Pret A Manger has introduced body-worn cameras for its staff in a bid to combat the sharp rise in shoplifting and attacks on store staff.
The coffee shop chain has started a trial in six of its London branches, where team leaders and managers will wear the cameras. Signs have been placed at these locations to inform customers of the new measure.
This initiative comes as UK retailers face increasing post-pandemic crime challenges, which has led to significant financial losses and increased security concerns. According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 430,000 cases of shoplifting were reported in England and Wales last year, the highest number since records began in 2003. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) estimates that shoplifting could cost up to £2 billion. in 2024, doubling losses compared to 2023.
The rise in retail crime is also accompanied by an increase in violence against employees. The BRC reports that incidents of violence and abuse towards store staff have increased by 50% in the past year, with an alarming number of 1,300 cases recorded every day.
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 from other organizations 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 behavior at historic sites.
This body camera trial is part of Pret’s wider efforts to address post-pandemic safety and operational challenges. The chain recently announced a significant shift in its popular coffee subscription service, which will end in September. The service was initially launched during the pandemic and offered members the opportunity to enjoy five free barista-made drinks daily. However, due to inflationary pressures, subscription fees 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 cutting prices on some of its best-selling sandwiches and food options, addressing criticism over its high prices.
While the body camera trial is not directly linked to the recent far-right riots that hit Britain’s high streets, it reflects a growing concern among retailers about the safety of their employees and the protection of their businesses in an increasingly challenging environment. With Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer making retail crime a centerpiece of his manifesto and promising to create a standalone offense for assaulting shop workers, the issue remains firmly in the public eye.