Australian supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles are investigating the use of facial recognition technology as a measure to combat rising retail crime. This exploration follows significant investments in other security upgrades, including exit gates, self-checkout monitoring cameras, and staff body cameras, totaling tens of millions of dollars.
The move comes as retail crime becomes a growing concern, particularly in Victoria, where approximately 100 violent retail crime incidents are recorded daily, according to data from Auror. In the 12 months leading up to March 2026, Victoria reported 4,823 assault and related offenses at retail locations, with a 10.1% increase in stalking, harassment, and threatening behavior in stores and shopping centers.
Coles has reportedly researched the technology at a corporate office in New Zealand but has no immediate plans for trials in Australia. Woolworths, however, has completed a trial at its New Zealand office and is actively considering a broader rollout in Australian stores. A spokesperson for Woolworths stated that while current safety initiatives are effective, there remains a concerning daily incidence of aggression and conflict, including the presentation of weapons.
These considerations by Woolworths and Coles occur after a similar technology was approved for use by rival retailer Bunnings in February 2026. Despite an earlier ruling by Australia's Privacy Commissioner in 2024 that Bunnings had breached privacy laws, the Administrative Review Tribunal cleared their use of artificial intelligence for customer monitoring. However, the tribunal mandated that Bunnings update its privacy policy, acknowledging areas for improvement in signage, customer information, processes, and the policy itself. Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider expressed welcome for the decision, emphasizing the intent to protect people from violence, abuse, and organized retail crime.
No final decisions have been made regarding the implementation of facial recognition technology in Australian stores by either Coles or Woolworths.