The trial took place across 25 stores during a six-month period. The technology produced more than 1,700 ‘alerts’ with only one reported case of misidentification.
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young explained that early results suggest the trial reduced harmful incidents, including physical and verbal abuse.
“Over a third of offences in retail are caused by recidivous offenders. Facial recognition has assisted participating stores to identify who is in their store, enabling a pro-active approach to decisions on how to act,” she explained.
“Evidence tells us that early identification of who is in a store assists in maintaining a safe working environment. The trial showed that actions taken in-store can range from observation to asking an individual to leave to no action at all.”
Several high-profile jewellery store robberies in New Zealand have made international headlines over the past year. Among them was a dramatic siege of a Michael Hill store and the robbery of Partridge Jewellers in Newmarket twice in nine days.
The New Zealand Government recently appointed four new members to the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime. Among them was Michael Bell, a national retail manager in New Zealand for Michael Hill International.
“The rise in retail crime means that all retailers are considering what actions they can take to keep their staff, customers and stores safe. Facial recognition is one tool that can assist with improving safety in store,” Young continued.
“If you know who is in store you can have a plan to manage those situations, however, more work is needed on legislation to support retailers in the fight against crime, but we believe that technology is a critical part of that solution.”
The New Zealand government announced upcoming reforms to address severe retail crime earlier this year; however, industry representatives remained critical.
More reading
New Zealand: Retailers make startling admissions
Harsher penalties for crimes against retail employees, jewellery store staff
Jewellery industry represented in New Zealand crime advisory group
Jewellery retailers warned about elaborate crime spree
Enough is enough: New Zealand retailers demand help
Turning point: Sentence handed down for high-profile jewellery store robbery