The Met Police have quadrupled the number of shoplifters caught in London thanks to an AI system, with the technology now being expanded to additional boroughs.
The Auror system, imported from New Zealand and first highlighted by the Express's Stop The Shoplifters campaign, has been piloted across six London boroughs. From today, it will be used in a further eight boroughs, with more to follow in the coming months.
How the system works
The system allows retailers to submit CCTV footage, witness statements, and other evidence directly to officers, enabling them to track, arrest, and build cases against offenders more quickly. Previously, officers might have had to wait up to 28 days or longer for CCTV and statements; now they get that evidence in minutes.
It is already being used by major high street chains including Tesco, Boots, M&S, and Greggs.
Success rates and expansion
New figures released today show that where shoplifting is reported using the new tech, there is a positive outcome (a caution, charge, or other criminal disposal) in 29.4% of cases, compared to the Met average of just 7.3% prior to its introduction.
The crime reporting platform is currently being used by subscribing retailers across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Greenwich, and Bexley. Following the success of the pilot, the Met is expanding its use to retailers in Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Hillingdon, Ealing, and Hounslow.
Notable cases
Recent examples of cases originating with reports using the new technology include:
- Michael Belgrave, 55, was sentenced at Ealing Magistrates' Court to nine months imprisonment and a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for stealing more than £4,000 worth of goods from stores including Greggs and BP.
- Hassan Hannach, 47, was sentenced at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court to a twelve-month community and rehabilitation order, a fine, and a five-year CBO banning him from entering any commercial premises on Chiswick High Road.
- Gary Curran, 56, was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court to twelve months imprisonment for twenty shoplifting offences, stealing £9,000 worth of goods from stores including Boots and BP.
- Danny Piper, 35, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to four years' imprisonment and a 50-year CBO, believed to be the first of its kind, for multiple burglaries and shoplifting offences.
- Mustapha Ali, 33, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to two years' imprisonment and a five-year CBO after being convicted of 37 shoplifting offences.
- Paul Smith, 47, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court to 20 months' imprisonment and a five-year CBO for stealing more than £2,500 worth of goods.
Met Police comment
Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met's lead for business crime, said: "The results speak for themselves. This crime reporting technology is helping us identify offenders faster and bring more shoplifters to justice. By receiving CCTV footage and evidence directly from retailers at the point a crime is committed, we can build stronger cases and act more decisively."
He added: "Tackling retail crime remains a top priority for the Met. Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost four per cent, but we're not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech. Shoplifters should be under no illusion – we are increasing our capability to catch you and put you before the courts."
The success has led to fresh calls for the system to be rolled out nationally by the Home Office to combat the £200bn epidemic decimating Britain's high streets.
