Is this the death of the self-checkout? As British supermarket removes self-service lanes, a host of US retailers consider following suit - after 15% of shoppers admit to STEALING through machines

Study by LendingTree found 15% of shoppers steal from machines - with Gen Z and Millennials most likely to do so They were promoted as a way to reduce staffing numbers, boost efficiency and speed up queues. In September, Walmart announced it was pulling self-checkout lanes from at least three of its stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the industry this phenomenon is referred to as the 'shrink' In September, Walmart announced it was pulling self-checkout lanes from at least three of its stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico The crux of the problem, experts say, is that self-checkouts contribute to higher product losses from errors and intentional shoplifting. LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz said: 'Ultimately, retailers need to decide whether the self-checkout terminals are worth the risk. A recent report from the National Retail Federation found retailers lost approximately $78.4 billion to shoplifters last year This week it emerged that the UK supermarket Booths has removed automated checkouts in all but two of its 28 stores 'Sure, they can help the store save money because fewer people are needed to check out customers.