Overview

• Tesco confirmed a small-scale pilot using security-style gates for Scan as You Shop customers, with the trial running in five UK stores.
• The setup was filmed at a Slough branch and drew mixed reactions online, with some calling it prison-like and others backing tougher measures.
• Tesco says the system is designed to cut manual spot checks, shorten queues, and streamline the checkout experience.
• Under the test, baskets are weighed to ensure items have been scanned correctly, adding an automated verification step before exit.
• The move comes as retailers try new tactics to curb theft, with Sainsbury’s testing facial-recognition for serious offenders and Greggs shifting popular items behind counters; Tesco recently apologised after a Scan as You Shop handset fault led to a wrongful accusation.