Iceland makes major change in stores to crackdown on theft and violence
The supermarket is introducing facial recognition technology at its tills
The cameras could be rolled out across the UK
(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images )
Iceland is implementing facial recognition technology at its tills as part of a significant shake-up of its checkout processes. The move is in response to efforts to combat theft and violence targeting staff, with two outlets already piloting the system.
The installation involves cameras scanning customer faces and comparing them to a database of known troublemakers, which in turn alerts store employees when there's a match. Should the trials prove successful, Iceland could extend this facility across stores.
Facewatch is also used by many other retailers including Home Bargains, B&M, and members of the Frasers Group such as Flannels, House of Fraser, Sports Direct, and Evans Cycles, reports the Mirror.
An Iceland spokesperson commented: "Following a robust due diligence process, we can confirm that our facial recognition trial is now live in two stores and will expand further this year.
"This is part of our continued investment into tackling violent retail crime and protecting the safety of our colleagues and customers."
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Earlier this year, the firm unveiled plans to open 20 new Iceland and Food Warehouse stores, and has also launched a new £100 million distribution centre spanning 500,000 square feet in Warrington.
The Omega Park Site in Warrington, which commenced operations in partnership with GXO in February, supplies approximately 350 Iceland stores across Wales, the north west of England and the Scottish borders.
In December Iceland launched an initiative to help older people.
It gives those over 60 a 10% discount every Tuesday across Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores without a minimum spend.
To claim the discount shoppers simply need to show a valid ID be it a senior bus pass, driver's licence, senior railcard, or a freedom pass.
Richard Walker, the managing director at Iceland, said: "We are so pleased with how well the over-60s discount has been received by the public and love hearing stories from customers who are benefiting from the discount.
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"The cost of living crisis continues to cause distress in the everyday lives of these customers and that's why we want to keep doing what we can to support them."
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