Retailers could soon be rolling out live facial recognition technology spotting repeat offenders

Tech company Auror is testing a new version, that'd alert owners when someone walks in the door who's been previously flagged for serious offending.

Retailers including Woolworths, The Warehouse, Briscoes, and One NZ are all supporting the use of facial recognition tech.

Head of Risk Nick McDonnell says retailers want to feel safe.

He says ten percent of offenders are causing 60 percent of the harm and the repeat offenders are stealing and committing acts of violence.