Pret A Manger has begun giving staff body cameras in response to a surge in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Cameras have been trialled across six of the chain’s cafes in London since last month, alongside signs telling customers about the measure.
According to a spokesperson, the body cameras will only be switched on in specific circumstances and be worn by team leaders and managers.
The move comes after a spike in shoplifting and cases of aggressive behaviour towards retail staff across the UK since the pandemic.
An estimated £2 billion worth of goods were stolen from shops last year, double that seen in 2023, while 1,300 incidents of abuse or violence were reported every day, up 50%, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Pret joins the likes of Greggs PLC (LSE:GRG), BP PLC (LSE:BP.) and Lidl in giving body cameras to staff in response to the rise in retail crime.