Next is currently trialing innovative AI scanners that are capable of identifying stolen items concealed in undergarments.
This cutting-edge technology utilizes body heat detection to identify hidden items such as weapons, explosives, cash, and drugs.
The “Thruvision Passive Terahertz Screening System” has undergone successful 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, as reported by The Sun.
Teatum highlighted the effectiveness of the Thruvision system in detecting items concealed on the body, making it challenging for traditional security measures to identify such hidden objects.
Despite the ongoing attempts at theft through concealment, the technology has proven highly successful in preventing such incidents.
In related news, shoplifting in England and Wales has reached a record high in over two decades, with a 20% increase in offenses reported in the year up to March.
Home Bargains has also adopted advanced AI camera technology to combat theft at self-checkouts by detecting unscanned items. The retailer is collaborating with tech companies SAI and Everseen in a trial initiative.
The AI cameras are designed to detect discrepancies in scans and alert staff to any missed or skipped items at self-checkout stations, thus enhancing theft prevention measures.
Operations director Paul Rowland of Home Bargains expressed that the technology has outperformed traditional security methods in thwarting shoplifting incidents.
This initiative comes in response to the surge in retail crime, with Home Bargains introducing a confidential hotline for customers to report incidents of theft and criminal activities at their stores.