Shop, Snack, Skip the Bill? DMart Faces Trouble with Cunning Customers
Apart from chocolates, items such as snacks, beverages, perfumes, and imitation jewellery are being stolen by hiding them in bags or under clothing, as thieves pretend to be regular customers trying on outfits.
DMart outlets in various cities are dealing with a sharp rise in incidents of shoplifting, where customers exploit store layout flaws and lapses in security to steal small but costly products.
A commonly used trick involves picking up premium chocolates and heading to the trial rooms, under the guise of trying on garments. Inside the privacy of the changing area—where there are no CCTV cameras—they eat the chocolates. Once done, they return the clothes citing size issues and exit the store without paying for the consumed products.
Besides chocolates, other compact items like packaged snacks, soft drinks, perfumes, and low-cost jewellery are being stolen in a similar fashion. Customers conceal these products in their bags or undergarments while pretending to check out clothes, and then walk out of the store without paying, causing notable monetary losses for DMart.
Even though CCTV cameras and security guards are in place, keeping an eye on every shopper—especially during rush hours—is quite difficult. Retail industry experts estimate that such thefts are causing DMart daily losses of around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
To curb this problem, DMart has adopted several preventive steps. Expensive goods are now stored on locked racks, and extra surveillance cameras have been installed. Staff have also been strategically stationed around the store to discreetly monitor customer behaviour. Yet, some clever thieves continue to bypass these safeguards.
Retail professionals suggest that educating customers about the consequences of stealing could help bring down such cases. Placing warning boards and informing the public about the legal penalties for theft may act as a deterrent. Moreover, advanced technologies like RFID tagging and motion sensors can strengthen store security.
To stop customers from hiding items in their bags, DMart has rolled out a tagging mechanism. Bags are sealed with tags that can only be removed at the billing desk, which has significantly helped in reducing theft. However, catching those who stash items inside their clothing remains a tough task. When confronted, some customers react aggressively, making it harder for the staff to respond effectively.
There are also frequent cases where shoppers consume chocolates or beverages while browsing the aisles. When questioned at the checkout counter, they often give excuses like forgetting to pay due to hunger. Some even leave empty cans or wrappers on the shelves, adding to the store’s challenges.
To deal with these issues, experts recommend a balanced approach using modern technology, customer sensitisation, and strict rule enforcement. DMart continues to explore effective strategies to reduce losses and improve store operations.
