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Tesco Launches 10-Week Auror Crime-Intelligence Pilot in 40 Stores Starting Monday

A response to surging abuse of retail staff, the trial focuses on faster reporting to build stronger cases.

Overview

  • The pilot begins Monday and runs across 40 stores in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, with incidents reviewed by trained colleagues at Tesco’s Daventry Security Hub.
  • Live CCTV monitoring and live facial recognition will not be used during the trial, though still images may be analysed retrospectively as part of investigations.
  • Tesco says the platform is intended to improve colleague safety by identifying repeat and dangerous offenders and by strengthening support for police inquiries.
  • Auror is already used by several retailers and UK police forces, and the company reports that the most prolific 10% of offenders account for 70% of retail crime and about one in 10 incidents involve weapons.
  • The move follows tens of millions of pounds invested in security measures such as body-worn cameras, more security officers, protective barriers and controlled entry, and it could be expanded if effective.