2.

Supporting the Safety of Lone Workers

Delivery drivers, security guards, in-store personnel and warehouse staff working alone are not only vulnerable but are often left unsupported when dealing with difficult situations. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) found that violence is most commonly triggered when responsible shopworkers and retailers enforce the law, such as age restrictions on regulated products or encountering thieves in-store. Equipping these workers with body-worn cameras provides an extra layer of protection when they need it most.

3.

Improving the Wellbeing and Confidence of Retail Staff

The British Retail Consortium has revealed that the rise in retail crime is causing severe and long-lasting harm to retail workers, including prolonged anxiety and PTSD. Furthermore, the consequence of experiencing violence, abuse, and intimidation seriously impacts retail workers' physical and mental well-being. However, body cameras provide a discreet layer of support, giving staff members confidence and peace of mind throughout their shift and, if required, during confrontational situations. One of the UK’s leading home furnishings retailers reported that 100% of staff felt safer and more confident at work when wearing a body camera and 95% wanted to continue using the Calla body cameras post-trial. While 78% of staff at one of the UK’s largest high-street fashion retailers said that dealing with less risk has had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.

5.

Enhancing Training and Learning for Retail Staff

Revisiting previous incidents of violence and aggression provides a valuable learning resource to HR, Health & Safety and shop floor teams by helping them understand and identify triggers of aggression. It can also help improve conflict management training so that staff are adequately prepared to approach similar situations safely in the future.

6.

Reducing Profit Loss and Shrinkage

In its latest Retail Crime Survey, the British Retail Consortium found that, the total amount lost to crime in 2022 was £1.5bn. Customer theft was the most significant contributor to this loss, costing the industry more than £663 million. Body cameras provide mobile surveillance that enables you to cover the blind spots that static CCTV cannot reach, deterring shoplifters and thieves and creating valuable business savings.

8.

Improving Customer Confidence

Creating a safe shopping environment is integral to the customer experience and dramatically influences returning custom. Body-worn cameras provide an impartial witness, acting as a deterrent for violence and abuse for customers and staff. Customers can shop comfortably and with peace of mind knowing that their safety is being considered.

9.

Improving Staff Retention & Attendance at Work

A recent study conducted by the City, University of London examined the impact of violence on shop workers. This report revealed that the strain of constant abuse and fear of physical violence is causing shop workers to change their shift pattern, their place of work, or in some cases, terminate their employment entirely. Equipping staff with body-worn cameras ensures they are supported at all times and have the tools necessary to deter conflict.