Latest news with #anti-theft
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Big Take: Even Retailers Hate Those Locked Shelves
If you've been to a store like CVS, Walgreens or Target in the last few years, you may have noticed a trend: more and more essentials are locked up behind plexiglass walls. The strategy started as an anti-theft measure. But there's little evidence that it's worked. On today's Big Take podcast, Bloomberg's Amanda Mull takes host Sarah Holder through the causes and consequences of the retail lock-up era — and how it's changed the way we shop.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Everyone Hates Locked Shelves. Even the Retailers.
By and Sarah Holder Save Never miss an episode. Follow The Big Take daily podcast today. If you've been to a store like CVS, Walgreens or Target in the last few years, you may have noticed a trend: more and more essentials are locked up behind plexiglass walls. The strategy started as an anti-theft measure. But there's little evidence that it's worked.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Second UK supermarket introduces ‘checkout VAR' after widely-mocked Tesco scheme
Lidl has become the second retailer in the UK to introduce a new anti-theft software that has been dubbed 'supermarket VAR '. In a bid to reduce shoplifting, the store has installed overhead cameras at its self-checkouts, to identify when a customer has failed to scan an item properly. When it picks up on a potential theft, it replays a life-action recording of the item not scanning before the shopper can pay. It follows a similar move by Tesco in May, which was widely mocked on social media after the scheme was compared to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology used in football matches. Sainsbury's has also rolled out AI recognition in some of its stores in order to boost security measures, while Lidl has introduced the cameras in two of their London stores. It comes as shoplifting offences reach a record high with figures from the Office for National Statistics showing that incidents recorded by police in England and Wales rose 20 per cent to 515,971 in 2024. The figure is the highest since current police recording practices began in the year to March 2003, with the ONS stating there had been a 'sharp rise' since the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, the new technology was widely criticised in May, with one commentator voicing fears that it could pave the path for more surveillance measures: 'What's next? Drones to follow.... you about the store?'. Another joked "VAR Decision – Tuna Disallowed' in a video that has since gained more than 3.5 million views. In an interview with the BBC, one shopper said: "Yes, you have cameras following you everywhere in the store, but this is simply too invasive. "If stores are so paranoid about shoppers stealing goods, then they should go back to staffed tills instead of wasting money on this invasive technology." Reacting to the high shoplifting figures, Tom Ironside from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said retail crime is continuing to 'spiral out of control' with shop theft costing retailers more than £2.2 billion a year. The director of business and regulation at the BRC said: 'While retailers are spending £1.8 billion on anti-crime measures, thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive, resulting in an increase in violence and abuse against staff. 'It is vital we see more police resource allocated to tackle this epidemic of crime.'
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Was Pickpocketed in Europe, so I'm Eyeing These 10 Prime Day Anti-theft Deals for My Next Trip—From $10
After getting pickpocketed in Europe a few years ago, I've made it a mission to never travel unprepared again—and to help others avoid the same fate. It's one of those things you never think will happen to you…until it does. Since then, I've learned how smart travel accessories can make a big difference, especially when you're in busy cities, packed train stations, or tourist-heavy spots. In honor of Amazon Prime Day, I've rounded up the best anti-theft device deals worth grabbing while they're still on sale. Whether you're heading abroad this summer or just navigating a busy city day-to-day, these travel-friendly finds—from anti-theft crossbody bags to RFID-blocking passport holders—are designed to keep your belongings safe and your mind at ease. Prices start at just $10, so there's no reason not to stock up. This isn't just any crossbody—it's a stealth security system in disguise. Travelon's best-selling messenger bag features a five-point anti-theft design, including slash-resistant mesh panels, locking zippers, and an RFID-blocking organizer to guard your cards and passport. It's the kind of hands-free essential you'll want on everything from city strolls to travel days—and it's 56 percent off for Prime Day. Whether it's your checked bag, carry-on, or wallet, Apple AirTags give you instant peace of mind. Just tuck one into your item and track it right from your phone. You can even make it ring if it's nearby. They're travel must-haves for good reason—and right now, you can score a four-pack for $31 off. The perfect accessory to accompany your AirTags, these silicone mounts make it easy to stick them just about anywhere: think remotes, cameras, passports, or even your suitcase lining. They're low-profile and ultra-secure, so you can stop worrying about misplacing your stuff while on the go. Keep opportunistic hands out of your luggage with the Sure Lock TSA-friendly locks. Made from flexible, heavy-duty cable and durable zinc alloy, they're great for suitcases, backpacks, gym bags, and even tents and