Britain’s Wild West shopping: Now John Lewis staff are forced to wear bodycams to tackle rise in violence and shoplifting
- Alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics and meat are among the most stolen items
Staff at John Lewis have had to resort to wearing body-worn cameras at work due to the rise in violence and shoplifting.
The retailer is being targeted by organised criminal gangs, with alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics and meat among the most stolen items.
Shoplifting has soared by 26 per cent in the past year, according to the British Retail Consortium. The cost of living crisis is also being blamed for the rise in thefts.
Chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores James Lowman has said around 70% of staff have been verbally abused whilst doing their job.
Shocking footage – obtained by BBC News – shows someone shouting and swearing at a John Lewis employee.
Staff at John Lewis have had to resort to wearing body-worn cameras at work due to the rise in violence and shoplifting
Adrian Palmer who works at John Lewis’ Cardiff store said violent interactions were close to becoming a daily occurrence.
He added that shoplifters are becoming more brazen, with one individual walking into the shop with a black bin bag, filling it up, and attempting to leave the shop.
Luckily, a Police Community Support Officer was present on this occasion and the perpetrator was detained.
Head of security at John Lewis, Nicki Juniper, said it was ‘investing heavily in training’ to help deter shoplifters and prevent situations from escalating.
Waitrose, which is owned by John Lewis Partnerships, has adopted a new tactic of ‘love-bombing’ customers in a bid to combat spiraling shoplifting.
The company claims that being extra attentive and friendly to customers, including at self-service checkouts, is proving to be an effective deterrent.
Ms Juniper said this had ‘proven very successful’ in reducing the number of thefts, but she added that prolific individuals need to face consequences.
Chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores James Lowman has said around 70% of staff have been verbally abused whilst doing their job
John Lewis’ Cardiff store is one of many which has seen a rise in violence towards staff and shoplifting
A survey by the BRC found 56 per cent of retailers rated the police response as ‘fair’, with others declaring it even worse.
The Home Office has said: ‘We recognise the impact that theft can have on retailers which is why we are supporting police by providing funding for crime prevention means.’
Conservative MP James Sunderland, whose Bracknell constituency is home to Waitrose’s HQ, said: ‘Targeted shoplifting through organised retail crime is clearly on the rise.
‘Gangs appear to be operating with impunity… there have been instances of violence to staff when they attempt to intervene, not just at Waitrose but all supermarkets.’
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