Retailers should avoid rushing into costly tech investments to deter shop theft and instead focus on customer-friendly solutions, an industry expert has warned. 

The comment comes after some customers were left frustrated and confused by new digitally-operated cabinets installed in more than 50 Tesco stores. 

The cabinets, fitted along its alcohol aisles, are operated by customers via a keypad. An alarm sounds if a door is left open for more than seven seconds. But some customers have taken to social media reporting that the cabinets take too long to open. Others have assumed they are operated via facial recognition technology – a rumour which Tesco has since denied. 

Daryl Bedford, sales director at Harrison Retail, who design product displays, said that instead of investing in advanced systems, retailers should look to striking a balance between a customer-friendly solutions and robust systems. 

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“Retailers must employ a a multi-layered loss prevention strategy that considers store layouts and fixtures,” Bedford said.

“Point-of-sale loss prevention solutions, when implemented correctly can be equally effective at deterring criminals. Bespoke shelf solutions, including automated pusher systems that control stock retrieval or gravity risers that limit shelf access, are great examples of solutions that simultaneously protect inventory and maintain a positive shopping experience for customers.” 

According to the British Retail Consortium, the cost of theft to retailers has reached an unprecedented level, surpassing £1bn for the first time. 

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