UK supermarkets are set to introduce facial recognition cameras at entrances to combat the most serious shoplifters. The technology, provided by Auror, will create watch lists of the 'worst of the worst' offenders, allowing stores to prevent them from entering or prepare for their arrival.
How the System Works
Auror enables retailers to submit CCTV, photos, and evidence of repeat shoplifters to a shared database, which is also accessible to police. Nick McDonnell, Auror vice-president, explained: 'It doesn’t mean everybody who’s been entered into that system ends up on a watch list. It allows the retailers to know these are almost the worst of the worst.' The system suggests individuals for watch lists based on their offending history.
Prevention and Deterrence
McDonnell noted that the technology allows stores to either prevent known offenders from entering or provide an early warning system. 'There’s evidence that shows that if you go up to an individual known to have offended you in your store before and you greet them at the door and you offer them what you would call enhanced customer service, that reduces the likelihood of them offending again.'
Privacy Concerns
However, privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch has raised concerns. A spokesperson said: 'The private use of live facial recognition creates a new zone of privatised policing. It emboldens staff members to make criminal allegations against shoppers, without an investigation or any set standard of proof, and ban them from other stores employing the software.' They warned that vulnerable individuals, including young people and those with mental health issues, are particularly at risk of being included on watchlists, leaving 'the door open to discriminatory and unfair decisions with significant impacts.'
