Coles and Woolworths are exploring the use of facial recognition technology in a bid to reduce retail crime in their stores.
The Australian supermarket giants have already improved security by spending tens of millions of dollars on security gates at exits, cameras that monitor the self-checkouts, and body-worn cameras for staff.
However, both are spending more cash on research and testing for the new facial recognition technology, which is being considered as they try to further protect staff, customers and their bottom line.
Retail crime has become a growing concern, particularly in Victoria, with around 100 violent retail crime events recorded across the state every day, according to data from Auror.
The state recorded 4,823 assault and related offences at retail locations in the 12 months to March 2026, with stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour in stores and shopping centres increasing by 10.1 per cent.
The Daily Mail understands that Woolworths has researched the technology in a corporate office in New Zealand.
At the moment, the business has no plans to undertake trials in Australia.
But Woolworths, on the other hand, has also recently completed a trial at its New Zealand office and is seriously considering a wider rollout at stores in Australia.
Coles and Woolworths have tested the use of facial recognition technology in a bid to reduce retail crime in their stores
The technology is being considered to further protect staff and customers, particularly in Victoria
There has been no decision made on whether it will be implemented in Australia.
‘Keeping our team and customers safe is the most important thing we do and we’ve put significant investment towards this,’ a Woolworths spokesman said.
‘While our current safety initiatives are making a difference, we are still seeing a concerning amount of aggression and conflict incidents in our stores on a daily basis, including weapons being presented.’
Consideration of the technology follows rival retailer Bunnings having won its case to use a similar method at its stores in February, 2026.
This was despite Australia’s Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, ruling in 2024 that it had breached privacy laws.
Although the Administrative Review Tribunal cleared Bunnings for their use of artificial intelligence to monitor customers, it required the Wesfarmers-owned retailer to update its privacy policy.
‘We welcome the decision from the Administrative Review Tribunal regarding Bunnings’ past trial of facial recognition technology,’ Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said at the time.
‘Our intent in trialling this technology was to help protect people from violence, abuse, serious criminal conduct and organised retail crime.
The supermarket giants have already improved security by spending tens of millions of dollars on gates at exits, cameras monitoring the bagging area, and body-cameras for staff
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‘The tribunal recognised the need for practical, common-sense steps to keep people safe.
‘It also identified areas where we didn’t get everything right, including around signage, customer information, processes and our privacy policy, and we accept that feedback.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Woolworths for further comment.
