Tesco has issued an update on the use of live facial recognition technology in its stores as it rolls out a new trial to crackdown on crime.
As of Monday, January 26, the supermarket chain is trialling a new crime reporting platform across 40 of its UK stores for a period of 10 weeks. The trial will take place across stores in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire as part of efforts to drive down retail crime, protect staff and keep customers and local communities safe. According to Tesco, the Auror platform, which is already used by several retailers and UK police forces, will make it easier and quicker for colleagues to report safety incidents by bringing all the data and information into a single source, allowing retailers and the police to build, manage, track, and resolve cases faster.
During the trial, CCTV footage of serious incidents and theft will be reviewed by specially trained staff at Tesco’s security hub in Daventry and, where necessary, CCTV images may be analysed retrospectively using non-live facial recognition as part of an investigation.
However, Tesco has confirmed that live CCTV images will not be reviewed as part of the trail across 40 of its stores and both Tesco staff and customers will not be scanned by live facial recognition technology.
Rachel Bennett, Security Director at Tesco, said: “This trial will help us improve colleague safety and tackle abuse and violent behaviour by identifying repeat and dangerous offenders, and assisting police with their investigations.
“The investments we are making in improving safety across our store network will ensure that we not only lead the way in tackling the symptoms of retail crime, but drive collaboration right across the retail sector to deter would-be criminals.”
Tesco said it has invested tens of millions of pounds over the last four years in a range of security measures, including investing at its highest ever rates in security officers and in practical measures such as body worn cameras, protective screens, additional mobile security officer support, and door entry systems.
Mark Gleeson, VP UK and Europe at Auror, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Tesco to help build on the work they’re doing to keep their stores safe, and address the issue of violent and organised retail crime.
“Auror’s software will give store teams a structured and consistent way to record crime after it occurs. This will help Tesco to better connect the dots on prolific offenders across multiple locations and provide the information they need to make informed decisions to enhance colleague safety and collaborate with police.
“By using Auror, Tesco are joining the world’s largest network of leading retailers – all helping to surface the scale and severity of retail crime offending. Across the UK, the top 10% of offenders are causing 70% of the crime, and one in every 10 retail crime events are violent or involve weapons.”
