Amid the ongoing epidemic of shoplifting and violence in the retail sector, Lidl is set to become the first supermarket in the UK to roll out body-worn cameras across all its stores as standard.
From the end of the month, stores across its network will start to receive the security measures following an investment of over £2m, with the rollout set to be complete by Spring 2024.
The discounter noted that its push to ensure all its stores are equipped with cameras sets it apart from other retailers, who are either still in the trial phase, have the tech in a select number of stores, or only offer them as an option to staff.
“As a business with over 960 stores across the length and breadth of the country, safety and security has always been an absolute priority for us,” said Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive at Lidl GB.
“While our stores are typically safe environments, retail crime is something that is impacting the whole industry. Our investment into ensuring all our stores have body-worn cameras is just one of the ways we’re taking action to protect and provide reassurance to our colleagues and customers.”
Last month, Lidl became a founding member of Project Pegasus, a business and policing partnership that aims to combine law enforcement powers with industry knowledge to target serious and organised retail crime, committing £60k of funding over two years.
Ryan added: “It is essential that the industry comes together to find new and innovative ways to combat serious and organised retail crime across the UK. Amongst our own initiatives, we’re proud to be part of Project Pegasus, which presents a real opportunity for retailers, police forces, and the Home Office to work together to address the alarming rise of incidents facing retail workers every day.”
NAM Implications:
- And this a ‘mere Discounter’…
- Seriously, is shoplifting now at epidemic proportions?
- Where the issue becomes a trade-off between easy access to the products…
- …and strict prevention/cageing?
