They are sliding barriers at the self-checkout area that open when a receipt is scanned.
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Shoppers say they've been installed at two stores, in the Fillmore and in the Outer Mission.
Safeway stores have been targeted by shoplifters in recent years.
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Other supermarkets have installed similar types of gates and barriers and consolidated entrances in response to theft.
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Safeway has yet to respond to a request for comment.