Tesco is taking bold steps to tackle rising shoplifting by rolling out high-tech security measures in some of its UK stores.
The retailer’s new “Scan As You Shop” (SAYS) pay points, described by some as “Heathrow-level” and even “dystopian,” are designed to speed up shopping while reducing theft — though they have sparked mixed reactions among customers.
New Technology Arrives in Slough
The Slough branch in London is the latest Tesco store to trial these futuristic scanning devices.
Shoppers pick up a handheld scanner on entry, scan each item as they go, and pay without needing to queue at traditional checkouts.
Occasionally, customers are randomly selected for a “service check,” where staff ensure all items have been scanned correctly.
Trolleys may also be weighed to match the scanned items.
Mixed Reactions from Shoppers
The new system has divided opinion. Some shoppers appreciate the convenience and efficiency, while others liken it to airport security or even a prison system.
Social media users have reacted strongly — one person commented, “The UK is slowly turning into one big corporate prison system,” while another simply said, “UK turning into a prison.”
A TikTok video by Ana Lazarus highlighted the imposing setup in Slough, calling it Tesco’s “avant-garde edge with Heathrow level security checkout.”
Streamlining Checkout and Reducing Theft
Tesco says the SAYS system aims to reduce manual checks, cut queuing times, and streamline the checkout experience.
A company spokesperson explained, “We’re running a trial in a very small number of stores to help our Scan as You Shop customers make sure they haven’t missed any items when scanning.”
This comes as retailers nationwide continue to combat audacious shoplifting incidents.
Supporters Defend the Security Measures
Not everyone is critical. Some shoppers argue that such measures are necessary, particularly in areas with high theft rates.
“If you’ve ever been to Slough, you 100% understand why they’re needed,” one person commented online, while another said, “You should only be complaining if you’re a thief.”
Tesco Faces Backlash Over Previous Accusations
The high-tech security rollout comes after Tesco faced criticism over a shoplifting accusation mishap.
Political consultant Andrew Kennedy shared a humiliating experience at the Hurst Park branch in Surrey, where staff wrongly claimed he hadn’t paid at a self-checkout.
Despite showing proof of payment via his banking app, he was pressured to pay again and told he needed to make a 120-mile round trip to receive a refund.
Tesco Issues Apology and Charity Donation
Following Kennedy’s posts, Tesco apologized, confirmed the issue was caused by a fault with the scanning device, and pledged a £100 donation to the mental health charity Young Minds.
Kennedy praised the response, noting the apology was genuine and that the company had acted to make amends, including providing a gift card and retraining staff on respectful customer interactions.
Balancing Technology and Customer Experience
Tesco’s new scanning system highlights the delicate balance between using technology to prevent theft and ensuring customers feel respected and safe.
While some see SAYS as a necessary evolution, others remain wary of a checkout experience that feels increasingly monitored and impersonal.