Tesco, the UK supermarket giant, has unveiled a significant new security initiative aimed at curbing the escalating crisis of retail crime affecting stores nationwide. The company is launching a comprehensive 10-week pilot programme across 40 of its outlets in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, set to commence on January 26. This move represents a major crackdown on shoplifting and violent incidents, which have seen a dramatic surge with over 2,000 attacks on shop workers reported daily across the country.
Advanced Technology Deployment
The centrepiece of this trial is the implementation of the Auror crime reporting system, an innovative platform already utilised by various retailers and police forces throughout Britain. This technology is designed to provide store teams with a structured and consistent method for recording criminal incidents promptly after they occur. By consolidating intelligence into a single, unified system, the Auror platform aims to help retailers and law enforcement agencies identify persistent offenders more effectively and accelerate the resolution of cases.
How the Auror System Operates
The Auror software functions by enabling detailed incident reporting that helps "connect the dots" regarding serial criminals who target multiple retail locations. Throughout the trial period, CCTV footage capturing serious incidents and thefts will be meticulously reviewed by trained personnel operating from Tesco's dedicated Security Hub located in Daventry. Additionally, static images may undergo retrospective analysis using non-live facial recognition technology, though the supermarket has explicitly confirmed that live facial recognition will not be employed, ensuring that neither shoppers nor staff are subjected to real-time monitoring.
Executive Perspectives on Safety
Mark Gleeson, Vice President for UK and Europe at Auror, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "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."
Rachel Bennett, Security Director at Tesco, emphasised the trial's objectives: "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."
Broader Security Investments
This pilot programme forms part of Tesco's substantial, ongoing investment in security measures, which has seen the supermarket channel tens of millions of pounds over the past four years into enhancing protection for both customers and staff. These expenditures have included record funding for security guards, the deployment of body-worn cameras, installation of protective screens, implementation of advanced door-entry systems, and organisation of mobile patrols. Furthermore, Tesco continues to advocate for legislative changes, pushing for the creation of a standalone offence specifically for assaulting retail workers and seeking to extend legal protections to include delivery drivers in any future regulatory frameworks.
