Coles will equip staff with body-fitted cameras at high-risk stores as the supermarket giant aims to stamp out violence and shoplifting at its outlets.
The technology will be deployed to 30 supermarkets under threat of theft and violence in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
Coles said it made the move in response to rising levels of retail crime in addition to growing rates of abuse directed against its retail staff and security guards.
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“The safety of our team members and customers is our top priority, and we have a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores including security personnel and surveillance technologies such as CCTV,” a company spokesperson said.
“Body worn cameras only record once activated.
“If a team member feels unsafe in a situation, they can turn on their body camera and will inform the customer that they are turning it on for safety.”
Coles said the trial had been well received by its staff, who felt that the technology would benefit them if faced with a threatening situation.
The cameras fitted to the supermarket workers will record images and beam them back to managers.
Coles has also equipped some staff with duress watches capable of alerting police directly about a serious incident.
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The company stressed the cameras comply with privacy laws including relevant signage in stores informing shoppers about the filming.
Earlier this year, Woolworths began trialling the use of small cameras in aisles to monitor stock levels at its Wetherill Park store in Western Sydney.
(9 News)
