For months, self-checkout lanes have gradually disappeared from some stores, while others have implemented item limits or reconfigured the kiosks—all in an effort to curb one issue: theft.
In February 2024, KTLA reported on just how widespread the problem had become. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of self-checkouts were being overshadowed by the volume of stolen merchandise.
Now, the city of Long Beach is taking steps to curb retail theft at self-checkout stations with a simple solution: more staffing.
Dubbed “Safe Stores Are Staffed Stores,” a measure under debate by the city council would require many large grocery and retail stores to maintain a 2-to-1 staffing ratio at self-checkouts—meaning one employee could monitor no more than two self-checkout lanes at once.
No more 15-lane setups with one employee sprinting back and forth.
Mayor Rex Richardson said the discussion began in April with a broader look at safety in local grocery stores. Workers and store owners contributed feedback that shaped the proposed ordinance.
During public comment on Wednesday, some residents raised concerns about understaffed self-checkouts, poor customer experiences and increased theft: issues one speaker said were hurting the community.
Supporters argue the measure will “proactively address retail theft and advance the preservation of public safety.” Opponents question whether staffing is truly the root cause of the issue.
The measure passed by a 5-2 vote. The city will now take 30 days to finalize the ordinance.
Just how widespread is self-checkout theft? A 2025 Capital One report estimated that more than 20 million Americans have stolen items from self-checkout kiosks. The report also found that self-checkout stations experience theft at a rate up to four times that of traditional cashier lanes.
