Pret A Manger has introduced body-worn cameras for its staff in a bid to combat the sharp rise in shoplifting and attacks on retail workers.
The coffee shop chain has begun a trial in six of its London outlets, where team leaders and managers will wear the cameras. Signs have been placed in these locations to inform customers of the new measure.
This initiative comes as UK retailers face increasing challenges with post-pandemic crime, which has led to significant financial losses and heightened security concerns. According to the Office for National Statistics, over 430,000 cases of shoplifting were reported in England and Wales last year, marking the highest number since records began in 2003. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that retail theft could cost up to £2 billion in 2024, doubling the losses from 2023.
The rise in retail crime has also been accompanied by a surge in violence against workers. The BRC reports that incidents of violence and abuse towards retail staff have increased by 50% over the past year, with an alarming 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 managed by Pret’s security team. The move follows similar actions by other organisations, such as Lidl, which invested £2 million in body cameras for all UK staff, and English Heritage, which has equipped employees with cameras in response to increased anti-social behaviour at historic sites.
This trial of body cameras is part of Pret’s broader efforts to address security and operational challenges following the pandemic. The chain recently announced a significant shift in its popular coffee subscription service, which will end in September. Initially launched during the pandemic, the service allowed members to enjoy five free barista-made drinks daily. However, due to inflationary pressures, the subscription cost rose from £20 to £30 before being discontinued. It will be replaced by a new scheme offering half-price drinks for £10 a month.
Pret has also responded to customer feedback by reducing the prices of some of its best-selling sandwiches and food options, addressing criticism of its high prices.
The body camera trial, while not directly linked to the recent far-Right riots that affected British high streets, reflects a growing concern among retailers about the safety of their employees and the protection of their businesses in an increasingly challenging environment. As 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, the issue remains firmly in the public eye.