Method and apparatus for operating a security system of a self-service checkout terminal

A method of operating a self-service checkout terminal having a scanner device for allowing a user to enter an item for purchase, and a weight scale for detecting placement of the item for purchase in a post-scan area associated with the self-service checkout terminal includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when the user scans the item for purchase with the scanner device. The method also includes the step of disabling the scanner device in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an item-not-detected control signal if the weight scale does not detect placement of the item for purchase in the post-scan area within a first predetermined period of time subsequent to generation of the item-entered control signal. Yet further, the method includes the step of enabling the scanner device in response to generation of the item-not-detected control signal. A self-service checkout terminal is also disclosed.