![\"Asda](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_EGR_210325asda_09.jpg\")
Asda launches facial recognition in five Greater Manchester stores to tackle shoplifting and assaults(Image: Manchester Family \/ MEN)<\/p>\nAsda\u2019s CCTV network will scan images and alert security when there is a threatAsda launches facial recognition in five Greater Manchester stores to tackle shoplifting and assaults(Image: Manchester Family \/ MEN)<\/p>\n
Five Greater Manchester Asda stores have become the first to use facial recognition in a crackdown on shoplifting and abuse.<\/p>\n
The technology is being trialled in stores from Monday, March 31, in a bid to improve colleague and customer safety in store.<\/p>\n
The trial comes at a time when retailers are facing ‘an epidemic of retail crime’. According to the BRC trade body, there are more than 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers every day \u2013 a threefold increase since 2020.<\/p>\n
Asda<\/a> itself recorded circa 1,400 assaults on colleagues last year, an average of four per day.<\/p>\n The trial will take place at stores in Ashton<\/a>, Chadderton<\/a>, Harpurhey<\/a>, Eastlands<\/a> and Trafford<\/a> Park for an initial period of two months and the results assessed before any decision is taken on whether to extend the trial or roll it out to further locations.<\/p>\n The technology is integrated into Asda\u2019s existing CCTV network and works by scanning images and comparing the results to a known list of individuals who have previously committed criminal activity on an Asda site.<\/p>\n![\"Asda](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_EGR041122AsdaPrime_04jpeg.jpg\")
Asda Trafford Park is one of the stores where the technology is being used (Image: Manchester Family \/ MEN)<\/p>\n