Lidl will rollout body-worn cameras for its store staff nationwide amid the ongoing shoplifting epidemic.
The German discounter said it would introduce the measure from the end of the month as part of a more than £2m investment into staff safety. The move will be completed by Spring 2024.
It added that store employees will be given training to ensure the cameras are used safely and in a way that protects an individual’s privacy.
Lidl claims it’s the first supermarket to make the security measure a new standard across the whole of its store network, with other retailers still in a trial phase or offering the devices to staff as an option.
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Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “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.
“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, the supermarket became a founding member of Project Pegasus, a business and policing partnership that aims to combat shoplifting.
McDonnell 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.”
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