Theft and violence in supermarkets have been on the rise in recent years.

This has prompted major chain Coles to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 of their locations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

​

Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong states that the move was in response to an increase in retail crime, as well as the verbal and physical abuse their staff have been victim to due to more and more people struggling with their cost of living expenses.

If you frequent Coles, you may have already noticed the camera-equipped security guards and staff in some stores.

Major supermarkets, including Coles, have equipped their security guards with body-worn cameras to prevent in-store crimes. Credit: Shutterstock

They have been appearing in select stores since late last year. However, Wong pointed out that ‘the recordings aren’t a long-term thing’.

'The cameras comply with Australian privacy laws and regulations and that Coles would not hold on to the vision “for any longer than a few weeks”,' she said.

Retail experts explained that the threat of retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion per year, and have urged Coles to take extra measures in order to combat the issue.

One example of this is the duress watches that security guards and staff can wear.

Not only can they activate the device to alert the police if they’re in danger, but it is hoped that the presence of body-worn cameras will be intimidating enough to deter these behaviours.

South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said this technology has been especially useful in deterring organised rackets stealing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, moving them freely across state borders, and getting away with it.

'What we’ve seen ... is that people police have not been able to identify (are put) onto the Crime Stoppers website, and we have very good outcomes in terms of now identifying those people and holding them to account for their crimes,' Duval said.

Coles believes body-worn cameras help fight organised crimes worth thousands of dollars in groceries. Credit: Shutterstock

The body-worn cameras, in addition to Woolworths’ similar recent trials on the measure, are an indicator of how supermarkets are trying to make shopping a safe and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles supermarket has introduced body-worn cameras in 30 high-risk stores across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia to combat increased theft and violence towards staff.
• Retail crime has been on the rise, with Coles' total stock loss up 20 per cent last financial year; overall theft reportedly costs Australian businesses around $9 billion every year.
• The body-worn cameras, which are also being trialled by other supermarkets, including Woolworths, will record activity and provide live feed to management. Data will be kept for no more than a few weeks, adhering to Australian privacy laws and regulations.
• Other measures being employed include duress watches, which can notify police directly in a crisis situation—a method that has proved beneficial during trials.

How do you feel about body-worn cameras? Do you believe it will help combat the rising grocery theft happening around the country? We would love to know your thoughts on this security precaution in the comments below!

 

[Choff5]

Theft and violence in supermarkets have been on the rise in recent years.

This has prompted major chain Coles to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 of their locations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

​

Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong states that the move was in response to an increase in retail crime, as well as the verbal and physical abuse their staff have been victim to due to more and more people struggling with their cost of living expenses.

If you frequent Coles, you may have already noticed the camera-equipped security guards and staff in some stores.

View attachment 29656

Major supermarkets, including Coles, have equipped their security guards with body-worn cameras to prevent in-store crimes. Credit: Shutterstock

They have been appearing in select stores since late last year. However, Wong pointed out that ‘the recordings aren’t a long-term thing’.

'The cameras comply with Australian privacy laws and regulations and that Coles would not hold on to the vision “for any longer than a few weeks”,' she said.

Retail experts explained that the threat of retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion per year, and have urged Coles to take extra measures in order to combat the issue.

One example of this is the duress watches that security guards and staff can wear.

Not only can they activate the device to alert the police if they’re in danger, but it is hoped that the presence of body-worn cameras will be intimidating enough to deter these behaviours.

South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said this technology has been especially useful in deterring organised rackets stealing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, moving them freely across state borders, and getting away with it.

'What we’ve seen ... is that people police have not been able to identify (are put) onto the Crime Stoppers website, and we have very good outcomes in terms of now identifying those people and holding them to account for their crimes,' Duval said.

View attachment 29657

Coles believes body-worn cameras help fight organised crimes worth thousands of dollars in groceries. Credit: Shutterstock

The body-worn cameras, in addition to Woolworths’ similar recent trials on the measure, are an indicator of how supermarkets are trying to make shopping a safe and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles supermarket has introduced body-worn cameras in 30 high-risk stores across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia to combat increased theft and violence towards staff.
• Retail crime has been on the rise, with Coles' total stock loss up 20 per cent last financial year; overall theft reportedly costs Australian businesses around $9 billion every year.
• The body-worn cameras, which are also being trialled by other supermarkets, including Woolworths, will record activity and provide live feed to management. Data will be kept for no more than a few weeks, adhering to Australian privacy laws and regulations.
• Other measures being employed include duress watches, which can notify police directly in a crisis situation—a method that has proved beneficial during trials.

