Target to use secret technology against shoplifters - with the AI-powered cameras able to identify repeat offenders at the checkout

Target is deploying a new weapon to combat theft at its self-checkout machines.

A new system uses cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers fail to scan and will notify them with audio and visual cues.

But the secretive technology - known as TruScan - is different to simply having CCTV cameras trained on the area that security staff watch.

Instead, it is thought to use computers powered by artificial intelligence to monitor shoppers as they scan items.

Target started rolling out the cameras several months ago and will equip all stores in the US with them by the end of the year.

Target is deploying new scanners to combat theft at its self-checkout machines, which will roll out to all stores by the end of the year

Self-checkout machines are especially vulnerable to theft since shoplifters can either not scan items or scan cheaper items

TruScan will identify shoppers 'who repeatedly fail to scan their items even after being prompted,' documents seen by Bloomberg showed.

Little information is available about how the technology will work.  Target did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for more information. 

The term 'artificial intelligence' is avoided in the Bloomberg report, but the new system can supposedly identify repeat offenders.

Self-checkout machines were introduced by retailers as a way to reduce labor, but in many cases it backfired.

The machines are more vulnerable to theft than traditional cashiers since shoplifters can either not scan items or scan incorrect, cheaper items.

While many self-checkout systems now have scales that require shoppers to weigh items after they are scanned, they are not entirely effective against shoplifting.

Target's latest move comes after it announced last month it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or fewer at most stores. It also said it planned on opening more traditional checkout lanes.

The company has said the changes would help reduce 'shrink' - retail industry jargon for merchandise losses due to theft, damaged items and administrative errors. 

Chief financial officer Michael Fiddelke told analysts last year that 'growth in shrink remains a significant financial headwind and we're determined to continue making progress in the years head.'

Last month Target announced it would limit self-checkout to 10 items or fewer at most stores

Dollar General is among the retailers which have announced sweeping changes to automated registers in stores across the US

Recently Dollar General also announced it was pulling self-checkout stands entirely from 300 of its stores with the highest level of shoplifting and unscanned items.

Experts say the rollback is linked, mostly, to fears around theft.

But retailers say they are also trying to provide a better shopping experience for customers by imposing limits on self checkout, making the process quicker and easier.

In 9,000 other locations, Dollar General said it would convert some of its self-checkout registers to regular cashier checkouts, and limit self-checkout purchases to five items or less in a further 4,500 stores.

'We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,' Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said on a call with analysts last month.

Kroger has also recently acknowledged an increase in theft at self-checkout stations.