Face recognition technology to catch child drinkers

[13th May 2008]

Supermarket chain Budgens is piloting a scheme to use face recognition cameras to stop children buying alcohol and cigarettes.

The pilot is taking place at an unnamed Budgens store in London. If the system recognises someone who has previously been unable to prove that they are 18, a signal will alert the cashier, who will then refuse to serve them. Three cameras have been installed in the store - one in each check-out lane. The facial recognistion software makes a template of an individual's features by measuring key points on the face. As the customers approach the tills, images are transmitted to a control centre in Worcester.The facial template is then scanned against a database of young people who have visited the store before.

To read the full story, visit the BBC News website.

Please note: Crimestoppers is not responsible for the content on external websites.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.