In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of retail crime, Iceland’s chairman, Richard Walker, has expressed strong support for trialling facial recognition technology.
Walker, addressing his followers on LinkedIn, stated that while the supermarket does not currently employ such technology, he is open to its use. He described it as a ‘legal, proportionate’ measure to address the significant threat faced by his employees.
In addition to advocating for facial recognition, Walker highlighted the limited powers currently held by security personnel. He called for enhanced legal authority for security guards, allowing them greater ability to confront and detain offenders. ‘Enhanced legal powers to search and safely detain offenders would create a stronger deterrent for criminals and help restore safer high streets for everyone,’ he remarked.
This stance comes in the wake of Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson’s recent announcement. She revealed plans to scrap the existing £200 threshold in the shoplifting charter, which many believe could help better address the rise in retail crime.
The retail industry is increasingly exploring technological solutions to counter crime. Supermarket giants like Tesco and Morrisons have begun integrating advanced security measures. Tesco, for instance, has deployed security robots, while Morrisons experiments with mobile security cameras reminiscent of ‘RoboCop’. These initiatives reflect the sector’s proactive approach in safeguarding staff and customers alike.
As retail crime continues to rise, innovative measures such as facial recognition and enhanced legal powers for security personnel may become crucial tools in shaping safer shopping environments.
