Sainsbury's has introduced a new security feature at its self-service checkouts to combat shoplifting.
The system uses cameras to display a VAR-style replay to customers when items aren't scanned properly.
The technology aims to reduce theft by showing shoppers video evidence of unscanned items in real time.
The camera is positioned directly above the till and packing area, monitoring the scanning process.
When an item is placed in the bagging area without being scanned, the system immediately displays video footage of the incident.
The technology will use camera footage to alert a shopper when an item hasn't been scanned
PACustomers then receive a message stating: "Looks like that last item didn't scan. Please check you scanned it correctly before continuing."
Retail sources have described the measure as "a deterrent to shoplifters". One source told The Sun: "Most people have made a genuine mistake while scanning, which is detected by the scales. It's a more gentle reminder than red flashing lights and a member of staff coming over."
A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "We regularly review the security measures in our stores and our decisions to implement them are based on a range of factors, including offering our customers a smooth checkout experience."
Shoppers' reactions to the new system have been mixed. One customer reported receiving a warning because their packet of basil was "too light".
Another joked: "Thanks to Sainsbury's, I can now re-live and learn from my packing mistakes. I can almost hear Jamie Carragher lamenting my positioning."
A different shopper simply posted to X: "Just open the tills!!"
According to data from the Office of National Statistics, shoplifting offences recorded by police rose by 29 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024.
This increase has pushed shoplifting incidents to a 20-year high, with police logging 516,971 incidents last year compared to 429,873 in 2023.
Supermarkets across the UK began implementing additional security measures when prices started rising in 2022.
The new security measure has been introduced to deter shoplifters
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These include adding security tags to products, placing items in security boxes, displaying empty packaging on shelves, limiting stock quantities, and requiring customers to scan receipts before exiting stores.
Tom Ironside, of the British Retail Consortium, said shoplifting is costing firms £2billion a year.
Sainsbury's has not confirmed how many of its UK supermarket stores have implemented this new camera system.
The supermarket chain has also not indicated whether the technology will eventually be rolled out across its entire estate.
