Sainsbury’s rolls out facial recognition tech to stem rising crime

Working with Facewatch, Sainsbury’s said the initial trial will launch in its Sydenham superstore and Bath Oldfield convenience store this week.

It will alert Sainsbury’s to criminal behaviour from customers by the store or other retailers using Facewatch technology.

The tech will be used to identify and possibly even ban people who are deemed to be “violent, aggressive” or who “steal in the store”, according to PA.

The announcement comes after trade union Usdaw released its Freedom From Fear report, which found that 77% of shopworkers have experienced verbal abuse from customers, while 53% have been physically threatened.

The grocery giant said that it had done a survey of 2,000 UK respondents in July, which found that 56% of customers support the use of technology to protect themselves and store staff.

A further 63% say the technology will help identify repeat offenders, while 55% believe it improves safety for store staff.

“We have listened to the deep concerns our colleagues and customers have and they’re right to expect us to act,” said Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts.

“The retail sector is at a crossroads, facing rising abuse, antisocial behaviour and violence. We must put safety first.”