The high-tech fight against shoplifters | FT #shorts

Retail Industry Challenges - Shoplifting has surged due to high inflation impacting consumer spending power [1] - Shoplifting in the UK reached a record 22 billion (2.2%) last year, accompanied by rising crime levels and violence against staff [1] - Retailers face the challenge of balancing security measures with customer experience and privacy [3] - Retailers must weigh the cost of interventions against losses from theft [4] Law Enforcement & Retailer Response - Many retailers express concern over the lack of enforcement from thinly resourced police, contributing to the shoplifting issue [2] - Early signs indicate that some recent policing initiatives are working to combat the escalating crisis [2] - Retailers are implementing new measures, such as computer vision at checkouts, to combat theft [3]