1 in 4 retail self-checkout persons steal

One in Four is much higher that I would have guessed, but self checkouts invite it. Whoever thought the honor system would be enough to keep everyone honest? It seems management may have been as gullible as their customers. Sorry, I couldn't resist saying that even if I have no evidence to back it up.
 
In one of those self-checkouts at the supermarket, I had two bags of groceries stolen from me. I rang them up, used my card to pay for them, and then stupidly turned my back for a couple of seconds. That was all it took. Two bags were gone from my cart as if by magic.

I didn't mind the food theft so much; I figured if they're that hungry, let them have the groceries. But I had used two favorite tote bags to put them in, and I was furious about that. One was a souvenier of Bar Harbor, Maine, and I loved that bag.

I got smart in a hurry. Now, I use those el cheapo paper bags you buy at the food market for about a dollar.
 
Not me either. Though I guess it's possible I occasionally made a legitimate mistake. When using self-checkout (which is rarely) I always use the number on that little sticker attached to the produce. If the store uses that number system, how would it even be possible to "punch in" a cheaper form of that item, unless you had memorized all the numbers?
 
Obviously, cheating becomes behavior, long before a person becomes an adult. Far more children today learn to cheat in schools, especially public schools, than when I was in K12. So one ought not expect young adults not to cheat, since they have been trained to do so. I would rate lack of consequences, normalization, and especially a lack of ethical and moral education.

Google AI Overview
Students learn to cheat in public schools
due to intense academic pressure, peer influence, fear of failure, lack of understanding of material, poor time management, and the normalization of dishonest behavior, often facilitated by technology like smartphones and AI, creating a cycle where cheating feels necessary or trivial, despite knowing it's wrong, especially when school culture prioritizes grades over genuine learning. This habit often starts young, with some elementary kids even admitting to it, and becomes ingrained as students progress, influenced by high-stakes testing and a perceived lack of teacher enforcement.
Key Reasons Students Cheat:
  • External Pressure: From parents, teachers, and self, to get into good colleges or maintain status.
  • Internal Pressure: Low self-confidence, poor study skills, or feeling overwhelmed by heavy workloads.
  • Peer Influence: Seeing others cheat and believing "everyone's doing it," making it feel like a survival tactic.
  • Focus on Grades: When the goal becomes scores, not mastery, students use shortcuts to get the grade.
  • Technology: Easy access to answers and content (AI, internet) makes cheating simpler and harder to detect.
  • Lack of Consequences: Students may believe they won't get caught or that penalties are minimal.
  • Normalization: If cheating is common, it loses its moral weight and becomes a normal part of school.
  • Teacher/School Environment: Students may cheat if they feel disconnected from teachers or if the school culture emphasizes performance over learning.
How the Habit Develops:
  • Starts Young: Cheating can begin in elementary school, even in subtle ways, as students try to please adults or manage difficult work.
  • Cognitive Distortion: Repeated cheating leads to self-deception, where students downplay the act ("it's not that bad").
  • Pandemic Impact: The shift to online learning normalized cheating for many, creating habits that persist.
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One of the hats I wore working within hi tech electronic engineering teams was interviewing those with 2-year BS Associate's Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering for test engineering support jobs. Even though they had spent 2 years in school performing work that should have given them knowledge and practical skills to do the work, many could not even perform V = IR, basic ohms and voltage, law work in simple voltage resistive circuits. And a key reason is, many as students, did not actually do much of their work but rather worked as teams of like cheaters, college teachers without power, had to ignore in broken systems.
 
Jules said:
It’s really sad that one in four feel it’s ok to steal. Excuses don’t make it right.
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They need to be reminded there are reason why in some cultures they used to cut off one's hand for stealing. Or that gangsters kill those who steal from them. It's not just about some pesky law there is a real disdain for stealing.
 
I just saw a young lady walk out of Walmart with an armload of stuff a few days ago. Hurriedly walked right past the lady that checks your receipt before going out the door!! I was standing there waiting on the person ahead of me and there she went. And, I told the lady ...but she was oblivious to it. All she said was 'where' and by then it was too late.

I saw her outside scurrying along with her arms still full of stuff.
 
January said:
well that is possible - also possible of course that we make a legitimate mistake and over charge ourselves. I guess they would likely even out.
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The checkout workers also make mistakes. I don't worry too much about it, because sometimes they might overcharge, and sometimes they may under charge, and I won't argue about it unless it's like getting charged $50 for a bag of Oreo Cookies. I just glance at the receipt and if the total is in the ballpark, I'm OK.
 
JustDave said:
The checkout workers also make mistakes. I don't worry too much about it, because sometimes they might overcharge, and sometimes they may under charge, and I won't argue about it unless it's like getting charged $50 for a bag of Oreo Cookies. I just glance at the receipt and if the total is in the ballpark, I'm OK.
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yes that's true - if I notice a mistake at the time I politely point it out - but I don't bother checking my receipt and returning about a small change error
 
jobs change over time. People who were previously manning checkouts might now be employed to pack orders for home delivery or click and collect pick up
 

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