Tesco trials new crime reporting platform to deter retail crime and keep colleagues, customers and local communities safe

From Monday 26 January, Tesco will be trialling a new crime reporting platform across 40 of its stores.

The 10-week trial will be conducted across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, with the aim of driving down retail crime, protecting colleagues and increasing collaboration with the police and the wider retail industry. 

While even one incident is one too many, retail crime has continued to escalate sharply across the industry, with the latest BRC Crime Survey reporting that incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers now surpass 2,000 a day.  

The Auror platform, which is already used by several retailers and UK police forces, will make it easier and quicker for colleagues to report security incidents. By bringing all the data and information into a single source, this simplifies the process for retailers and the police to build, manage, track, and resolve cases faster.

Rachel Bennett, Security Director at Tesco, said: “This trial will help us improve colleague safety and tackle abuse and violent behaviour by identifying repeat and dangerous offenders, and assisting police with their investigations.

“The investments we are making in improving safety across our store network will ensure that we not only lead the way in tackling the symptoms of retail crime, but drive collaboration right across the retail sector to deter would-be criminals."

Mark Gleeson, VP UK and Europe at Auror said: “We’re delighted to partner with Tesco to help build on the work they’re doing to keep their stores safe, and address the issue of violent and organised retail crime”.

“Auror’s software will give store teams a structured and consistent way to record crime after it occurs. This will help Tesco to better connect the dots on prolific offenders across multiple locations, and provides the information they need to make informed decisions to enhance colleague safety and collaborate with police.

“By using Auror, Tesco are joining the world’s largest network of leading retailers - all helping to surface the scale and severity of retail crime offending. Across the UK, the top 10% of offenders are causing 70% of the crime, and one in every 10 retail crime events are violent or involve weapons.”

During the trial, CCTV footage of serious incidents and theft will be reviewed by specifically trained colleagues at the Tesco Security Hub in Daventry. Where necessary, CCTV still images may be analysed retrospectively using non-live facial recognition, as part of an investigation.  

Live CCTV images will not be reviewed as part of this trial and Tesco colleagues and customers are not being scanned by live facial recognition.

Tesco has invested tens of millions of pounds over the last four years in a range of security measures, including investing at its highest ever rates in security officers and in practical measures such as body worn cameras, protective screens, additional mobile security officer support, and door entry systems. 

Auror is one of a number of global technology companies that Tesco, along with four other leading grocery companies globally, has invested in through the W23 Global venture fund. Launched in April 2024, the fund invests in tech-driven start-ups and scale-ups that improve customer experience, boost productivity, and address sustainability in the grocery sector. 

Recently, Tesco became the first major UK retailer to roll out body worn cameras to help its delivery drivers feel safer at work. Additionally, Tesco continues to advocate for the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers and make the case for Dotcom delivery drivers to be included in the scope of that offence.