About 1 700 retailers are using the plastic card identification system, which is in the process of being upgraded to make the cards more robust. However, the council believes a biometric system will offer additional benefits.

Broughton says these include enhanced security and other aspects such as electronic timekeeping.

While it is difficult to quantify what effect the cards have had on crime prevention, Broughton says other factors indicated shrinkage should have gone up. Instead, such shoplifting events have decreased, leading the CGCSA to the conclusion that the cards have played a vital role, which should be enhanced through the introduction of biometrics.