- I Team
powered shoplifting detection expands in Chicago-area stores, but some raise concerns
ByJason Knowles
Friday, October 30, 2026 4:27AM
AI-powered shoplifting detection is expanding in Chicago-area stores, but some critics are raising concerns to the ABC7 I-Team.
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CHICAGO (WLS) —intelligence is being used in about two dozen stores across the Chicago area to help identify suspected shoplifting as it happens, with supporters saying the <a Up until now, retailors have leveraged camera systems in more of a passive manor. Identifying shoplifting if and when it's happening, and then trying to control the problem, right," said Hiren Mowji of Veesion. "With AI you have basically an algorithm that's watching 24/7, right. It's more consistent, it's more efficient, it doesn't get tired for example, and it's able to alert you if and when there is suspicious activity."
Some consumers see potential benefits.
“Prices will go down because the store owners and manufacturers are not going to lose any money to be passed along to shoppers,” said Barbara Stewart.
At International Fresh Market in Naperville, store manager Daniel Valle demonstrated how the technology works. During a review of store footage, a highlighted area on a shopper triggered an alert to employees.
“So in this situation here when this red box goes around this woman there’s a push alert that goes to your employees,” ABC7 Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles asked.
“Right away. Right away, yes in seconds,” Valle responded.
Valle said security staff then follow existing procedures to monitor the suspected shoplifter and intervene if merchandise leaves the store.
“After they go outside the store, we catch them,” Valle said.
According to Valle, the store now catches about two suspected shoplifters a day using the system. He said that when surveillance footage was reviewed by people, only a few suspected shoplifters were stopped each week. He also said signs notifying customers about the technology appear to discourage theft.
Knowles raised questions about the impact of <a You know, I believe it's a misconception, just like every other revolution we have had in history it has always created more jobs," Mowji said.
When pressed on whether it could replace workers who monitor cameras, Mowji said, “You could think that but in reality, most retailers are short staffed these days.”
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As part of a demonstration, Knowles attempted to simulate a theft.
“Smothe milk chocolate. And yeah…I think it’s gonna be mine,” he said.
Later, he added, “I have items in the backpack and Cookies here under my shirt.”
Seconds later, managers received a push alert generated by the system.
“Yeah. Now you’re grabbing the item, putting it in the bag. As soon as you close, we’re going to receive a notification of what you did. If you theft… we can catch you,” Valle said.
While some shoppers support the technology, others worry about privacy and surveillance.
“it’s slippery slope with that footage nothing can be deleted forever it could still be used to surveille regular people walking around in stores,” said Franki Flameno.
Veesion said the system does not collect facial recognition data or biometrics.
Shopper Laurence Merritt expressed both support and concern about the technology.
“If its stopping people from committing crimes I have no problem with that,” Merritt said.
He also questioned whether AI systems could potentially be used unfairly.
“JK you do wonder if the AI can be used to target someone if they are black? Absolutely not saying that wit will be, but it could,” Merritt said. “I don’t want it to be used to discriminate against people of color.”
The company says the technology does not target people based on race or gender. Veesion also says the system is being used in 7,000 locations worldwide, while other companies are offering similar AI-powered theft-detection tools to retailers. Valle said the technology’s cost is reasonable and that it pays for itself through money saved by preventing theft.
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