Controversial barriers installed in Sainsbury's

Scan-to-exit barriers are being introduced in self-service areas of Sainsbury's Hertford branch.

The barriers were installed earlier in the week and are not yet operational, but have caused frustration when introduced in other branches.

Customers using the self and smart checkouts will have to scan their receipts at a barrier to exit the payment areas.

The Daily Mail recently reported that customers have been left "insulted" and feeling "like hostages" by the measure.

Customers have taken to social media to voice their concerns when the barriers have been introduced in other branches.

A spokesperson for Sainbury's said that the move is "not a new security measure and features in a small number of our stores at the self-service checkout areas."

Reported incidents of shoplifting in Hertford have increased in the last two years, peaking in October 2022.