Pret A Manger has initiated a body camera trial in six London outlets to address rising shoplifting and violence.
- This measure follows a significant increase in retail crime, necessitating enhanced security protocols.
- UK retailers are experiencing heightened financial losses due to post-pandemic crime and violence against staff.
- Pret’s body cameras will be activated under specific circumstances and supervised by the security team.
- Similar actions have been taken by other organisations, highlighting a growing trend in the UK retail sector.
Pret A Manger has begun a trial in six of its London locations, equipping team leaders and managers with body cameras. This move aims to combat the increasing challenges of shoplifting and violence faced by UK retailers post-pandemic. The Office for National Statistics reported over 430,000 cases of shoplifting in England and Wales last year, the highest number recorded since 2003.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that retail theft could cost up to £2 billion in 2024, doubling the losses from 2023. Incidents of violence and abuse towards retail staff have surged by 50% over the past year, with 1,300 cases recorded daily. Pret’s spokesperson confirmed that the body cameras, introduced last month, will only be activated under specific circumstances and will be supervised by Pret’s security team.
This initiative is part of Pret’s broader efforts to enhance security and address operational challenges following the pandemic. The retail chain recently announced the discontinuation of its popular coffee subscription service, launched during the pandemic, due to inflationary pressures. The service, which allowed members to enjoy five free barista-made drinks daily, will be replaced by a new scheme offering half-price drinks for £10 a month.
In response to customer feedback, Pret has also reduced prices for some of its best-selling sandwiches and food options, addressing criticism over high prices. While the body camera trial is not directly linked to recent far-Right riots affecting British high streets, it reflects increasing concern among retailers about employee safety and business protection.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has made retail crime a focal point of his manifesto, promising to create a standalone offence for assaulting shop workers. As other organisations, including Lidl and English Heritage, have similarly equipped staff with cameras, this measure underscores a broader trend of addressing retail crime and violence through enhanced security measures.
The trial reflects a broader industry trend towards enhanced security measures in response to escalating retail crime and violence.
