There's a suggestion facial recognition isn't the sole factor behind a drop in supermarket retail crime.  

Foodstuffs North Island —which owns Pak'n'Save and New World— says early results from its six month trial show it prevented about 130 serious incidents. 

It also reported around 4,700 incidents across all stores in April to June – an 8% drop quarterly. 

First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge there are other elements too. 

He says there's also a new Police Minister, a new letter of expectation with Police, and more determination around the sector, which have had a ripple effect. 

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