How do you feel about body-worn cameras? Do you believe it will help combat the rising grocery theft happening around the country? We would love to know your thoughts on this security precaution in the comments below!

Don't they have to notify you that they are filming you?

 

[Catherines]

Don't they have to notify you that they are filming you?

These body worn cameras are ‘in your face’ to see. They are not hidden & actually have “video & audio” written on them. So, no theft, then don’t worry. Can you imagine actually ‘Notifying’ each person they walk past.

Although I have personally not seen them being worn in the Coles where I live, I’m sure when introduced, over time at each store, they will have a sign up at entry to the store advising that video and audio is being used in store.

 

[Liz]

I think it is such a sad state of affairs that it has come to this, but anything to stop theft is okay in my books. I am sure they have to warn you that these cameras and sound are in place, under the privacy act. Moral don't steal and it won't worry you.

 

[kenrconn]

Not a problem to me. I don’t steal!!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I have no problem with anything they do to stop theft and abuse
I don't steal, nor do I abuse staff who are only trying to do their job.I saw a woman the other day abusing the checkout girl over the prices.
REALLY, how stupid do you have to be, the prices aren't her fault.
People nowadays seem to think that they are that interesting that Coles, Woolies, Bunnings etc are spying on them. Get over yourselves, they're jyst trying to get a handle on our out of control crime problems

 

[Sloopy]

Not of concern to me, but sad it is necessary.

 

[wiskers50]

Taser would be better.

 

[Grahamclarke]

Theft and violence in supermarkets have been on the rise in recent years.

This has prompted major chain Coles to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 of their locations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

​

Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong states that the move was in response to an increase in retail crime, as well as the verbal and physical abuse their staff have been victim to due to more and more people struggling with their cost of living expenses.

If you frequent Coles, you may have already noticed the camera-equipped security guards and staff in some stores.

View attachment 29656

Major supermarkets, including Coles, have equipped their security guards with body-worn cameras to prevent in-store crimes. Credit: Shutterstock

They have been appearing in select stores since late last year. However, Wong pointed out that ‘the recordings aren’t a long-term thing’.

'The cameras comply with Australian privacy laws and regulations and that Coles would not hold on to the vision “for any longer than a few weeks”,' she said.

Retail experts explained that the threat of retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion per year, and have urged Coles to take extra measures in order to combat the issue.

One example of this is the duress watches that security guards and staff can wear.

Not only can they activate the device to alert the police if they’re in danger, but it is hoped that the presence of body-worn cameras will be intimidating enough to deter these behaviours.

South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said this technology has been especially useful in deterring organised rackets stealing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, moving them freely across state borders, and getting away with it.

'What we’ve seen ... is that people police have not been able to identify (are put) onto the Crime Stoppers website, and we have very good outcomes in terms of now identifying those people and holding them to account for their crimes,' Duval said.

View attachment 29657

Coles believes body-worn cameras help fight organised crimes worth thousands of dollars in groceries. Credit: Shutterstock

The body-worn cameras, in addition to Woolworths’ similar recent trials on the measure, are an indicator of how supermarkets are trying to make shopping a safe and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles supermarket has introduced body-worn cameras in 30 high-risk stores across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia to combat increased theft and violence towards staff.
• Retail crime has been on the rise, with Coles' total stock loss up 20 per cent last financial year; overall theft reportedly costs Australian businesses around $9 billion every year.
• The body-worn cameras, which are also being trialled by other supermarkets, including Woolworths, will record activity and provide live feed to management. Data will be kept for no more than a few weeks, adhering to Australian privacy laws and regulations.
• Other measures being employed include duress watches, which can notify police directly in a crisis situation—a method that has proved beneficial during trials.

How do you feel about body-worn cameras? Do you believe it will help combat the rising grocery theft happening around the country? We would love to know your thoughts on this security precaution in the comments below!

Fantastic ideal , but to make it work they need to have enough staff on the shop floor at all times. Hiring a police office for a couple of hours a day could also have a great effect.

