Tesco is set to launch a trial of a new crime reporting platform next week, in a bid to deter shoplifters and keep colleagues and customers safe, Retail Week can reveal.
From Monday, January 26, Tesco will be conducting a 10-week trial launch of the Auror crime reporting platform across 40 of its stores across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, which the retailer said will help “make it easier and quicker for colleagues to report security incidents”.
As part of the trial, CCTV footage of serious incidents and theft will be reviewed by specifically trained colleagues at the Tesco Security Hub in Daventry and, where necessary, CCTV still images will be analysed retrospectively using non-live facial recognition.
The move comes after the most recent British Retail Consortium crime survey found that incidents of retail theft and violence against shop workers had risen to more than 2,000 a day.
Tesco became the first major UK retailer to roll out body-worn cameras for delivery drivers and continues to advocate for the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers.
Tesco security director Rachel Bennett told Retail Week: “This trial will help us improve colleague safety and tackle abuse and violent behaviour by identifying repeat and dangerous offenders, and assisting police with their investigations.
“The investments we are making in improving safety across our store network will ensure that we not only lead the way in tackling the symptoms of retail crime but drive collaboration right across the retail sector to deter would-be criminals.”
Auror vice president UK and Europe Mark Gleeson added: “We’re delighted to partner with Tesco to help build on the work they’re doing to keep their stores safe, and address the issue of violent and organised retail crime.
“Auror’s software will give store teams a structured and consistent way to record crime after it occurs. This will help Tesco to better connect the dots on prolific offenders across multiple locations and provide the information they need to make informed decisions to enhance colleague safety and collaborate with police.”
No comments yet