Next is trialing advanced AI scanners to detect stolen items concealed in undergarments, such as bras and underwear. The technology identifies changes in body heat, enabling it to uncover hidden weapons, explosives, cash, and drugs.
The “Thruvision Passive Terahertz Screening System” has undergone testing in Next UK warehouses and distribution centers and may soon be implemented in stores. Steve Teatum, Head of Group Loss Prevention at Next, discussed this innovative system on the Retail Crime Uncovered podcast.
Teatum mentioned that the technology has been instrumental in thwarting theft attempts where individuals concealed items in personal areas of their body. He highlighted the effectiveness of Thruvision in detecting hidden items that traditional security screenings might overlook.
Shoplifting in England and Wales has surged to a record high, with over 530,000 offenses reported in the year up to March, marking a 20% increase. Home Bargains has adopted AI cameras to combat theft at self-checkouts by identifying unscanned items, in collaboration with tech companies SAI and Everseen.
These cameras are designed to detect “misscans” and “skip scans” at self-checkouts, alerting staff to discrepancies in scanned items. Home Bargains’ operations director, Paul Rowland, emphasized the superior efficiency of technology over security personnel in preventing theft incidents.
This initiative aims to tackle the rising trend of retail crime, with Home Bargains also introducing a confidential hotline for customers to report shoplifting and criminal activities in their stores.