Shoplifters face music

Sainsbury's slashes offending with facial recognition tech

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT Business and Consumer Editor

BRITAIN'S second biggest supermarket chain has reported a “seismic” drop in shoplifting after installing facial recognition technology.

Sainsbury's said there had been a 46% fall in reported thefts and antisocial behaviour and aggression to staff in stores using the software.

There was also a 92% slump in offenders returning to the shops.

As a result of the trial at two branches, the company is rolling out the tech to more.

Sainsbury's boss Simon Roberts said: "When colleagues in our stores tell us they are worried about their physical safety, we have a duty to act.