In a bid to address the rising tide of shoplifting, Tesco has recently adapted a high-tech solution reminiscent of the VAR system used in football—an AI-powered detection system at their self-checkouts. This initiative follows similar successful implementations by competitors and aims to enhance the shopping experience while simultaneously curbing theft. The system involves a bird’s-eye view camera that monitors shoppers as they scan and bag items. If an item hasn’t been scanned adequately, the system notifies the customer with an instant replay of their actions, alongside a message encouraging them to rectify any mistakes.

The public’s reaction to this approach has been notably mixed. Social media users have embraced the humorous undertones of the system, drawing parallels between it and football officiating. A viral video shared on Instagram highlights a shopper attempting to “shortcut” the scanning process with a bottle of milk, only to be confronted by the AI replay showing his error. Comments ranged from playful jibes about being “offside” to humorous acknowledgments of the system's accuracy—returning serious attention to the issue of theft.

This technological advancement is timely, as the UK faces escalating challenges with retail crime. According to the British Retail Consortium, incidents of shoplifting reached a staggering 516,971 in the past year, up significantly from 429,873 in the previous year. With only about a fifth of these incidents resulting in charges, the need for effective deterrents has become increasingly urgent. Tom Ironside from the Consortium has indicated that this rise in theft not only places a £2 billion burden on retailers annually but also increases the instances of violence against staff.

Sainsbury’s, another major player in the grocery market, has also adopted similar measures, launching a comparable VAR-style camera system at their self-checkouts to combat theft. Their statistics from a recent trial revealed that the concealed detection capabilities of AI technology—drawing from machine learning to spot suspicious behaviour—could deter as much as 50% of theft attempts. Reports indicated that over 5,500 thefts were intercepted during the trial, showcasing the efficacy of this technology in creating safer shopping environments.

While both Tesco and Sainsbury’s employ advanced AI for theft deterrent purposes, customer feedback remains an essential barometer for the success of these initiatives. Although Tesco has positioned its AI solution as a gentler reminder compared to more intrusive measures, like flashing red lights or staff intervention, instances of confusion have emerged. A customer recently complained about receiving a warning due to the weight of a basil packet, underscoring the importance of fine-tuning such systems to avoid frustrating legitimate shoppers.

As retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s explore these technological fronts, the overarching aim remains clear: to protect both their products and their customers. By balancing security with the shopping experience, they seek to not only deter theft but also foster a more pleasant environment for all. This continued innovation in retail security represents a critical evolution in the industry, blending advanced technology with an understanding of customer dynamics, all while addressing economic pressures from rising retail crime.

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Source: Noah Wire Services