A SHOCKING survey has found that 31% of Gen-Z shoppers admitted to stealing at self-checkout as retailers continue to combat rising theft.
The survey, from loan marketplace LendingTree, also revealed that 15% of customers of any age also steal when scanning their own items.
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“Ultimately, retailers need to decide whether the self-checkout terminals are worth the risk,” said LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz in a statement.
“That’s a question lots of retailers are likely wrestling with.”
The findings were based on a survey of 2,000 US shoppers between the ages of 18 and 77.
Some respondents admitted that they regretted their previous theft, however, 44% said they will keep [ stealing from self-checkout kiosks.
Another 37% said they would only steal to save money on groceries, or healthcare goods.
The consumers who said they stole at kiosks, only a third said they were caught, according to the data.
Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at GlobalData Retail told CBS that companies are usually reluctant to share information related to theft.
This makes it hard to determine how common self-checkout theft is compared to other forms of theft.
Theft data is “commercially sensitive information that [retailers are] under no obligation to reveal,” said Saunders.
“There is a fear that highlighting the issue may encourage more self-checkout theft.”
Still, many retailers are slowly doing away with the kiosks after a rise in industry loss – also known as shrink.
Others are beefing up security and other anti-theft measures, said Saunders.
Target has started testing a new policy after finding a 6% increase in customers using traditional cashier lanes in stores.
Meanwhile, Walmart, Costco, Shoprite, and other retailers have also revised their self-checkout policies.
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