​Pret A Manger Introduces Body Camera Trial in Response to Rising Retail Crime

Pret A Manger has initiated a trial of body-worn cameras in several London stores as part of a new safety measure to protect staff. The move comes in response to increasing concerns over the safety of retail workers following a sharp rise in incidents of shoplifting and aggression towards staff across the UK.

The trial, implemented in six Pret locations, involves team leaders and managers wearing the cameras. Clear signage informs customers of the cameras' presence. However, these devices will only be activated in specific situations at the discretion of the staff member wearing them. The footage recorded will be accessible exclusively to Pret's security team.

A spokesperson for Pret A Manger commented on the initiative, stating, "Last month, we started trialling body-worn cameras in a small number of our shops as a new safety measure. These are only worn by team leaders or managers and are only turned on in specific circumstances."

This safety initiative comes when retail workers face an increasing number of attacks. A 2023 survey by the Retail Trust revealed that 90% of retail employees had encountered some form of abuse while at work. Despite this alarming statistic, nearly a quarter of those affected did not report the incidents, and over a quarter were unsure how to respond or report such behaviour.

The trial of body-worn cameras at Pret A Manger began before recent far-right violence affected shops and cafés across the country and is not connected to these events. Instead, it appears to be part of a broader trend among retailers taking additional security measures. For example, Lidl invested £2 million in body cameras for its UK staff. English Heritage, the charity overseeing historic sites, has also equipped its employees with similar devices due to increased anti-social behaviour.

The broader context of this initiative includes alarming statistics from the Office for National Statistics, which recorded over 430,000 shoplifting cases in England and Wales last year—the highest number since 2003. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that up to £2 billion worth of goods could be lost to customer theft in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. Additionally, the BRC reports a 50% increase in incidents of violence and abuse towards retail workers in the year leading up to September 2023.

The trial at Pret A Manger coincides with broader changes within the company. Recently, co-founder Sinclair Beecham returned to help reaffirm the company's values amidst financial challenges. The café chain has also announced that it will discontinue its popular coffee subscription service and replace it with a new offering that provides half-price drinks for a reduced monthly fee.

As retailers continue to grapple with rising crime rates and the associated costs, Pret A Manger's trial of body-worn cameras represents a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of its staff, reflecting the growing need for robust security measures in the retail industry.