 

[Gaena]

Fantastic ideal , but to make it work they need to have enough staff on the shop floor at all times. Hiring a police office for a couple of hours a day could also have a great effect.

Sounds good however the majority of the toe rags who steal or abuse have absolutely no fear of authority at all and some of them will actively try to get them selves on camera for their 5 minutes of fame.

 

[Rob44]

If the supermarkets were to stop price-gouging then perhaps fewer people would not feel compelled to steal. I suppose we could bring back transportation or hanging for those arch-criminals being hungry enough to steal a loaf of bread.

Next time I visit Coles I will wear dark glasses and a balaclava.............And maybe a "hoodie".

 

[Senior discount]

Theft and violence in supermarkets have been on the rise in recent years.

This has prompted major chain Coles to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 of their locations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

​

Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong states that the move was in response to an increase in retail crime, as well as the verbal and physical abuse their staff have been victim to due to more and more people struggling with their cost of living expenses.

If you frequent Coles, you may have already noticed the camera-equipped security guards and staff in some stores.

View attachment 29656

Major supermarkets, including Coles, have equipped their security guards with body-worn cameras to prevent in-store crimes. Credit: Shutterstock

They have been appearing in select stores since late last year. However, Wong pointed out that ‘the recordings aren’t a long-term thing’.

'The cameras comply with Australian privacy laws and regulations and that Coles would not hold on to the vision “for any longer than a few weeks”,' she said.

Retail experts explained that the threat of retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion per year, and have urged Coles to take extra measures in order to combat the issue.

One example of this is the duress watches that security guards and staff can wear.

Not only can they activate the device to alert the police if they’re in danger, but it is hoped that the presence of body-worn cameras will be intimidating enough to deter these behaviours.

South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said this technology has been especially useful in deterring organised rackets stealing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, moving them freely across state borders, and getting away with it.

'What we’ve seen ... is that people police have not been able to identify (are put) onto the Crime Stoppers website, and we have very good outcomes in terms of now identifying those people and holding them to account for their crimes,' Duval said.

View attachment 29657

Coles believes body-worn cameras help fight organised crimes worth thousands of dollars in groceries. Credit: Shutterstock

The body-worn cameras, in addition to Woolworths’ similar recent trials on the measure, are an indicator of how supermarkets are trying to make shopping a safe and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles supermarket has introduced body-worn cameras in 30 high-risk stores across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia to combat increased theft and violence towards staff.
• Retail crime has been on the rise, with Coles' total stock loss up 20 per cent last financial year; overall theft reportedly costs Australian businesses around $9 billion every year.
• The body-worn cameras, which are also being trialled by other supermarkets, including Woolworths, will record activity and provide live feed to management. Data will be kept for no more than a few weeks, adhering to Australian privacy laws and regulations.
• Other measures being employed include duress watches, which can notify police directly in a crisis situation—a method that has proved beneficial during trials.

How do you feel about body-worn cameras? Do you believe it will help combat the rising grocery theft happening around the country? We would love to know your thoughts on this security precaution in the comments below!

Don't have a problem with that. Grocery prices would come down if theft was stopped. If people reduced their smoking and drinking and buying chips and soft drinks which are over priced they would be able to afford healthy food.

 

[Rob44]

I have no problem with anything they do to stop theft and abuse
I don't steal, nor do I abuse staff who are only trying to do their job.I saw a woman the other day abusing the checkout girl over the prices.
REALLY, how stupid do you have to be, the prices aren't her fault.
People nowadays seem to think that they are that interesting that Coles, Woolies, Bunnings etc are spying on them. Get over yourselves, they're jyst trying to get a handle on our out of control crime problems

Sorry, but having lived in a "developing"country for more than decade where crime is out of control , murder is an everyday occurrence as is gang rape and as is almost unrestricted corruption, and having survived unscathed, you don't know what you are talking about when you refer to our "out of control crime problems".

There is nothing, quite nothing, like poverty in a country of affluence, as is Australia, to lead people to shoplifting. That was the problem in the UK of the 1700s and 1800s which gave rise to transportation to Australiia for stealing a loaf of bread.

 

[terri]

The large amount of cameras already in store dont do anything to stop theft. I highly doubt that another one, even at eye level, will do any better.

 

[Jest]

Theft and violence in supermarkets have been on the rise in recent years.

This has prompted major chain Coles to roll out body-worn cameras across 30 of their locations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.

