TROLLEYS scanning items and robots checking shelves will be among the latest weapons in the fight to tackle shoplifting at supermarkets.

Crime Statistics Agency data obtained by Leader Community News show shoplifting is on the rise in Victoria with 22,378 offences in the 12 months to September 2016.

Stealing from a retail store crimes are up 1335 on the previous year’s data.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said cost of living pressures was leading more people to crime.

“Shoplifting rises when times get tough,” he said.

“People start to lift small things like baby food because they can’t afford to buy it to try and assist with supporting the family budget.”

Mr Zimmerman said “smart trolleys” that would allow shoppers to scan prices and make card payments were up to two years away.

“Anything you put into the trolley will be self-scanned automatically,” he said. “Your card details will be connected to it so essentially you can walk out without having to talk to a checkout operator.”

The “shelfie” robot, which would navigate through the supermarket aisles and scan items on every shelf, was currently in the prototype phase, he said.

“After hours it goes through the store and does a stocktake of what’s on the shelf,” he said.

“If you know what you’ve sold you can quickly establish whether you have a high rate of theft.”

The association estimates the cost of shoplifting to the Australian retail sector is about $7.5 billion annually.

The worst shoplifting hot spots in Victoria are Melbourne (2567 offences), Darebin (1265), Geelong (1127), Stonnington (940), Casey (917) and Frankston (820).

Other areas targeted include Wyndham and Yarra, both on 661; Dandenong, 655; Kingston, 603; Maribyrnong, 647; and Brimbank, 622.

It comes as supermarkets are locking up everyday items such as honey, make-up, and batteries to deter shoplifters.

Reservoir Kmart decided to bring in DVD-style security cases for blocks of chocolate.

Coles had announced it was testing restricting the self-serve check-outs to just 12 items.

Of the 5057 people caught shoplifting at Coles in Victoria from January 1 to October 2, 2016, 2174 were from the self-service counters.

Woolworths spokesman Sean Ottley said they had a range of security measures in place for the “small amount” of customers that did the wrong thing.

Coles declined to comment on shoplifting at its stores.