Tesco has rolled out a new high-tech system at its self-service checkouts that plays back instant video replays to customers who fail to scan items properly — a bold move to combat rising shoplifting rates across the UK.
The system, inspired by VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology used in football, uses overhead cameras and AI software to monitor packing areas. If a product isn’t scanned correctly, the screen immediately replays footage of the shopper’s actions and issues a prompt:
“The last item wasn’t scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again.”
Early Results and Industry Impact
Retail insiders report that similar tech deployed by Sainsbury’s has already shown early success in deterring would-be thieves. Tesco’s rollout follows a record-breaking 516,971 shoplifting incidents logged by UK police in 2024 — a 20% increase from the previous year.
“This is different to a live camera because many shoplifters assume nobody is watching,” a retail source explained.
“Now they’re confronted with real-time evidence — and a choice: pay up or risk getting caught.”
If successful, the system could eliminate the need for lock-boxes and security stickers on lower-cost items like chocolate, teabags, and tinned goods.
Tesco’s Broader Security Strategy
In February, Tesco unveiled a multi-million-pound security centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire, tasked with 24/7 surveillance and combating organized retail crime. The new centre complements efforts by its shrink transformation team, who are fighting what the chain describes as a “marauding crime wave.”
Tesco security chief Emma Sparrock said:
“Our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our colleagues and customers has never been stronger.”
