Supermarket thefts could be a thing of the past thanks to an ‘ominous’ security robot that looks straight out of Doctor Who.
Tesco has confirmed it is using Dalek-like machines that detect the presence of thieves using 360-degree cameras.
The bot is placed at the entrance of Tesco branches at night and shouts at intruders in an “angry Northern Irish accent” and sends a warning to the authorities.
It is hoped that the robot will do a better job than human guards because it cannot fall asleep while working, as long as it has sufficient charge.
But the robot doesn’t come cheap, costing £100,000 a month to rent.
Tesco has reportedly installed a number of the PID360 security robots (pictured) in stores across the UK
Supermarket burglaries could be a thing of the past thanks to an ‘ominous’ security robot reminiscent of the Daleks from Dr Who (pictured)
One of the robots was photographed in a Tesco store at an unknown location, prompting the retailer to admit they were using them.
In response to the photo, which was first published by The sunTesco confirmed it is deploying the security robots in its stores at night, when stores are closed.
A Tesco spokesman said: ‘This image shows a security device used in some stores outside opening hours when necessary, for example to prevent burglary or damage to property.
‘The unit should not have been on the work floor during opening hours.’
The The device – which is covered in the same yellow and blue chequered markings used by British police – is a PID360 security robot, made by Shropshire-based company Deter Tech.
Until now, the PID360 has primarily been used on construction sites to detect criminals stealing equipment or intruders who may endanger themselves.
But “desperate” Tesco bosses deployed the robots to UK stores to keep an eye on shoppers overnight during closing hours – particularly at smaller Tesco Express stores where security staff are not typically present overnight.
Deter Tech says: ‘With its striking design, audio alerts and LED lighting, the PID360 is a powerful deterrent to intruders on your property’
Tesco bosses have deployed the robots in UK stores to keep an eye on shoppers during closing hours – particularly in smaller Tesco Express stores which typically don’t have security staff on duty overnight (file photo)
According to other reports, the PID360 is being used at a number of ‘high risk’ locations in Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle.
When the device detects an intruder, it sounds a 114-decibel warning siren, Star Wars-style, accompanied by flashing lights.
A booming Northern Irish voice – similar to Omagh-born Sam Neill’s character in ‘Peaky Blinders’ – then says: ‘Warning, this is security, your presence has been detected, the owner and police have been informed.’
Within a minute, a message with an image of the intruder is sent to a central control room. Former police and military personnel work here. They decide whether to call in local security, the police or a mobile intervention team.
According to Deter Tech, the PID360 deters more than “80 percent of intruders” and can be deployed in remote locations without the need for power.
“The PID360’s eye-catching design, audible alarms and LED lighting make it a powerful deterrent to intruders on your property,” says Deter Tech.
The robot produces a booming Northern Irish voice, similar to that of Sam Neill’s character in ‘Peaky Blinders’, Inspector Campbell (pictured)
‘Every activation is accurately recorded and our dedicated team immediately reviews the footage and reports any detected unauthorized presence.’
According to Daily starTesco staff have ridiculed the device in an internal blog, with one calling it ‘pretty ominous’.
Another employee said: ‘My favourite thing about this one is that they have a Northern Irish accent. I never thought our accent would be off-putting but I guess it could be for some people, lol.’
Someone else posted: ‘I’m from Northern Ireland and have never seen anything like it, but I’m not surprised they hired a local guy to do the voice. Apparently it’s one of the most aggressive accents in the English-speaking world.’