A Coles customer has lashed out over a major change to how shoppers purchase paper bags at his local store.

Sharing on Facebook, the shopper spoke out after a recent experience at the self-checkout at a Coles on NSW’s Central Coast.

He claims that a store employee told him that it was now policy for Coles staff to scan the supermarket’s 25 cent paper bags for customers when they are moving through the self-serve registers.

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It was claimed that checkout workers were taking the extraordinary step in an effort to combat theft.

The latest move comes as Coles faces increased criticism over the introduction of a string of controversial new security measures including body cameras on staff, locking devices on trolleys, loud alarms and high-tech gates.

The double gates — situated at the end of the checkout area — open automatically after shoppers have purchased their groceries, and creates a barrier for those who haven’t.

Additionally, it was recently revealed that Coles customers are being asked to scan heavy and bulky items first when heading through the self-serve checkout — another anti-theft measure.

In a statement to 7NEWS.com.au, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that staff are on hand to provide assistance to shoppers while scanning “whether it’s bulky items or some new bags to start the process of checking out” (see full statement below).

In his Facebook post, a customer revealed how “insulted” he was when staff attempted to scan his paper bags for him — claiming that the new policy made him feel like a thief.

“Was at Coles today Lake Haven branch and went through the self serve checkout as usual, as there is virtually nobody manning a register anymore,” he said.

“I grabbed about four of those paper bags that can’t hold even two 3-litre milks and put them on the platform next to the register out of the way.

“I start to load my groceries on the conveyor belt and the staff member patrolling the self-serve area comes over and asks me if I want her to scan my paper bags!

“I politely told her no it’s OK, I can scan them, she then asks me if I know they are 25 cents each.

“To which I replied yes I know they are 25 cents each, I’m not going to steal them.

“Seriously asked me if I knew the bags were 25 cents each. I’ve been shopping at Coles for decades and noticed the change in bags and the price since like everyone else — I have enough of them shoved above a cupboard.”

The shopper went on to reveal how stunned he was to hear another store employee tell him it was now policy.

“I have to say I am very insulted by this insinuation that I was likely to steal them, I mean what else can I think when firstly I told her I would scan them and she follows it up asking me if I know the price?” he asked.

“I just in that one shop spent just over $100 buying some deli meat, two loaves of bread, a pack of buns, four 3-litre milks and enough groceries for one dinner meal that night, and one shampoo. $100!

“Coles in 2022/23 financial year posted a net profit of $1.1 billion dollars after expenses. Insane to be tormenting customers trying to do the right thing to save yourselves some 25 cent bags.

“So, my next stop was to … lodge a complaint to only be told uncaringly that it is store policy to scan them due to theft.

“The [worker] did inform me there are cameras and AI watching what goes on.

“Well, if there are AI cameras watching, and you have those wheelchair crushing gates installed to ensure people scan everything, do you really need staff badgering customers just trying to get a shop in?

“Customer service is dead! Profits and shareholders are all that matters!”

Coles responds

A Coles spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that staff are committed to helping customers through the self-serve area.

“Coles is always looking for ways to improve how we serve our customers and provide exceptional customer service. Given this, our team members are always encouraged to help our customers where possible,” the spokesperson said.

“Whether it’s bulky items or some new bags to start the process of checking out, a team member in the area will, when possible, offer to assist customers in scanning any items.

“This is all about providing great service to our customers and helping them get through the checkouts quickly and efficiently.”