Iceland’s chairman, Richard Walker, has expressed willingness to trial facial recognition technology to address retail crime and protect staff, as he announced on LinkedIn.
Richard Walker, chairman of Iceland, has publicly declared his openness to implementing facial recognition technology as a measure against retail theft. In a statement on LinkedIn, Walker underscored that Iceland does not currently use such technology but would consider doing so if it proves to be legal and proportionate. He believes this technology could serve as a viable solution to the threats posed to employees by criminal activities.
Walker made a case for enhancing the role of security personnel in supermarkets. According to his assertions, security guards are often limited in their capabilities when dealing with aggressive, professional criminals who seem to act without fear of consequences. Therefore, he advocates for increasing the legal powers granted to security guards, enabling them to search and detain offenders more effectively.
The remarks from Walker coincide with recent statements by the crime and policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, who announced plans to remove the existing £200 threshold in the shoplifting charter. This change aims to intensify efforts against rising retail crime. Supermarkets across the UK have been exploring various technological aids in this fight, with Tesco deploying security robots and Morrisons testing mobile security cameras styled like ‘RoboCop’.
The discussion around these security measures highlights a broader trend in the retail sector towards adopting advanced technology to curb crime and create a safer environment for both staff and customers. These initiatives also reflect an ongoing concern among retailers about ensuring the safety and security of their operations amidst increasing instances of shoplifting.
The potential introduction of facial recognition technology by Iceland marks a significant step in the evolving strategy to combat retail crime. As security challenges grow, so does the need for innovative solutions that prioritise both legality and effectiveness.
