Can a Shopping Cart Stop Theft Before It Happens?

Retail theft costs businesses billions each year, and one of the most common methods—pushout theft—involves walking straight out the door with a full cart of unpaid goods. The response from Gatekeeper Systems is Purchek®, a high-tech solution that takes the confrontation out of loss prevention.

What Is Purchek®?

Purchek® is an AI-enabled, cart-based security system that uses SmartWheel® technology to detect and stop pushout theft in real time. Rather than monitoring shoppers, it tracks the behavior of shopping carts—immobilizing those that try to exit without completing a purchase.

The system avoids profiling or escalation. Instead, it silently enforces checkout compliance, protecting stores while keeping the customer experience intact.

How It Works

1. Smart Cart Tracking: Carts are fitted with SmartWheel® sensors that communicate with store systems.

2. Purchase Verification: At checkout, carts are authorized for exit. If unpaid, they remain unauthorized.

3. Exit Control: If a cart is pushed toward the exit without a verified transaction, the wheels lock automatically.

4. Security Notification: Staff are alerted discreetly, with no need for confrontation or risky intervention.

Why It Matters

Pushout theft is not only common, but often dangerous—leading to confrontations between staff and offenders. Purchek® neutralizes the risk by making theft physically impossible, removing the need for store employees to act as enforcers.

Proven Impact

• Up to 80% reduction in pushout theft reported by retail partners.

• Improved employee safety, thanks to non-confrontational enforcement.

• Smooth customer experience remains uninterrupted for legitimate shoppers.