Next is currently trialing innovative AI scanners that are capable of identifying stolen items concealed in undergarments such as bras and underwear. This cutting-edge technology operates by detecting variations in body heat and has the ability to detect hidden weapons, explosives, cash, and drugs.
The “Thruvision Passive Terahertz Screening System” has undergone testing at Next UK warehouses and distribution centers and may soon be implemented in retail stores. Steve Teatum, the Head of Group Loss Prevention at Next, discussed the system on a recent episode of the Retail Crime Uncovered podcast.
According to Mr. Teatum, the new technology has been effective in uncovering individuals attempting to hide stolen goods on their bodies, particularly in personal areas like undergarments. This advanced system has significantly enhanced security measures and made it challenging for traditional screening processes to detect illicit items.
Shoplifting rates in England and Wales have surged to the highest levels in over two decades, as reported by official statistics released in July this year. Incidents of shoplifting increased by 20% to 530,643 in the year ending March, marking a record high since 2003.
Home Bargains has also embraced technology to combat theft by installing AI cameras to identify unscanned items at self-checkouts. This initiative, in collaboration with tech companies SAI and Everseen, aims to detect “misscans” and “skip scans” at self-checkout counters, alerting staff to any discrepancies in the purchase process.
Paul Rowland, the operations director at Home Bargains, highlighted the effectiveness of the technology in comparison to traditional security measures. The retailer’s adoption of AI-driven solutions is part of a broader effort to tackle rising incidents of retail crime, including the launch of a confidential hotline for customers to report shoplifting and other criminal activities at their stores.
By leveraging advanced technology like AI scanners and surveillance systems, retailers are proactively addressing the challenge of theft in the retail sector and enhancing overall security measures to protect their businesses and customers.