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For several months, self-checkout lanes gradually disappeared from some stores, while others implemented item restrictions and reconfigured kiosks.
In February 2024, KTLA reported on how widespread the issue is. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of self-checkout was overshadowed by the amount of stolen items.
Currently, the city of Long Beach is taking steps to curb retail theft at self-checkout stations with simple solutions.
“Safe stores are called staff stores.” Measures based on city council discussions require many large grocery stores and retailers to maintain a 2:1 staffing rate at self-checkout.
Self-checkouts are disappearing from retailers. This is the reason
There is no more 15-lane setup with one employee sprinting back and forth.
Mayor Rex Richardson said the debate began in April with a more widespread view of the safety of local grocery stores. Workers and shopkeepers provided feedback that shaped the proposed ordinance.
In public comments Wednesday, some residents expressed concern about understaffed self-checkouts, poor customer experiences and increased theft.
Supporters argue that the measure will “proactively address retail theft and advance public safety preservation.” Opponents are questioning whether personnel is really the root cause of the problem.
The measure was passed by 5-2 votes. It takes 30 days for cities to finalize the ordinance.
How widespread is self-checkout theft? A 2025 Capital One report estimates that over 20 million Americans stole items from the self-checkout kiosk. The report also found that self-checkout stations were experiencing theft at four times faster than traditional cashier lanes.
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