Co-op is rolling out body-worn cameras to front-line workers in the Leicestershire area - with a focus on increasing safety in-store against a background of rising retail crime.

The retailer is warning of a crime and violence epidemic and its targeted deployment of body cameras forms part of an ongoing commitment to invest a further £70million over the next three years in innovative technology to keep colleagues safer.

There are a number of Co-op stores in the Ashby area where the new cameras could be in use.

The cameras have the ability to activate real-time audio and visual which is remotely monitored by the Security Operations Centre of Co-op security partner, Mitie.

Footage is used to identify criminals and provide evidence to secure prosecution.

The Co-op has seen store crime increase by more than 140 per cent 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.   

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, said: "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.

"The market-leading VT100 body-worn camera from Motorola Solutions can be worn in standby mode for up to six months, preserving battery for instances when Co-op store colleagues feel threatened by aggressive or violent behaviour.

"The cameras are operated by a simple one-push activation, instantly recording footage to the camera itself, and streaming live video to the security operations centre, allowing for a quick response from security personnel or police.

The cameras are supported by cloud-hosted VideoManager software, which enables secure and efficient camera allocation, user administration and incident management.

"With security features such as comprehensive audit-trails, encryption, configurable retention policies and RFID camera allocation, this integrated solution ensures footage and incidents are dealt with efficiently and securely."

Richie McBride, Director of Business Operations, Video & Analytics at Motorola Solutions UK, said: "Body-worn video is becoming a critical element in commercial organisations' strategy to keep their employees safe.

"As a company focused on mission-critical solutions, we provide our commercial customers with the right tools to help them enhance their operational efficiency, responsiveness and safety.

"We are proud to partner with one of the UK's largest retailers in its work to further improve the shopping experience and enhance safety for both shoppers and staff."