AI Cameras at Walmart: Surprising TikTok Revelation Sparks Debate

A TikTok video showcasing a woman’s failed shoplifting attempt at Walmart has sparked intense discussion on retail security. Known to her followers as Nesha, she admitted in her caption that she usually doesn’t get caught but now has a two-year ban from all Walmart stores in her area. Now that supermarkets have been moving toward more automation systems including self-checkouts, it’s been a huge help to employees while they tackle other tasks. Walmart has seen an uptick in theft at self-checkout with customers not scanning items or making an expensive item cheaper.

At a Glance

• The video of the shoplifting attempt has gone viral with over 2.2 million views.
• Walmart’s AI-powered cameras effectively detected the theft attempt.
• The self-checkout system alerted store staff, leading to a customer ban.
• Walmart invests heavily in anti-theft technology amid ongoing challenges.

AI Technology Steps In

A TikToker known as Nesha captured herself attempting to steal a backpack during a self-checkout session at Walmart. She bypassed scanning the item, but Walmart’s AI devices caught the irregularity and issued a “Missed Scan Detected” alert.

The incident, which was widely viewed online, underscores the effectiveness of Walmart’s technological defenses. The use of artificial intelligence, prompted by substantial retail losses, serves to deter theft and protect assets.

Walmart shopper shamelessly films herself shoplifting at self-checkout — and getting caught by AI as clerk laughs: "POV: When you usually don't get caught and now you're banned for 2 years from all Walmarts in my area," TikToker Nesha wrote over the… https://t.co/f5e5AJrLtQ pic.twitter.com/6Ozmd1voFH

— Janie Johnson – America is Exceptional (@jjauthor) October 7, 2024

The Fallout From Theft Attempts

A Walmart staff member was notified of the incident, leading to a police call and Nesha receiving a two-year ban from the store. Despite initial light-heartedness, viewing the security video compelled necessary action.

“Even though she laughed … she called the manager, police and had us escorted outside,” Nesha wrote in her Tiktok caption post alongside “#stealinggonewrong.”

This incident demonstrates the potential consequences of theft attempts in modern retail settings. Security measures are not just hollow threats but are actively enforced to maintain order and safety.

Brainless Walmart shopper shamelessly films herself shoplifting at self-checkout — and getting caught by AI as clerk laughs https://t.co/iEHfcP3LvB

— Albertteac (@Albertteac) October 7, 2024

Ongoing Challenges in Retail Security

Despite advancements, self-checkout theft continues to be a significant problem. A LendingTree survey indicated that 15% of customers admitted to theft at these stations, with only a fraction caught.

“POV: When you usually don’t get caught and now you’re banned for 2 years from all Walmarts in my area.” – Nesha

Walmart’s contract with Digimarc to enhance scanning efficiency and the removal of self-checkout lanes at problematic locations underscore their commitment to ongoing proactive measures.

Sources:

“Even though she laughed … she called the manager, police and had us escorted outside,” Nesha wrote in her Tiktok caption post alongside “#stealinggonewrong.”

“POV: When you usually don’t get caught and now you’re banned for 2 years from all Walmarts in my area.” – Nesha

As reported by Gitnux, Walmart has implemented stricter anti-theft measures to combat theft losses of approximately $3 billion annually. One recent addition to its arsenal is artificial intelligence (AI), which helps identify potential shoplifters.

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.