AI camera software alerts shop staff to possible shoplifters

The Jumbo supermarket group is testing out smart surveillance cameras in some stores in the Netherlands as part of a package of measures to cut back on shoplifting.

The number 2 Dutch food retailer said last month that shoplifting cost it €100 million last year and that it planned to take action. Shoplifting is a major problem in the retail sector and Jumbo estimates that €1 in goods is taken for every €100 spent.

The AI software, which plugs into existing security cameras, comes from French firm Veesion and works by alerting supermarket to staff instantly to shoppers who make “suspicious movements”.

The cameras are being tested in a number of Jumbo-owned supermarkets in the Netherlands and if they work, their use will be expanded to Belgium. The company claims 110 supermarkets in the Netherlands are already using its technology, RTL Nieuws reported.

“We used to have to look at surveillance camera footage if we suspected someone had stolen something and that took a lot of time,” one Jumbo franchise owner said. “With this system, you know what is happening now, not 30 minutes ago.”

Veesion claims that thousands of retailers around the world are reducing shoplifting by up to 60% by using the cameras.

Jumbo said earlier this month the trial with AI will last for three months. Plus and Albert Heijn declined to answer questions from RTL Nieuws about their use of the technology. Aldi said it did not use it and Spar said it was looking into the option.