BODY CAMERAS

RETAIL CRIME: ANTONY BEGLEY, EDITOR, SLR

RETAIL CRIME IN FOCUS AT CO-OP

IN THE LATEST MOVE TO COMBAT RISING RETAIL CRIME, THE CO-OP IS ROLLING OUT BODY-WORNCAMERAS TO STAFF, REPORTS ANTONY BEGLEY.

One of the more unsavoury side-effects of the already unsavoury coronavirus pandemic has been a sharp rise in retail crime. It’s a tough one to swallow for retailers who have bent over backwards to support communities across the UK for the last few months – but it’s undeniable that retail crime has become more of a challenge than ever since lockdown began.

The latest dispiriting evidence of how much of a problem this is becoming is the roll out of body-worn cameras by the Co-op. The group announced last week that it is equipping front-line staff with body cameras to help keep them safer in the face of rising aggression against convenience store staff, marking something of a new low in the sector when retailers are required to go to such extremes simply to protect key workers doing their job and supporting their communities.

The retailer warns of a “crime and violence epidemic“ and says its targeted deployment of body cameras forms part of an ongoing commitment to invest a further £70m over the next three years in innovative technology to protect colleagues. These solutions include SmartWater Fog Cannons, the latest remote monitored iCCTV, body cameras and communication headsets for all frontline colleagues.

The new cameras will be used in around 250 stores initially, with the ability to activate real-time audio and visual with a single button push which is remotely monitored by the Security Operations Centre of Co-op security partner Mitie. Footage will then be used to identify criminals and provide evidence to secure prosecution.

The Co-op says it has seen store crime increase by more than 140% year-on-year, despite communities recognising the critical role played by key retail workers in society. The numbers of violent incidents also hit record levels with 1,350 attacks having been experienced by Co-op shop workers in the first six months of 2020.

The Co-op has seen store crime increase by more than 140% yearon-year, despite communities recognising the critical role played by key retail workers in society.

As part of its Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities campaign, Co-op is also building awareness and support for MP Alex Norris’ ‘Assault on Shop Workers Bill’ which has now seen its second reading in Parliament postponed until September – the Bill states that because shop workers have responsibilities to uphold the law on age restricted products they should be afforded greater protection in carrying out those public duties.

Cheryl Houghton, Co-op Retail Security Manager, commented: “Shop workers play an essential role serving communities, yet they have to contend with unprecedented levels of violence and abuse on a daily basis. As a community retailer we see the impact of social issues in our stores. I have never seen such high levels of violence and abuse. It’s a societal issue that all retailers are concerned about and it’s having lasting effects on the lives of shop workers – both mentally and physically.

“It is not part of the job to be verbally abused, threatened or attacked and we’re determined to make sure it isn’t, calling for greater protection for shop workers carrying out public duties, and for the root causes of crime in communities to be addressed.”

THREE ‘SHOCKING ATTACKS’ ON STAFF

Central England Co-op has shared details in the last week of three shocking attacks on staff in an effort to make Government “do more” to protect shopworkers.

The retailer, which has over 260 stores, released details of the three appalling attacks – one which included a knife and another a wrench – in an effort to continue the conversation and to force change when it comes to offering more support for staff faced with threats and violence.

The first incident, in Markfield, Leicester, saw a colleague verbally abused, physically attacked and then robbed while he lay injured on the floor in an unprovoked attack.

The second, which happened just last week in Barnsley, saw a criminal stab a colleague during a robbery at the store.

The third saw a colleague in Shepshed, Leicestershire, pushed, hit in the head and threatened with a wrench after asking a customer for ID while trying to buy an energy drink and then attempting to leave the store with a drink without paying.

Thankfully, all three are recovering from their injuries and major investigations into the attacks have been launched by local police forces.

Craig Goldie, Loss Prevention Manager, commented: “These three incidents are truly shocking and showcase why the Government urgently needs to do more to better protect our frontline shop workers. Stronger laws and punishments are needed for criminals who feel that it acceptable to target shop workers in these types of brutal and appalling ways.

“While we continue to campaign for more to be done, we also want to send a message to would-be criminals. We have a zero tolerance approach to any kind of crime and, if you still want to commit a crime, we will work around the clock with local police forces to bring you to justice in an effort to keep our colleagues and customers safe.”

The retailer is encouraging customers and members to pledge their support for more Government action by signing an online petition set up by the Co-operative Party.