lockers. Setting a custom combo is easy, and they're nearly TK percent off for Prime Day. Protect your most important document in style. This RFID-blocking passport holder keeps your credit cards and boarding pass organized in one sleek, snap-button case. Reviewers love how thin and travel-friendly it is, and the $10 Prime Day price tag makes it a smart gift for any jet-setter. This compact lockbox protects valuables like phones, passports, and cash at the beach, in hotel rooms, or on the go. It even includes a cable to anchor it to fixed objects. One shopper who brought it to both Vegas and Cancun raved, 'It's one of the smartest purchases I've made for protecting my valuables,' adding, 'This product is a fantastic choice for any traveler, student, or parent.' With over 3,700 five-star ratings, this sleek money belt is praised for being discreet, breathable, and surprisingly roomy. It features RFID-blocking material, divider pockets, and an adjustable strap. One reviewer said, 'I've always been worried about getting pickpocketed… This money belt made a world of difference.' These subtle zipper clips are a simple yet genius travel hack. Clip one to your zippers to make your backpack or carry-on much harder for a pickpocket to access. One traveler said, 'I feel so much safer with these on my backpack in more crowded areas.' Bonus: They work on purses, duffels, and tote bags, too. Solo travelers swear by the She's Birdie Personal Alarm. A quick pull of the top pin activates a piercing siren and strobe light to deter threats and attract help. Thousands of shoppers say it brings them confidence when walking alone or navigating unfamiliar areas. Shop now while you can still get a 20 percent discount coupon. This compact canister is the No. 1 best-seller in self-defense pepper spray for a reason. It's fast-acting, easy to carry, and comes with a quick-release key ring. With over 4,000 five-star reviews—some saying it 'saved their life'—this is a no-brainer addition to any travel bag. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Android Authority
30-06-2025
- Android Authority
Got a Galaxy phone? Samsung says you should turn on these security features now!
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung has advised Galaxy users to activate a set of security features to protect their phones in case of theft. Most of these features made their way to Samsung devices with the One UI 7 update. The company says more Galaxy devices will get these features in the future. Samsung is asking Galaxy users to activate a set of security features on their phones. The company says that because phone theft incidents are rising worldwide, all Galaxy users must have the company's anti-theft features enabled to protect their devices. With the release of its Android 15-based One UI 7 update, Samsung updated a bunch of theft protection and anti-robbery features on its phones. These include the following: Theft Detection Lock: This is essentially an Android feature, available on devices with Android 10 or higher. It uses AI to detect if someone has snatched your phone from your hand and tried to run, bike, or drive away with it. Your phone's screen will instantly lock if Theft Detection Lock is triggered, protecting it from unauthorized access. This is essentially an Android feature, available on devices with Android 10 or higher. It uses AI to detect if someone has snatched your phone from your hand and tried to run, bike, or drive away with it. Your phone's screen will instantly lock if Theft Detection Lock is triggered, protecting it from unauthorized access. Offline Device Lock: Again, this is an Android feature and isn't Samsung-specific. Offline Device Lock automatically locks your screen to help protect your data even when your device is off the grid or in the wrong hands by detecting multiple failed authentication attempts. Again, this is an Android feature and isn't Samsung-specific. Offline Device Lock automatically locks your screen to help protect your data even when your device is off the grid or in the wrong hands by detecting multiple failed authentication attempts. Remote Lock: Remote Lock is also part of the Android suite of security features and lets you lock your phone screen with your phone number and a quick security challenge using any device. To enable any of the above features, navigate to Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection > Theft protection. Moreover, Samsung is also encouraging users to activate Identity Check, which ensures that biometric authentication is completed to change important security settings when your device is outside of a trusted location. Head to Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection > Theft protection > Identity Check to enable the feature on your Samsung phone. You can then add your 'Safe places,' which are essentially locations where your biometrics won't be required to change sensitive information. Samsung also highlighted Security Delay in its blog post. The feature is part of Identity Check and initiates a one-hour waiting period if someone tries resetting your device's biometric data, turning off Identity Check, changing lock screen settings, turning off Find My, or editing your safe places. This gives you time to lock your phone remotely in case of theft. Samsung says these features are currently available on the following devices, with more Galaxy phones in line to get them in the near future: Galaxy S25 series Galaxy S24 series Galaxy Z Fold 6 Galaxy Z Flip 6 Galaxy Z Fold 5 Galaxy Z Flip 5 Galaxy S23 series Galaxy S22 series Have you activated these security features on your Galaxy devices, or have you ever had to use any of them? Let us know in the comments section.
