Retail Theft Prevention

Is the theft really happening at the checkout?And if so, why can't we detect it via camera + AI?

Scan as you shop minimises shoplifting by requiring random spot checks. When you about to checkout, person comes and re-scans few items in your bags, if all were scanned you are good to go.

I think that could easily be detected if they wanted to. It sounds like they may be tracking your store movements and what items you pick up, so it would be odd if a shopper carrying items walked out of the store without registering any of the bought items.

Wouldn't they trigger the detectors at stores?

That's fair as far as tracking purchases go, but high resolution cameras while You're in the store could also read your phone screen or other things on your person right? That seems more concerning than normal cashiers.

The store probably has CCTV cams recording you already...

Honest question, once stores start using this, what's to stop people from walking out with unpaid merchandise?

The store has cctv's, so you're going to be captured regardless.

Re the supermarkets - I understand this happens in a limited way already with bluetooth scanning :/

Given companies are doing subject tracking with in-store cameras and can use facial recognition to tell who you are, cash isn't going to be sufficient. They'll be able to build a pretty compelling shopping profile and can tie associate your cash purchases to your profile. Sure, it's not 100% fool-proof, but it doesn't need to be to be a massive privacy invasion. I suppose you could wear a mask, but that's generally frowned upon in stores.