Major UK retail chains are combating an increase in shoplifting incidents by equipping their employees with body cameras. Concerns over the rising number of thefts have prompted retailers such as Primark, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s to implement additional security measures, including the use of security guards and CCTV systems. The move comes as several businesses, including Target, Foot Locker, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, have reported significant losses due to theft. Department store chain John Lewis has even described the situation as an “epidemic.”
To address the issue, Primark CEO George Weston has announced the introduction of these new measures. While acknowledging the efforts of the police and prosecution service, Weston emphasized that more needs to be done to combat the problem.
Sainsbury’s has been at the forefront of implementing increased security measures since February 2020, when it launched a pilot program in select locations. In a statement, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to the safety of its employees and customers, explaining that they were the first retailer to introduce body cameras for their staff. They have also increased the number of security officers, deployed in-store detectives, and utilized security doors to deter criminal activity. Sainsbury’s plans to complete the rollout of body cameras to their Argos store chains this year.
The issue of retail crime has prompted Tesco Chief Executive Ken Murphy to call for stronger action. He urged judges to make use of the powers given to them by the government, which include longer sentences for offenders who target shop workers. Murphy also suggested that abuse or violence towards retail workers should be a criminal offense in itself, citing Scotland’s Protection of Workers Act as a precedent.
Looking beyond individual businesses, Murphy emphasized the need for greater cooperation between retailers and the police. He believes that by sharing information and working together, they can effectively combat these incidents.
While crime rates decreased during the pandemic, they have since risen to pre-pandemic levels. In London alone, approximately 22,595 theft cases were reported in August 2023. According to Benedict Selvaratnam, the owner of Fresh Market in Croydon, the lack of police presence during nighttime hours has emboldened criminals. Selvaratnam also pointed to the lack of punishment for minor offenses as a contributing factor to the increase in criminal activity.
In response, the British Ministry of Justice is set to publish a new draft code of practice that suggests police officers issue cautions to first-time offenders of “low level” crimes, including theft and shoplifting. The aim is to alleviate the backlog of cases in the criminal courts. British Minister of State for Prisons, Parole, and Probation Damian Hinds believes that this simplified system will deliver justice for victims, address lower-level criminality, and ensure serious offenders face appropriate consequences.
The retail industry in the UK is taking proactive measures to address the rising issue of shoplifting. By utilizing body cameras, implementing additional security measures, and advocating for stronger penalties, retailers aim to deter criminals and protect their staff and customers. Increased collaboration between businesses and law enforcement is seen as crucial in effectively tackling this growing problem.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
