Shoppers are furious as a major grocery chain uses self-checkouts to crack down on theft with ‘skeleton teams’ and ‘no tolerance’
A CUSTOMER has expressed grievances about a new anti-theft measure that a grocery chain has introduced in the self-checkout area.
Giant Food has upgraded some of its self-checkout lanes with new, more sensitive scales, but they’re a challenge to operate.
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The company’s move, with stores in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, has upset some of its customers, who are now struggling to checkout.
“My grocery store in Maryland reworked the checkout so the scales on them have so little tolerance that it’s difficult to use,” a Reddit user said Monday post in the r/WorkReform forum.
They also criticized the chain for staffing its stores with “skeleton teams.”
The post also included an image with a message for buyers of Ira Kress, the President of Giant.
“Due to the significant increases in crime and theft, we have made several changes to our operations,” he said.
The trend has negatively impacted the company’s bottom line, Kress said.
“We know that these changes may cause some inconveniences or be disruptive,” added the President.
“I assure you that we are making these changes out of necessity.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Many commenters under the Reddit post had no understanding of the company’s plight.
“You’re right, there’s far too much stealing,” said one.
“Eat the rich.”
Others didn’t understand how a computerized checkout system could prevent theft.
“Stopping theft by removing people?” asked one commenter.
“They must have advanced self-checkouts if they can help stop theft and crime. I picture Wall-E with a scale for apples and a gun for criminals.”
But at least one retail commentator spoke of the urgency of the situation.
“I work for a grocery store, you can’t believe how much is stolen,” they said.
“Cars are loaded right outside, it takes the police an hour to respond. Low Priority Crimes.”
In a Washington, DC neighborhood where a Giant location is the only supermarket option, some community members fear the store will close due to a surge in theft.
Giant did not immediately respond to The US Sun’s request for comment.