The “Banana Trick” has become a widespread trend at self-checkouts, with some shoppers even claiming they “shouldn’t be charged for a crime.”
The Birth of the Banana Trick
A while into the launch of self-service checkout in Britain, customers soon discovered a sneaky way of stealing without sounding too many alarms. This devious strategy is known as the Banana Trick.
How Does It Work?
Scan an inexpensive item and walk out with something more expensive, the Daily Mail reported. This is the principle of the “banana trick.”
New Tech, New Problems
Most companies are gearing towards using better technologies for efficiency. Retailers often look to improve the services and experience of their shoppers. However, while businesses are genuinely trying to improve things for consumers, it’s coming at a cost.
Since the 1980s
Christopher Andrews, a professor and the Chairman of Sociology at Drew University, said self-checkout technology has been around since the 1980s, according to The BBC. It was further installed in businesses that could afford such advanced tech as early as the early 1990s.
Nearly 100,000 Retailers Have It
To date, an estimated 80,000 retail stores have implemented self-checkout tills, and many stores have reported stock losses.
It Was a Bright Idea
While at the hype of its implementation, self-checkout technology and the proposed benefits for the future was the best idea ever. Not only would it cut the cost of hiring employees, but it would also in some way, drive down certain overheads.
People Don’t Regard Banana Trick as a Crime
According to The Daily Mail, a survey asking average UK shoppers whether they ever stole at the self-checkout revealed shocking statistics. Up to 48% of shoppers admitted to using the banana trick. Many of these shoppers said it shouldn’t be considered a “criminal act.”
Stole Something for £1 or Less
Many of those who stole goods under £1 said they did so using the banana trick. They’ve also said that it shouldn’t be considered a crime, reports said.
Didn’t Pay – But It Was an “Accident”
IPOS, the multi-national market research firm based in France, has statistics showing that 26% of shoppers using the self-checkout admit to “accidently” not paying for an item.
Didnt Pay for Item Less £10
Many shoppers admitted to taking items worth £10 or less and not paying at the checkout. 70% of those taking the survey said it should be a charged offense, while 26% said it shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Nearly Half a Million Shoplifting Reports
According to The Daily Mail, shoplifting is one of the highest recorded and stands at a staggering estimate of 444,000. Now, with this new shoplifting scam some shoppers have gotten into, it almost makes shoplifting easier to get away with.
Losing Money
Reports suggest retail businesses with self-checkout tills lose millions. Extra security measures have been implemented to mitigate the situation. Retail outlets have reportedly spent over £500,000 for additional security.
SKU Checks
Catching the perpetrators is nearly impossible. Store owners struggle to find the banana trick amidst the end-of-day details. One of the ways businesses investigate these crimes is by checking stock-keeping unit (SKU) products scanned by those in the store at the start of the day.
Installation of High-End CCTV
CCTV cameras are another effective way for retail owners to keep an “eye” on things in the store. It helps to employ security services to take action once the camera picks up irregularities.
Automated Alerts
Companies also implement automated alerts that tie to the banana trick. When the system tracks a transaction using the banana trick, the system is programmed to alert the store owner or manager, and then action can occur.
The Banana Trick Infiltrates Restaurants Too
According to Alegience, restaurants are not safe from this trick either. In the case of a restaurant, it’s more of a “two-man job.” If the diners are acquainted with the server, the server could ring up a cheaper meal or beverage while delivering more than the items rang up.
Reports Can Assist
Experts suggest setting up a system showcasing reports of items the server rang up for that day. Items that seem lower than reasonable for the store’s meals should be flagged. Disciplinary action should follow after reasonable proof and evidence of “cheating the system” is found.
Employ Minimum Staff
As a means to oversee the shop, some owners resort to employing a few workers to manage the store.
Close Checkouts at Certain Hours
With minimum staff, stores can resort to closing checkouts and limiting access only with the help of a staff member. In this way, customers are not always given “free reins” and the potential opportunity to shoplift.
Self-Checkout Here to Stay
Despite the implications and now higher levels of theft, store owners believe that solutions to prevent the “banana trick” from thriving in their store is a key way to eliminate it. Many stores with self-checkout have already invested millions in having the system in place, and it would seem a waste to cancel all that effort.
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