Retailers are desperately trying to battle back against the influx of theft in stores as the shop theft epidemic in the UK continues to accelerate, with shoplifting landing at the top of the pile. According to the BRC, 24% of UK customers witnessed shoplifting while shopping over the last 12 months.
In an attempt to alleviate shoplifting woes, Asda announced the trial of facial recognition technology in its Ashton, Chadderton, Eastlands, Harpurhey and Trafford Park supermarkets. The technology was integrated into Asda’s CCTV network, scanning and comparing facial images to a list of known offenders. When a match is detected, Asda’s head office security team will be alerted for further processing.
The trial garnered a mixed reception, with privacy campaigning organisation Big Brother Watch stating the technology turns shoppers into suspects, leading to well-intended customers being wrongly accused, with other retailers facing the same response following previous trials. According to Harrison Retail, less invasive loss prevention measures are available to support retailers and respect the privacy of shoppers by working alongside emerging technology such as facial recognition.
Rolf Whiteman, sales director at Harrison Retail, commented: “Retailers should look to balance technology-driven anti-theft solutions with less invasive POS loss prevention solutions to maintain customer satisfaction and safeguard products.
“Gravity risers, dispenser solutions, Free Standing Display Unit (FSDU) Surrounds and customised dispenser solutions limit thieves’ accessibility to high-value merchandise such as meat joints and baby formula, acting as a deterrent and in turn reducing stock loss,” added Whiteman. “Limiting shelf access with dispensers is a key element in retailers’ fight against shop theft, potentially saving stores thousands. Such solutions limit product access, meaning the customer can only retrieve one product through a small opening at the front of a shelving unit, preventing shelf sweeping or multiple products being taken at once. Most criminals steal products on impulse, and the barriers put in place by POS loss prevention solutions significantly reduce this likelihood.
“UK retailers continue to face significant losses from the shoplifting epidemic and must do everything possible to protect their customers. However, privacy must be adhered to, and even though facial recognition technologies have benefits, they also possess invasive qualities. As anti-theft technologies advance, retailers must return to their roots and balance their loss prevention strategies by integrating less invasive POS loss prevention solutions in stores. Retailers can deploy effective loss prevention solutions without sacrificing privacy, while deterring thieves from stealing luxury goods in stores.”
