Placing an item directly into a bag without scanning it.
3. The Switcheroo
Removing the barcode sticker from a low-cost item and attaching it to a more expensive one.
The Financial Impact
How much damage does this cause? In 2015, criminologists from the University of Leicester analyzed one million self-checkout purchases over a year. Total sales reached $21 million, yet nearly $850,000 worth of merchandise was never paid for.
Why Do People Steal?
Leicester researchers point to convenience as a major factor. Individuals who normally wouldn’t steal are now more tempted simply because the opportunity exists. As the researchers explained, “People who traditionally don’t intend to steal [might realize that] … when I buy 20, I can get five for free,” [2]. Many shoppers don’t plan to steal when they enter a store, but once they reach self-checkout and recognize how easy it is, they act on the impulse.
Additionally, penalties for retail theft have become less severe. In Dallas, Texas, police stopped routinely responding to thefts under $50, later increasing that threshold to $100 in 2015.
Morals Matter
Moral reasoning also plays a role. Barbara Staib, director of communications at the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, argues that self-checkouts help people justify dishonest behavior. According to her, “[The machines give] the false impression of anonymity,” and “This apparently empowers people to shoplift.” [2]. For many, stealing from a machine doesn’t feel like committing a real crime.
