Body cameras for attack and abuse-hit store staff
STAFF at Co-op stores are to be issued with body cameras after thousands of incidents of attacks and abuse across the Midlands.
Following a successful trial in Birmingham, Central England Co-op is set to start rolling out body cameras to staff at more than 50 stores, including ones in Derby and Castle Donington.
Co-op bosses say the move is to deter threats and acts of violence towards staff and security guards.
It comes after Central England Co-op announced that its 260 stores had seen 72 reports of assault, 272 anti-social behaviour issues and 159 direct incidents related to Covid-19.
The retailer has also announced there had been a 31.1 per cent increase in reported incidents, with rises in verbal abuse and threats and anti-social behaviour.
Co-op loss prevention advisor Nicola Walton said: “Our body camera trial was a great success. It allowed our colleagues to feel safer while serving their communities and played its part as another deterrent to prevent crimes before they take place.
“We are aware that any kind of crime can be frightening for store colleagues and this is why we are extending the rollout of the technology to over 50 stores across our trading estate.
“Over the past few years we have invested heavily in a range of measures to keep our colleagues and customers safe, ranging from centrally monitored CCTV systems that can be activated at the touch of a button to increased numbers of security guards – today’s news is just another way we can continue to invest in keeping people safe at work and while they shop.
“This will provide us with another tool in our efforts to have a zero-tolerance approach to any type of crime towards our colleagues and customers.
“We now ask shoppers to work with us to make sure that nobody has to face abuse in their place of work.”