In a shocking incident that underscores the growing issue of retail theft, a TikTok user has gained notoriety for posting a video of herself shoplifting at a Walmart self-checkout. The clip, which has garnered over 2.2 million views, captures the moment she was flagged by the retailer’s advanced AI surveillance system. Following the incident, police were called to the scene after store staff confronted her.
Captured in the Act
The TikTok user, identified as Nesha, shared the footage with the caption: “POV: When you usually don’t get caught and now you’re banned for 2 years from all Walmarts in my area.” The video shows her scanning a few items before attempting to sneak a backpack into her shopping bag without properly scanning it. As she continues her checkout, a notification appears on the screen reading, “Associate is on the way,” halting her progress.
When an employee arrives to assist her, the display changes to a “Missed Scan Detected” message. The video also reveals an overhead recording showing her dragging the backpack over the scanner without scanning its barcode. Although the employee initially laughs at the situation, she ultimately alerts management, leading to Nesha’s removal from the store. “Even though she laughed … she called the manager, police, and had us escorted outside,” Nesha wrote, using the hashtag “#stealinggonewrong.”
The Rise of Retail Theft
This incident highlights a troubling trend in retail theft. A recent survey by LendingTree found that approximately 15% of shoppers admitted to stealing items at self-checkouts, with only one-third of those caught facing consequences.
Walmart has been proactive in addressing the rising threat of theft, reporting losses of around $3 billion annually due to shoplifting, according to Gitnux, a market research platform. To combat this issue, the retailer has implemented several anti-theft measures, including advanced AI technology.
Advanced Security Measures
Walmart’s “Missed Scan Detection” system, introduced in 2017, utilizes AI-powered cameras to minimize theft and reduce inventory losses. In a recent upgrade, Walmart has also started using nearly invisible barcodes on its store-branded items, allowing for seamless scanning without the need to individually scan each barcode. This innovation is part of a $3 million partnership with Digimarc.
Despite these advancements, some Walmart locations have experienced increased levels of theft, leading to the removal of self-checkout areas in certain stores. However, the company insists that these changes aim to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.