Overview

• Tesco has rolled out overhead cameras at select self-service checkouts to replay footage of items that fail to scan.
• Shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales reached 516,971 in 2024, a 20% rise from 2023.
• Social media users have mocked the system as “VAR for veg,” comparing its replays to football review technology.
• Some customers complain that the instant replays have slowed transactions and lengthened queues over minor scanning errors.
• Frontline staff report feeling like referees or security guards as they monitor multiple checkouts and enforce scanning rules.