‘Dystopian’: Coles defends terrifying image

Coles has defended its checkout surveillance methods after a shopper photographed what some deemed a “dystopian” number of cameras installed at one of its stores.

The photograph, which was posted to Reddit, featured dozens of cameras at the check out area of a store in Victoria.

“I don’t think my local Coles has installed enough cameras. So much room for more,” the user joked in the caption.

The photo was taken at Coles Epping in Melbourne.

The image elicited more than 1200 likes and hundreds of comments, with one user calling the surveillance “dystopian”.

“What’s next, drones following your every move from just above arm’s reach? To me, this isn’t OK. Sheesh,” one person wrote.

Another user wrote: “I get that cameras are necessary but why so many? I mean they could achieve the same thing with so fewer. Is it just to deter theft? Kind of creepy.”

In a statement to news.com.au, Coles has come out in defence of its surveillance procedures in light of the photo.

“While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don’t,” a spokesman said.

“The safety of our team members and customers is our top priority, and we have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including security personnel and surveillance technologies such as CCTV.

“Any CCTV footage that is recorded, is done so in line with all relevant laws and Coles’ Privacy Policy.”

They also said that older stores often need more cameras than recently renovated ones, which are built to support the security systems.

“Like most businesses and public spaces, we use surveillance technologies in accordance with stringent privacy laws, and we have strict protocols in place around access to the footage,” he said.

Both Coles and Woolworths have been criticised in recent months for the increasing security measures in place at the supermarkets.

Last year, Coles brought in new technology to track shoppers’ every move from the moment they walk into a store.

The drastic measures were put in place to combat a 20 per cent rise in store theft, which costs retailers a whopping $9 billion a year.

Controversial AI checkout cameras, already fitted at self-serve check-outs in both Coles and Woolworths, have been widely criticised as customers claim the relentless surveillance was “completely unacceptable”.

Coles reported a profit of $1.1bn in the latest financial year but a 20 per cent increase in stock losses mainly due to theft.

“Stock loss is a priority and we are taking immediate actions to address this, including accelerating investment in technology,” the company said in its recent annual statement.