More Canadians could start seeing body cameras at their local Loblaw-owned stores.
In a statement, the grocer confirmed that its pilot of body-worn cameras will expand to select stores in British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba, following its trial in Alberta and Saskatchewan last year.
“Early results suggest body-worn cameras may help reduce violent incidents, but a broader, longer-term evaluation across more stores and banners is needed to assess their full impact,” stated a Loblaw spokesperson.
They did not specify which locations and Loblaw-owned stores the pilot will be implemented in but said that participation is voluntary.
How does the Loblaw body cam pilot work?
The grocery giant says only trained “asset protection representatives,” third-party security, store management, and additional team members where applicable will be wearing the cameras.
The cameras will only be activated after verbal confirmation when Loblaw employees are faced with a “situation where there is a risk of escalation and fear for one’s safety and/or the safety of others.”
The Retail Council of Canada says that incidents of retail theft that involve some form of violence increased by 300 per cent between 2019 and 2023.
In December, Canadians shared their frustrations with grocers tightening up security through bag and receipt checks and security cameras.
“If your store is experiencing so much theft that you need to harass paying customers, then you need to reconsider your prices,” wrote one person on Reddit.
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