As worries about shoplifting and hostile behaviour towards retail employees grow, Ann Summers has joined an increasing number of retailers implementing body-worn cameras in their establishments.
Reveal Media and the lingerie retailer are collaborating to test the technology in a number of their UK locations.
Major stores like H&M, Tesco, Co-op, and Lidl have all outfitted their store employees with bodycams in response to an increase in theft and violence, now Ann Summers is following suit.
According to the British Retail Consortium, violent occurrences against employees reached 2,000 per day last year, while stealing increased by 20%. Crime rates are still high even with US $ 2.37 billion spent on industry-wide security.
To address the issue, retailers are also using offender picture databases, anti-theft tags on commonplace items, and enhanced police cooperation.
In a LinkedIn post, the company emphasised its commitment to staff wellbeing, stating, “The personal safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is absolutely essential, so creating safe spaces for both them and our customers is a priority.”
The business expressed hope that the installation of cameras would help reinforce “a culture of respect” and “significantly reduce the issues faced in store,” enabling employees to feel “safe and supported.”