​

Coles Transformation General Manager Sophie Wong states that the move was in response to an increase in retail crime, as well as the verbal and physical abuse their staff have been victim to due to more and more people struggling with their cost of living expenses.

If you frequent Coles, you may have already noticed the camera-equipped security guards and staff in some stores.

View attachment 29656

Major supermarkets, including Coles, have equipped their security guards with body-worn cameras to prevent in-store crimes. Credit: Shutterstock

They have been appearing in select stores since late last year. However, Wong pointed out that ‘the recordings aren’t a long-term thing’.

'The cameras comply with Australian privacy laws and regulations and that Coles would not hold on to the vision “for any longer than a few weeks”,' she said.

Retail experts explained that the threat of retail crime costs Australian businesses $9 billion per year, and have urged Coles to take extra measures in order to combat the issue.

One example of this is the duress watches that security guards and staff can wear.

Not only can they activate the device to alert the police if they’re in danger, but it is hoped that the presence of body-worn cameras will be intimidating enough to deter these behaviours.

South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said this technology has been especially useful in deterring organised rackets stealing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, moving them freely across state borders, and getting away with it.

'What we’ve seen ... is that people police have not been able to identify (are put) onto the Crime Stoppers website, and we have very good outcomes in terms of now identifying those people and holding them to account for their crimes,' Duval said.

View attachment 29657

Coles believes body-worn cameras help fight organised crimes worth thousands of dollars in groceries. Credit: Shutterstock

The body-worn cameras, in addition to Woolworths’ similar recent trials on the measure, are an indicator of how supermarkets are trying to make shopping a safe and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Coles supermarket has introduced body-worn cameras in 30 high-risk stores across South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia to combat increased theft and violence towards staff.
• Retail crime has been on the rise, with Coles' total stock loss up 20 per cent last financial year; overall theft reportedly costs Australian businesses around $9 billion every year.
• The body-worn cameras, which are also being trialled by other supermarkets, including Woolworths, will record activity and provide live feed to management. Data will be kept for no more than a few weeks, adhering to Australian privacy laws and regulations.
• Other measures being employed include duress watches, which can notify police directly in a crisis situation—a method that has proved beneficial during trials.

How do you feel about body-worn cameras? Do you believe it will help combat the rising grocery theft happening around the country? We would love to know your thoughts on this security precaution in the comments below!

there is never a step too far when it comes to tracking thieves.

 

[Jest]

Sorry, but having lived in a "developing"country for more than decade where crime is out of control , murder is an everyday occurrence as is gang rape and as is almost unrestricted corruption, and having survived unscathed, you don't know what you are talking about when you refer to our "out of control crime problems".

There is nothing, quite nothing, like poverty in a country of affluence, as is Australia, to lead people to shoplifting. That was the problem in the UK of the 1700s and 1800s which gave rise to transportation to Australiia for stealing a loaf of bread.

what you described is now australia. welcome.

 

[Rob44]

there is never a step too far when it comes to tracking thieves.

Trice 'em and 100 lashes! That'll discourage them; if they survive, off to Australia with 'em.

what you described is now australia. welcome.

As I wrote, you don't know what you are talking about. It's that simple.

 

[bobmck]

Don't they have to notify you that they are filming you?

They already are filming you on the instore security Camera's. This is about getting clear Facial Images of the Perps.
If you're not a Thief, then you don't have an issue, and will not be part of a problem.

 

[Ezzy]

Don't they have to notify you that they are filming you?

The notification at a shop entry about being 'able to search your bag' as a condition of entry, the same possibly applies here. 'Consider yourself told' in plain terms.

 

[Ezzy]

I have no problems with this, no different to those worn by the Police force. Don't steal, no need to worry.
These possibly are viewed by a direct telecast to an operator upstairs. A staff member may have the camera facing a theft but may be visually looking elsewhere thereby missing a part of all of the act itself.

I will not accept the reason being put forward for food theft are rising food costs. Tonight on the news a person could be seen stealing alcohol which is not food. Welfare agencies can help in these situations too. The Markets sell fruit etc which is cheaper than supermarkets.

Part time work can help with costs if people want to get off their backside. What about bartering? Work a few hours for food or something else of value to yourself? Anything has to be better than stealing, being caught & imprisoned making life harder for your family, doesn't it???