New technology: Gunwharf Quays shopping centre in Portsmouth

Surveillance staff at a shopping centre have begun tracking customers by tapping into their mobile phones.

The system shows what stores and toilets shoppers visit, how long they remain there and what route they take around Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

A series of receivers dotted around the site pick up on signals given out by mobile phones at regular intervals. They record where a phone is by noting its unique code, proximity to the nearest receiver and the time and date.

The centre does not have to inform customers about the technology because it does not capture any personal information. However, local MP Mike Hancock said: 'It's outrageous and like Big Brother watching us.'

Gunwharf operations manager Peter Emery said: 'We are experimenting with a new technology. We can find out which of our toilets are most popular and if a shop is attracting a lot of customers.'