Woolworths is rolling out controversial security gates at more stores across Australia that prevent customers from leaving if they have not paid.

The gates are part of an advanced security system that uses sensors on the store’s roof to identify shoppers as they enter the self-service checkout area.

The sensor will then send a signal to open the exit gate, allowing them to leave.

However, if the sensors detect that a shopper hasn’t paid, the gates will stay closed, preventing their exit.

Woolworths told Daily Mail Australia shoppers remain unidentifiable throughout the process as the technology does not use facial recognition or CCTV.

The grocery giant started introducing the gates in August of last year, and since then, they have been installed at eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria. 

The security gates have been rolled out in eight locations across New South Wales and Victoria.

It’s understood they will be installed in more stores as they are upgraded.

‘Exit gates are one of a number of initiatives, both covert and overt, to minimise instances of retail crime in store networks across the Group,’ a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. 

Woolworths is rolling out controversial security gates at more stores across Australia that prevent customers from leaving if they have not paid 

Similar security gates were also introduced by Woolworths’ main competitor, Coles, last year. 

Coles uses security cameras above the self-service checkout machines that track all items being scanned and placed into bags and if discrepancies are found smart gates will shut while an alarm rings out, keeping the customer within the store.

If that fails to keep a suspected thief from leaving the store, the wheels on new high-tech trolleys will completely lock up the moment they leave the store.