Lidl is latest supermarket to trial AI cameras as shoplifting offences soar - despite Tesco controversy

The discount retailer is exploring the use of AI surveillance systems in two London locations, though the company has not announced plans for wider implementation.

The move follows Tesco's introduction of similar technology in May, which faced mockery on social media due to comparisons with Video Assistant Referee systems used in football.

Sainsbury's also implemented AI recognition technology in selected stores as retailers increasingly turn to technological solutions to combat rising theft.

The technology employs overhead cameras positioned above self-checkouts to monitor when customers fail to scan items correctly.

When the system detects a potential theft, it automatically replays real-time footage of the unscanned item before allowing the customer to complete their payment.

This surveillance method has earned the nickname "supermarket VAR" due to its similarity to video review systems in football matches.

"VAR Decision Tuna Disallowed," one commenter joked when the cameras were rolled out in selected Tesco stores.

The AI-powered cameras represent retailers' latest attempt to address security concerns as they increasingly rely on self-service checkouts rather than traditional staffed tills.

At the time it was implemented, a Tesco spokesperson said: "We are always looking at technology to make life easier for our customers.

"We have recently installed a new system at some stores which helps customers using self-service checkouts identify if an item has not been scanned properly, making the checkout process quicker and easier."

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A retail source added: "This is different to a live camera because many shoplifters assume nobody is watching.

"If your attempted theft has been clipped up and replayed to you seconds later, you know you might only have two options. One is to pay, and the other is to get caught."

The surge in retail theft comes as official figures reveal shoplifting offences have reached their highest level since current recording methods began in 2003.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows incidents recorded by police in England and Wales increased by 20 per cent to 515,971 in 2024.

These record-breaking figures have prompted retailers across the country to explore new security measures, including the controversial AI surveillance systems now being tested in major supermarket chains.

Tesco's surveillance measures sparked public backlash, with critics expressing concerns about privacy invasion.

One commentator voiced fears about escalating surveillance, asking: "What's next? Drones to follow… you about the store?"

"You have cameras following you everywhere in the store, but this is simply too invasive," another concerned shopper told the BBC.

However, not all feedback was negative. One anonymous Tesco employee told the BBC they were grateful for the addition of the new tech.

Working on self-service, they often felt they "doubled up as a security guard", so the AI intervention proved helpful.