Ann Summers gives staff body-cams amid shoplifting epidemic

Telegraph

5 days ago

Ann Summers is introducing staff body-cameras that can film customers as the lingerie shop battles a surge in shoplifting.
The company said it was testing cameras worn by employees in a number of its shops, saying it wanted to 'significantly reduce the issues faced in store, ultimately ensuring our teams feel safe and supported'.
The cameras may prove controversial, given that the retailer sells intimate items including lingerie and sex toys.
Ann Summers deliberately sends its online orders in plain boxes and envelopes that do not feature its logo, saying: 'Your privacy is really important to us, and, with our discreet packaging, you can be totally confident about shopping with us.'
However, the retailer said the trial was necessary in response to a rise a shoplifting and antisocial behaviour, which has 'become increasingly challenging' for staff.
Ann Summers said: 'The personal safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is absolutely essential.'
The new cameras will be able to record up to 10 hours of footage from a single charge and can be activated by the wearer when they feel unsafe.
The lingerie retailer the latest in a growing number of companies to introduce the cameras. Tesco, Pret a Manger and English Heritage have all already rolled them out for workers.
While many shops are turning to body cameras, some customers dislike being filmed. A recent survey from YouGov found 29pc of 18 to 24-year-olds were not comfortable with store workers wearing the cameras, compared with 17pc of over-55s.
More than 40pc of people said they would think twice about their behaviour if staff were wearing body-worn cameras, according to the survey of 2,200 UK adults.
Ann Summers' decision comes in response to a surge in thefts and attacks on workers across the high street. Official figures last month revealed the number of shoplifting offences jumped by a fifth in the year to March.