I would like to know if there is any reasonably priced software
available, whereby I could hook up a camera outside my store,
connected to a PC, which would have a database of several (maximum 10)
people who I suspect of shoplifting, and whose photos I have, and
could warn me if any of these people are approaching my store.

Ideally I would like a choice of 2 or 3 such programs.

There is no such technology.

I have written buyer's guides for the government on biometric
technology and, contrary to what you see on TV, the technology isn't
very useful at this stage.

Where it is even marginally useful it requires high resolution
cameras, massive computing power, and expensive software.

My answer to your question is, no matter what you consider
"reasonable" prices, there is no such animal which would actually do
what you want.

Even a day's growth of beard, sunglasses, or a hat would completely
defeat all but the most expensive (I'm talking $millions) systems.


I recommend you save your $10.