Tesco’s major crackdown as changes to hit 40 stores in UK

Shoppers and staff at Tesco are set to notice changes rolling out in stores over the coming days, as the supermarket giant steps up efforts to tackle a growing nationwide problem. The major shift comes as abuse against retail workers continues to soar across the UK, with more than 2,000 incidents occurring every day.

From January 26, the supermarket will begin a 10-week trial across 40 stores in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, introducing new technology designed to clamp down on theft and violence. The trial will use the Auror crime reporting platform, already adopted by other retailers and UK police forces, which will allow store teams to log incidents more quickly and consistently.

What is the new crime system?

By bringing intelligence into one system, the technology aims to help retailers and police identify repeat offenders and resolve cases faster. Auror said the system will help “connect the dots” on prolific offenders operating across multiple locations.

Mark Gleeson, VP in UK and Europe at Auror, commented: “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.” During the trial, CCTV footage of serious incidents and thefts will be reviewed by trained staff at Tesco’s Security Hub in Daventry.

Still images may be reviewed retrospectively using non-live facial recognition. The supermarket urges that live facial recognition will not be used, and customers and staff will not be scanned in real time.

Security Director at Tesco, Rachel Bennett, commented: “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.”

Tesco has invested tens of millions of pounds in security measures over the past four years. This includes record spending on security officers, body-worn cameras, protective screens, door-entry systems, and mobile patrols. 

The supermarket is said to continue to campaign for a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers and wants delivery drivers included in any future legal protections.