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Retailers Deploying AI to Combat Theft and Enhance Security in UK Stores
The landscape of British shopping has undergone a significant transformation, moving far beyond the traditional exchange of goods for money. In today’s retail environment, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prevalent, acting as a virtual security guard in stores across Britain to monitor shoppers and safeguard merchandise. By 2025, many predict that AI-driven technologies will be commonplace in various retail settings. Consumers are now encountering a range of AI-powered tools, including sophisticated surveillance systems, automated robots, facial recognition software, and digital age verification processes, all implemented under the guise of improving the shopping experience and preventing crime.
AI Surveillance in Self-Service Checkouts
Home Bargains, a prominent discount retailer, is among the latest to embrace this technological shift, having introduced a novel AI-enhanced security system. This system is designed to observe customers as they utilize self-service checkouts, aiming to reduce losses from un-scanned items.
Facial Recognition Technology at Asda
Supermarket giant Asda has implemented live facial recognition technology within its CCTV infrastructure. This system scrutinizes CCTV footage, comparing the images against a database of individuals with a history of criminal activity in their stores. Any matches trigger alerts to store security personnel.
Widespread Adoption of AI in Retail
These measures are part of a broader trend observed across various retailers. Morrisons has introduced “buzz for booze” buttons to control access to alcoholic beverages, while John Lewis employs AI-driven age verification for online knife purchases. Even Tesco has experimented with high-tech robots for security purposes.
Concerns Over Orwellian Surveillance
These increasing deployments of AI have sparked debate about the balance between security and consumer privacy. Critics argue that these technologies represent an overreach, creating an “Orwellian” atmosphere in everyday shopping environments.
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Expert Opinions on Retail AI
Madeleine Stone, a senior advocacy officer at Big Brother Watch, cautions retailers against the uncritical adoption of AI surveillance. She argues that businesses should exercise extreme caution when implementing these novel technologies.
“Retailers should be extremely cautious when experimenting with novel forms of AI-powered surveillance in stores,” Stone stated. “We are at risk of companies creating high streets staffed not by workers, but by intrusive new technologies and with human oversight being substituted for pervasive surveillance which tracks our bodies and behaviours.”
Stone acknowledged the need for reasonable security measures but emphasized the particularly intrusive nature of live facial recognition, advocating for its ban due to inherent safety concerns.
Anti-Theft AI Scans at Self-Checkouts
Home Bargains, known for its budget-friendly prices, has become a target for “swipers” – individuals who exploit self-service checkouts to avoid paying for items. In response, the retailer has deployed AI-powered security cameras focused on monitoring customer activity at these checkout stations.
The discount chain, established in Liverpool in 1976, has partnered with technology firms SAI (Storewide Active Intelligence) and Everseen to implement this loss-prevention initiative.
SAI’s website promotes its technology as a tool for retailers to “enhance customer service while increasing sales and minimising losses,” highlighting its patented computer vision platform and industry-hardened technology.
While acknowledging that “rising living costs are causing desperation” that may lead to theft, SAI’s system is designed to “identify and prevent costly checkout losses” and also detects instances of aggression and violence within stores.
Recent studies indicate that a significant percentage of shoppers engage in theft at self-service checkouts, with common items including fruits, vegetables, and bread.
‘Dalek-like’ Security Robots in Tesco Stores
Tesco has surprised shoppers by introducing imposing, robot-like security devices at store entrances, particularly during nighttime hours. These ‘ominous’ machines are designed to deter intruders and detect theft using 360-degree cameras.
These robots are programmed to issue verbal warnings in a distinctive “angry Northern Irish accent” when detecting intruders and to alert authorities immediately.
The use of these robots was confirmed after one was photographed in a Tesco location last year, prompting official acknowledgement from the retailer.
These security bots, identifiable by yellow and blue checkered markings similar to UK police vehicles, are PID360 security robots manufactured by Deter Tech, a Shropshire-based company.
Deter Tech states that the PID360’s “striking design, audio alerts, and LED illuminators” serve as a robust deterrent to potential intruders.
Initially utilized primarily on construction sites to prevent equipment theft and trespassers, Tesco has now deployed these robots in UK stores, especially smaller Tesco Express locations often left without overnight security personnel.
Deter Tech claims the PID360 deters over 80% of intrusions and can operate remotely without external power sources.
‘Buzz for Booze’ Buttons in Morrisons
Morrisons supermarkets have implemented “buzz for booze” buttons as another measure to combat theft, particularly of higher-value alcoholic beverages. These buttons are installed near locked cabinets containing spirits and sparkling wines.
Customers wishing to purchase these items must press the button, which summons a staff member to unlock the cabinet.
Reports indicate that Morrisons branches in locations like Birmingham, Chippenham, and Fleet have adopted this system.
However, the “buzz for booze” system has faced negative reactions from some shoppers, who have described it as inconvenient and unnecessary.
Social media users have expressed frustration, with one posting a video from a Leeds store highlighting numerous locked cabinets and criticizing the system as a deterrent to purchasing spirits at Morrisons.
A Morrisons spokesperson stated that these cabinets are used in multiple stores across the industry and that customer feedback has been positive, emphasizing prompt staff service in response to button presses.
Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ Technology
Amazon Fresh grocery stores, numbering around 20 in England, employ comprehensive surveillance of all customers entering their premises through ‘Just Walk Out’ technology.
These stores are equipped with cameras and depth sensors using deep-learning AI to track items customers select and return to shelves.
This system accurately records each customer’s selections, automatically calculating charges to their linked payment details via the Amazon app.
Upon completing their shopping, customers can simply “walk out” after scanning their app or paying at a kiosk. Receipts are then emailed automatically.
Despite its convenience, the ‘Just Walk Out’ technology has encountered criticism. The AI system sometimes struggles to correctly identify when an item is returned, leading to occasional overcharging.
While refunds for incorrectly charged items are available, Amazon Fresh has also introduced conventional checkout lanes as an alternative payment option.
AI Age Verification for Online Knife Sales
John Lewis is utilizing AI-powered facial age estimation technology for online knife sales to address concerns related to knife crime. This system verifies if online shoppers are of legal age to purchase knives without requiring traditional ID verification.
This facial age estimation technology enables the online retailer to confirm if a customer is over 18 years of age. Customers are prompted to upload a photo of their face for AI analysis upon checkout when purchasing knives.
Yoti, a digital identity company specializing in age verification systems for social media and adult content websites, provides this technology. Yoti’s AI is trained on millions of facial images to accurately estimate age.
Approval from the regulator Ofcom for use under the Online Safety Act has facilitated the return of knives to John Lewis’ online store, with age verification managed by Yoti’s system.
John Lewis clarifies that deliveries are handled by Royal Mail, who will also request photographic ID at the point of delivery to ensure compliance with age restrictions.
Other Controversial Surveillance Measures
Asda recently initiated a trial of live facial recognition technology across five stores in the Manchester area as a response to increasing shoplifting incidents and assaults on staff.
Civil liberties groups have criticized this move, deeming it a disproportionate and intrusive surveillance tactic.
This facial recognition system integrates with Asda’s existing CCTV network, comparing captured images against a pre-existing database of individuals known for prior offenses at Asda locations.
Automated matches trigger alerts to head office security, who then verify and immediately notify the relevant store.
Similarly, Co-op has implemented fortified kiosks with reinforced screens and keycode access in hundreds of stores and is testing AI-driven CCTV to identify suspicious behavior.
Tesco has also introduced weighing scales at self-service checkouts in Gateshead to monitor discrepancies in ‘Scan as you shop’ transactions.