Woolworths is installing controversial security gates that prevent customers from leaving if they have not paid, copying the model of its competitor Coles.
The doors are part of an advanced security system that uses sensors in the store ceiling to track shoppers as they enter the self-service checkout area.
The sensor then sends a signal to open the exit door, allowing shoppers to leave if they have paid for their items.
However, if sensors detect that a shopper may be stealing, the doors remain closed, preventing their exit.
Woolworths told Daily Mail Australia that shoppers remain unidentified throughout the process as the technology does not use facial recognition or CCTV.
The food giant began rolling out the doors in August last year and they have since been installed in eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
Security gates have been installed at eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.
It is understood that they will be installed in more stores as they are upgraded.
One of these doors was recently installed at Sydney’s Central Park shopping centre.
“The exit doors are one of a number of initiatives, both covert and overt, to minimise instances of retail crime across store networks across the Group,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
Woolworths is rolling out controversial security gates to more stores across Australia that prevent customers from leaving if they haven’t paid.
Coles introduced similar safety gates in several stores last year.
Coles uses security cameras above self-service checkout machines that track all items being scanned and placed in bags.
If discrepancies are found, the smart doors close and an alarm sounds, keeping the customer inside the store.
If this fails to prevent a would-be shoplifter from leaving the store, the wheels of the new high-tech carts will completely lock the moment they leave the store.