In a bold move to crack down on the troubling rise in shop thefts, Singapore’s supermarket giant, Sheng Siong, is set to expand its cutting-edge facial recognition CCTV system across all 83 of its stores. This advanced technology not only enhances security but also aims to create a safer shopping environment.

Implemented in partnership with the Singapore Police Force's Shop Theft Awareness for Retailers (STAR) Programme, the system provides real-time alerts to staff when a suspected shoplifter returns to any location. This initiative comes at a critical time, as recent statistics reveal a worrying increase in shop theft cases, especially among youths.

The Rise in Shop Theft Cases

The statistics are alarming: in the first half of 2025, Singapore recorded 2,097 shop theft incidents, marking a 4.2% rise from the previous year. Most stolen items were budget-friendly, costing less than S$50 (about US$39) and primarily consisted of food, drinks, and everyday personal care products.

Sheng Siong has reportedly experienced a significant uptick in theft occurrences, with the number of incidents per store jumping from 4.91 in 2023 to 8 in 2024, correlating with the installation of facial recognition technology in 50 of its branches since April 2024.

How the Technology Works