Shops across the UK are rolling out AI-powered cameras to catch thieves following a change in the law under the Crime and Policing Act 2026. The technology, already adopted by more than 100 retailers, tracks merchandise and alerts staff when suspicious activity is detected.
Kingdom Security, which provides security personnel to high-street stores, warned that 'opportunistic theft' will face harsher punishments as the everyday 'pocketing' of items has become normalised. The cameras can track goods from shelves to concealed areas like coats and bags, and can also identify known thieves entering the store.
Andrew Cockerill, Account Director at Kingdom Security, said: “This new AI technology will mean ‘one-off opportunistic theft’ will soon no longer be treated as such, with teams able to receive mobile alerts when thieves enter stores.” He added that shoplifting adds an estimated £133 to the average UK household shopping bill each year.
Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, the classification of 'low-value theft' has been abolished, meaning goods worth under £200 are no longer treated as a minor offence and can be prosecuted with full severity. Cockerill warned that repeated small-level theft could lead to store bans and prosecution.
Retailers are also advised to implement special protocols for high-value items and hire additional security officers as a visible deterrent. The changes aim to protect retailers and clamp down on the aggressive rise in shoplifting.
