Retail chains deploy army of ‘Dalek’ robot security guards with Belfast inspired accents

Scores of major high street retailers such as Tesco and Wickes are using the mechanical guards to ward off robbers by shouting at them — in a Belfast inspired accent

Crime-hit retailers have deployed an army of 10,000 robotic security guards to deter thieves using what’s been described as an “ominous” Irish accent.

Numerous major high street chains including Tesco and Wickes are utilising the mechanical sentries to discourage would-be criminals by issuing warnings in a threatening Belfast-style voice.

Staff have dubbed the devices “Daleks”, claiming they sound reminiscent of the intimidating Peaky Blinders character Inspector Campbell, portrayed by Sam Neill, or Hollywood star Liam Neeson from the Taken films.

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Speaking on the Retail Crime Uncovered podcast, Gary Higgins from security company DeterTech explained: “The daleks deter criminality. They’re very visible, they’re in your face, they make a lot of noise, they light up and do what they are supposed to do.

“There is the best part of 10,000 units out on daily hire across the UK in different areas so you will see a lot of them.”, reported the Daily Star.

Tesco branches have rolled out PID360 units manufactured by DeterTech throughout Manchester, Bristol, and Newcastle.

Higgins continued: “We have the PID360. A lot of people call it the “Dalek”. You will see them everywhere. They are across a wide range of industries.

“They essentially provide video verified solutions in mobile CCTV units which are then reviewed by our own in house ARC (Alarm Receiving Centre) and then they are escalated depending on where they need to go depending on what the monitors see.”

These devices send alerts to store managers within 47 seconds, helping to prevent “80 percent of intrusions”.

One Tesco employee commented on a staff blog: “That’s a rather ominous northern Irish accent.”

Another chimed in: “I’m from NI and never seen one of these things, but I’m not surprised they’d get a guy from here to do the voice — supposed to be one of most aggressive accents in the English-speaking world.”

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