High street retailer Next has begun a major crackdown on shoplifting by deploying advanced AI scanners capable of detecting stolen items concealed beneath clothing.
How the AI security technology works
The system, known as the Thruvision Passive Terahertz Screening System, uses artificial intelligence to identify products hidden in undergarments by detecting changes in body heat. This allows security staff to spot items that would normally be invisible to traditional screening methods.
Steve Teatum, Head of Group Loss Prevention at Next, revealed on the Retail Crime Uncovered podcast that the technology specifically targets what staff call 'Mules' - individuals loaded up with stolen merchandise.
Addressing concealed theft methods
"When we first deployed Thruvision, some of the workforce at Next had figured out if they were to conceal items within personal areas of their body," Teatum explained. "There was very low risk of that being detected or dealt with."
He described how thieves were folding items and hiding them in bras and crotch areas, noting: "As gross as that sounds, that was exactly what was happening. Thruvision shone a light on that."
The technology has already proven effective at Next's UK warehouses and distribution centres, where it has successfully reduced theft by staff members attempting to conceal items on their bodies.
Broader retail security trends
Next's implementation of this advanced security measure comes as other major retailers enhance their anti-theft systems. Earlier this year, Tesco introduced VAR-style replays at self-checkouts following successful trials by rival retailers.
A retail source commented on the effectiveness of such measures: "The early indications are that this is working and it is an effective measure. This is different to a live camera because many shoplifters assume nobody is watching."
While acknowledging that determined shoplifters will persist regardless of security measures, the source added that such technologies do provide deterrence, echoing Tesco's famous slogan that "every little helps" in the battle against retail crime.
Steve Teatum confirmed that despite the new technology, people continue attempting to steal using body concealment methods, but noted that "with this technology it's very effective in stopping it."
