British retailer Sainsbury’s has started a trial of biometric recognition technology in two stores, located in Sydenham, South London, and Bath, in the South West of England. The technology comes from Facewatch, a UK-based security company offering a cloud-based facial recognition system tailored for retail loss prevention.
The platform operates via a shared national database, accessible to subscribing retailers. Previous deployments in other UK stores have reportedly reduced crime by up to 70 per cent. Facewatch clients include several UK grocers, such as Spar, Costcutter, Iceland, and Southern Co-op.
In practice, customers entering a store have their faces scanned in real time and compared against a watchlist of individuals with a history of violence, aggression or theft. If a match occurs, staff are alerted. All other images are deleted. The technology provider emphasises compliance with UK data protection law, ensuring the security and minimisation of personal data.
Staff alerted within seconds
A key strength of the system is that it supports existing CCTV and IP cameras and is IoT-enabled, allowing images to be transmitted securely to Facewatch’s centralised, encrypted cloud servers for near-instant processing. Alerts are delivered to staff within seconds.
Sainsbury’s stresses that the technology complements existing security measures aimed at strengthening retail security. These include body-worn cameras, protective screens, exit barriers and in-store detectives.
A controverted safety tool
Sainsbury’s highlights that the system is designed to enhance safety without undermining customer trust. All alerts are reviewed by the personnel rather than the technology. Trial stores are clearly signed to inform customers.
Nonetheless, facial recognition remains a controversial tool, with critics such as the Big Brother Watch organisation noting that individuals may reportedly be added to Facewatch watchlist without investigation or conviction, potentially leading to customers being erroneously denied access to stores equipped with this technology.
