Robots turn into security guards: Angry bots installed to shout at thieves in UK, alert cops

An innovative way has been adopted by Tesco to stop supermarket thefts and catch thieves.

'Ominous' security robots, which are Dalek-like machines, now stand outside the stores to catch hold of the thieves with the help of 360-degree cameras.

The bots are placed near the entrance of Tesco stores and using an "angry Northern Irish accent", they shout at any intruders they detect while sending alerts to the authorities.

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Even though this robot is proving efficient, it is not very cheap and one needs to pay £100,000 ($1,33,757) per month to hire it.

Speaking about it, Tesco said that they have been using security robots outside the stores at night when they are closed.

"This photo shows a security device which is used in some stores outside of opening hours, when needed, such as to prevent burglary or following damage to our property," said a Tesco spokesman.

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"The unit should not have been on the shop floor during opening hours," he added.

How does this angry robot work?

The device has yellow and blue chequered markings, similar to the UK Police, and is a PID360 security robot which has been created by Shropshire-based firm Deter Tech.

As per reports, the PID360 has been used around "at-risk" locations in Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle.

When an intruder is detected by the robot, a 114-decibel 'Star Wars-style' warning siren goes out along with flashing lights.

In Northern Irish voice, it then says, "Warning, this is security, your presence has been detected, the owner and police have been informed."

In less than a minute, a message, including an image of the intruder, is then sent to a central control room, manned by ex-police and military staff who will decide whether to call on-site security, the police, or a mobile response team."

As perDeter Tech, the robot is able to deter more than "80 per cent of intrusions" andit can be stationed in remote locations without any power.

"With its striking design, audio alerts, and LED illuminators, the PID360 serves as a powerful deterrent against intruders on your site," stated Deter Tech.

"It captures every activation with precision, and our dedicated team promptly reviews the footage and escalates any unauthorised presence detected," it added.

Meanwhile, Tesco staff has been mocking the device, with some even calling it "rather ominous", as reported by the Daily Star.

"My favourite thing about these is that they have northern Irish accents. I never thought of our accent to be unsettling but I guess they can be to some people lol," an employee was quoted as saying.

"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 the most aggressive accents in the English-speaking world," said another.

(With inputs from agencies)