Poundland has reported a drop in violence and theft across its stores following the deployment of body cameras to its employees.
The discount giant introduced Motorola Solutions’ VT100 body cameras as part of an initiative to improve safety for its frontline workers.
Since the pilot program, the retailer has reported an 11% decrease in incidents of violence against staff, along with a marked reduction in shoplifting and theft.
The cameras, which act as both a visual deterrent and a means of recording incidents, have been rolled out to stores with the highest levels of crime.
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This move builds on Poundland’s Against Retail Crime initiative, launched last month, which it called its “largest-ever investment into anti-theft technology and security” to address the growing issues of shop theft, abuse, and harassment faced by its employees.
The British Retail Consortium’s latest Crime Survey reported a sharp rise in incidents of violence and abuse against UK shop workers, with an average of 1,300 cases reported daily—a 50% increase compared to the previous year.
Poundland said that “as a high-street focused and value-led retailer”, it has “been a particular target of theft and abuse” – which is why the retailer is making the investment.
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