The Co-operative is investing £200,000 to provide the staff members with body cameras at 99 food stores and 44 pharmacies. Body cameras are front-facing and will record both video and audio.
The investment is part of a range of measures Lincolnshire Co-Op has put in place, including security staff in some locations, CCTV, personal attack alarms, and staff headsets.
This comes after the company has recorded a 245% rise in incidents of threats and abuse made to its staff over the last five years. Over the past year, there have been 127 incidents of abuse and 23 incidents in pharmacies, according to the branch.
Security Manager Mark Foulds said: “The vast majority of our customers are polite and respectful, but there is a minority whose actions are unacceptable.
“This not only impacts our colleagues, who are simply trying to provide the best service they can to our communities, but it can also impact our other customers, who can find these incidents distressing and who don’t want to see our colleagues treated that way.”
Lincolnshire Co-Op says it’s seen a 37% rise in shoplifting offences in the last year and threats made following age-related refusals.
Manager Sarah Hutt said: “It makes us feel more confident as we know the body cameras may help defuse incidents.
“We enjoy working in retail and providing the best service we can to our customers, but the impact of those who act in an unacceptable way can make the job difficult for myself and the team.
“We’re grateful to our regulars and all the other customers who use our store and treat us with respect and kindness.”