Archie Norman, the chairman of Marks and Spencer (M&S), has issued a warning regarding the impact of self-checkout systems on shoplifting in the UK. He stated that the technology has disrupted the 'human link' between consumers and stores, leading normally honest customers to feel justified in taking items when faced with scanning issues. Norman pointed out that the absence of staff at checkouts exacerbates the problem, as shoppers may feel pressured to leave with unscanned items. Despite this, he noted that bringing back traditional checkouts isn't the only solution; rather, the technology needs to be made more user-friendly. Norman also criticized the police for their lack of action against organized crime, which he claims has been increasingly targeting supermarkets. The British Retail Consortium echoed these concerns, highlighting the worrying trend of gangs systematically robbing stores across the country. In response to the rising crime, Iceland chairman Lord Richard Walker suggested leveraging facial recognition technology to enhance security measures.