DAVE & DUJANOVIC

Shoplifting continues to grow nationally, facial recognition may help

Mar 20, 2023, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:00 pm

As shoplifting is on the rise in the United States, retailers small and large look into using facia...

In this July 30, 2019, photo, Paul Hildreth, emergency operations coordinator for the Fulton County School District, works in the emergency operations center at the Fulton County School District Administration Center in Atlanta. Artificial Intelligence is transforming surveillance cameras from passive sentries into active observers that can immediately spot a gunman, alert retailers when someone is shoplifting and help police quickly find suspects. Schools, such as the Fulton County School District, are among the most enthusiastic adopters of the technology. (AP Photo/Cody Jackson)

(AP Photo/Cody Jackson)

SALT LAKE CITY — Shoplifting has proven to be a major issue not only in Utah but in the United States as a whole. 

Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic, with D2 on KSL Newsradio, discuss the growing issue and possible solutions on their latest episode with Jim Ryan, ABC News Correspondent in Dallas.

Ryan said the main takeaway is companies need to figure out a way to curb shoplifting, especially the habitual ones.

According to Ryan, companies should turn to technological advancements. 

“Dropping in and taking a look at technology, that’s what stores both large and small are doing now,” Ryan told Dave and Dujanovic. 

Ryan further explains that the need for this comes from the growing number of theft costs.

Theft is on the rise, facial recognition can help

Specifically, the National Retail Federation reported $95 billion in theft at retailers in 2021. That number is a 4% increase from the previous year. Numbers for the 2022 year have not been released.

“A lot of it is policy in some communities, they’ve reduced the penalties, they’ve raised the bar for misdemeanor crimes, that is ticket-able offenses, you walk in, you steal less than $1000 worth of stuff, then your hit with a ticket. You’re not going to jail, there won’t be any sort of long-term impact, even on your legal status,” Ryan said. 

Therefore, large and small companies are implementing facial recognition in stores to combat the growing number of theft. 

“Now they’re equipping [security cameras] with facial recognition,” Ryan tells Dave and Dujanovic. 

Facial recognition gives retailers a better chance of catching someone shoplifting by being able to recognize and record who enters and leaves the store chronologically. 

“At a local retailer, somebody tries to come in and they’ve previously stolen something from that store, the security might say you can’t come,” said Ryan. 

Therefore, not only would facial recognition stop shoplifters in their tracks but would act as a preventative measure as well. That said, Ryan said the technology isn’t full-proof. 

“It can make mistakes, it could mistake you for me or me for you,” he said. 

Privacy advocates have an issue with their photos being in a giant database or criminal computer. 

Another issue people are concerned with, regarding the technology, is racial bias. 

“It may pick up on somebody’s skin color, or may look at different features of that person and base it purely on race. Black and Hispanic people have been dealing with this kind of thing for decades. Walking into a store and being followed around by security,” Ryan told Dave and Dujanovic. 

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Dave & Dujanovic

1040 form shown, tax refund season is here...

Sam Herrera

Should you spend or save your tax refund?

Filing your taxes can be a headache but figuring out how to spend your tax refund might be a headache in its own right.

15 hours ago

A woman in SLC was a victim of a hit-and-run on March 11....

KSL NewsRadio

S.L. County DA says driver in hit-and-run crashes stalked victims

The Salt Lake County district attorney said the driver allegedly involved in a series of hit-and-run crashes intentionally targeted his female victims

23 hours ago

The icon for the video sharing TikTok app is seen on a smartphone, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Townshi...

Curt Gresseth

Utah mom fears loss of followers and income if TikTok sold

A Utah TikTok creator talks about what banning the app in the U.S. would do to her family's primary source of income.

5 days ago

Join KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services on March 28, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 ...

Emily Ashmead

Tails of Hope: KSL NewsRadio live from Salt Lake County Animal Services

This special broadcast of Dave & Dujanovic will cover what changes will be made to Utah animal shelters to accommodate the newest regulations.

7 days ago

fixer-upper...

Curt Gresseth

Can’t afford new home? Would you renovate a fixer-upper?

Is it worth the work and money to attempt to renovate a fixer-upper home? Realtor discusses pros and cons.

8 days ago

tuition...

Curt Gresseth

How to take a big bite out of tuition costs in Utah

The University of Utah, Utah State University, Southern Utah University and Salt Lake Community College are all seeking approval for tuition increases for next year. But colleges and universities in the state offer tuition benefits for employees, spouse and dependent children under 26.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Shoplifting continues to grow nationally, facial recognition may help