Sainsbury's has announced it will install facial recognition systems in 150 additional stores as part of a major crackdown on shoplifting and abuse against staff. The supermarket chain said it is expanding the use of AI-powered cameras after a successful trial in 55 stores showed a 46% reduction in theft, harm, aggression, and antisocial behaviour.
Technology and Accuracy
The facial recognition technology alerts trained store colleagues when someone who has previously been involved in violence, aggression, or theft enters a participating branch. Sainsbury's said all alerts are reviewed by staff before any action is taken, and images of shoppers who are not matched are deleted instantly. The company previously stated the system has a 99.98% accuracy rate and is not used to monitor everyday customers or colleagues.
Context of Retail Crime
The rollout comes as the Metropolitan Police revealed that 104 repeat offenders were responsible for more than 5,300 crimes in the past two years, including 4,389 shoplifting offences. Each of the 104 broke the law at least 31 times before being jailed, and all but three continued offending after being charged. A USDAW survey found that 77% of shopworkers have faced verbal abuse, and more than half have been threatened. The British Retail Consortium reported there are 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse across UK retailers every day.
Expansion and Signage
Sainsbury's said it is extending the technology to five further London stores—Dalston, Elephant and Castle, Ladbroke Grove, Camden, and Whitechapel—while original stores in Sydenham and Bath Oldfield Park will continue using the Facewatch system. The company has insisted its use of facial recognition is “intentional and transparent”, with clear signage in stores where the technology is operating. Sainsbury's said: “Colleagues should never feel at risk while doing their jobs and customers should always feel comfortable in our stores. That’s why we are taking these steps and why we will continue to put safety first across every part of our business.”
Results and Future Plans
The early trial found that 92% of identified offenders did not return to stores using the technology. Sainsbury's noted: “The early results have been encouraging. Trial stores saw a 46% reduction in theft, harm, aggression and antisocial behaviour and 92% of offenders did not return, meaning fewer frightening moments for colleagues and a more reassuring experience for customers.” The expansion aims to understand how facial recognition works when several stores in the same area adopt it simultaneously, while giving colleagues and customers confidence in its introduction.
