to make progress in the coming years.”
Last month, Target announced it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or less in most stores
Dollar General is among the retailers that have announced sweeping changes to automated registers in U.S. stores
Dollar General also recently announced that it was pulling self-checkout kiosks entirely from 300 of its stores with the highest levels of shoplifting and unscanned items.
Experts say the returns are mostly linked to fears of theft.
But retailers say they are also trying to provide a better shopping experience for customers by imposing limits on self-purchases, making the process faster and easier.
At 9,000 other locations, Dollar General said it will convert some of its self-checkout registers to regular cashiers and limit self-checkout purchases to five items or less at another 4,500 stores.
“We believe these actions have the potential to have a substantial and positive impact on the contraction,” Dollar General Chief Executive Officer Todd Vassos said on a call with analysts last month.
Kroger also recently acknowledged an increase in self-checkout thefts.
