Australians have taken aim at a “mortifying” feature at self-service checkouts – with some claiming it’s a “deliberate” security tactic by the retailers.
Shoppers have lashed out at the “hideously unflattering” cameras that monitor those using the controversial tills, with some claiming that Coles, Woolworths and Aldi deliberately use the fish-eye lenses as a “psychological technique” to discourage people from stealing.
However Praesidium Risk and Resilience managing director and a leading expert in retail security, behaviour, and deception detection, Scott Taylor, has debunked the theory after it gained momentum on Reddit this week.
“While these cameras may appear unflattering, their primary purpose isn’t to make shoppers look bad,” he told news.com.au.
“They’re positioned at different angles for optimal coverage and to deal with lighting challenges.”
Mr Taylor further explained that “some facial recognition cameras must be placed at specific angles” in order for them to work efficiently.
“While facial recognition cameras are currently under review, many retailers may be future-proofing their setups to account for their possible use,” he said.
Speculation surrounding the unpopular self-serve security cameras erupted online after one shopper questioned the feature’s purpose.
“Are the self-serve cameras meant to be unflattering or is it just me?” the frustrated Aussie asked recently.
“Whenever I see myself in the self-serve cameras at Coles and Woolies I’m always mortified by the person staring back at me.
“I don’t even think I’m an ugly person, but I feel this uncomfortable sense of uncanny valley because I don’t recognise the person on screen.
“Are these cameras unflattering for everyone else or am I just genetically cursed?”
Many were quick to reply to the Reddit post, sharing their theory on why the cameras – which are visible on the self-serve checkout screens – obtain such “mortifying” footage.
Some claimed it was a “deliberate psychological technique” meant to make it look like “a mug shot” and discourage people from stealing.
While others agreed the cameras, one of many security measures imposed on shoppers recently, were too much.
“I can handle them watching me, but I feel it’s cruel to make me watch me too,” said one.
“I honestly hate catching a glimpse of myself in those cameras, I always look exhausted and old.”
As another stated: “Not gonna lie, I stand closer to the checkout so it only captures my neck because they make me self conscious. It’s petty I know.”
Mr Taylor explained security cameras are there to act as a “powerful deterrent”. Data shows there has been a 20 per cent rise in store theft, costing Australian retailers a whopping $9 billion a year.
“People with bad intentions don’t want to be noticed, while law-abiding customers generally don’t mind,” he said.
“It’s part of a broader security strategy that should include good lighting and attentive staff.”
However, he stressed cameras aren’t the best option in fighting theft and that staff on the ground often works better.
“A better deterrent is to have behavioural trained staff who can identify people with bad intent before they even commit those acts,” Mr Taylor said.
“They can provide proactive contact, which is one of the best forms of deterrents.”
Some commenters attempted to explain why “no one looks good on a self-serve camera”, stating there were a multitude of reasons, including the wide lens and artificial lighting.
“They’re a super wide angle lens – they’re gonna make Miranda Kerr look like a gronk,” one said.
“You are used to seeing yourself mirrored,” another shared.
As someone else chipped in: “The quality of the lens and the extra horrible quality of the screen.”
Others shared the tricks they employed to avoid their faces showing on screens. One Woolies shopper revealed they often placed a sticker from a piece of fruit over the camera lens.
One Coles shopper uses a similar tactic, but instead places a receipt over the camera.