In a bold move aimed at bolstering security and safeguarding both staff and customers, Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI), the 100% NZ-owned co-operative overseeing over 300 grocers, has commenced a six-month trial of facial recognition (FR) technology in up to 25 North Island stores, including PAK’nSAVE and New World supermarkets.

Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island, highlighted the growing concern of retail crime, stating, “Our North Island stores recorded 4,719 incidents in the October-December quarter of 2023 alone, a 34% increase from the previous quarter. Shockingly, serious incidents, including assaults, are occurring at an average of over 14 per week.”

The implementation of FR aims to identify and deter repeat offenders, creating a safer shopping environment.

The trial involves FR matching the faces of individuals entering a store against the store’s record of offenders and accomplices.

Images are instantly deleted unless linked to a crime or aggressive behaviour towards staff or customers.

The FR system must achieve a 90% facial match, and verification by two trained team members is required before any action is taken.

Addressing privacy concerns, Julian Benefield, Foodstuffs North Island’s General Counsel, assured that planning for the trial included third-party oversight and consultation with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

The FR system will be subject to strict access controls, with only authorised and trained team members having access.

Images not matching the record of offenders will be instantly deleted, and no information will be shared between stores or with third parties, except when required by law.

Benefield emphasised, “Our FR trial is solely about retail safety and security, learning if FR can help us better identify repeat offenders. If successful, it will determine whether FR is used more widely within the co-operative on an ongoing basis.”

The trial, initiated on February 8, 2024, includes a control group of at least 25 stores without FR, allowing a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness in reducing retail crime and ensuring the safety of customers and staff.

As the trial unfolds, Foodstuffs North Island encourages customers to provide feedback, emphasising their commitment to maintaining a balance between security and privacy.

For further information or to share thoughts, customers can visit the official Foodstuffs North Island website or contact their customer service.