TESCO shoppers have been left stunned after finding a futuristic security system to prevent booze shoplifting.
The weird tech works by asking shoppers to use the digital touchscreen and complete a “four-step process” to open the cabinets.
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It can also reportedly send alerts if “suspicious behaviour” is detected.
Footage shows the machine first asking to tap an arrow on the screen to access the goods.
Second, it says it is processing the request.
Third, shoppers have to wait for the machine to ‘process’ before having access.
Finally, the cabinet opens for shoppers to take what they’d like.
Reportedly dubbed the ‘Freedom Case’, the new equipment can reportedly track when items have been taken out, how many times the cabinet’s been opened and for the length of time.
Creators of the machine Indyme say the unit used AI and built-in sensors to allegedly identify potential thefts.
It is believed to have been introduced in some larger Tesco stores in Purley and Croydon, south London.
Users were left baffled in the comments. One said: “How does this stop someone picking a bottle up and legging it out of the shop without paying though?”
Another said: “So like an alcohol vending machine nearly.. Good idea”
And: “I remember when everything was behind a counter.”
One comment was confused as to what the machine did: “Processing your request?? Mate what is it processing??”
It comes as Tesco has been seen locking up everyday items in a bid to foil shoplifters.
Shoppers have been left fuming over a drastic security measure during the shoplifting epidemic.
One shock survey has revealed that almost half of UK adults steal from supermarkets.
Meanwhile, The British Retail Consortium said thefts have cost retailers around £1.8billion in 2022-23, up from £953million the previous year.
In a desperate attempt to deter customers from pinching goods, Tesco has been wrapping items in nets.
And sweet treats have become the latest target of thieves as the supermarket had to put security tags on beloved Heroes and Celebrations boxes.
One eagle-eyed shopper has spotted fan-favourite chocolates wrapped in the protective netting.
In a post, they wrote: “Broken Britain. What is it coming to when Tesco have to put security tags on Hero’s and Celebrations?”
Tesco added that certain items may be protected from theft at specific stores if needed.
Previously, the supermarket giant had to put security sleeves over the expensive bottles of extra virgin oil.
Tesco’s has been approached for comment.
Britain’s shoplifting epidemic exposed
PUBS are flogging stolen goods and crooks are using WHEELIE BINS to raid stores as a shoplifting epidemic plagues Britain.
A shocking report has laid bare a “state of lawlessness” in the UK – the likes of which have never been seen before.
Criminal gangs are now using builder’s sacks, bins and suitcases in order to swipe more goods from shops, The Times reports.
The brazen thieves don’t even bother to hide their crimes and instead simply walk out of shops with a basket full of stolen items.
Some of the goods are stolen to order by criminal gangs or appear on Facebook Marketplace – sometimes within just hours.
The report by Emmeline Taylor, a professor of criminology at City, University of London, in partnership with Co-op cited one example of a woman who was flogging stolen items just ten minutes after a raid.
Another group was selling products on Marketplace for a fraction of the retail price.
The damning report also revealed staff are at a loss over how to deal with thieves.
Some claimed they had been reprimanded by police for even reporting shoplifters, while others are left in fear of reprisals if they speak out against an offender.
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