Retailers to receive body-worn cameras to deter shoplifting and violence in PCC-funded scheme
Shopkeepers who repeatedly encounter violence and shoplifting are set to receive free Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews.
In fulfilling his Police and Crime Plan pledge to protect businesses from crime and help them thrive, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC has agreed to fund 110 BWVs – worth £52k – to independent retailers who are frequently the target of violence and shoplifting.
Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are being invited to apply for up to 25 BWVs for allocation to eligible retailers in their areas.
The Commissioner has set aside a further £48k to fund joint solutions to business and retail crime, details of which will be announced later.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The PCC’s recent engagement activity identified a need for tougher action in tackling assaults on shopworkers and for a more collaborative approach to addressing shoplifting.
In response, the PCC prioritised Business Crime in his new Police and Crime Plan and pledged to do everything possible to reduce shoplifting and to eliminate assaults on shopworkers.
Alongside vowing to equip businesses with the information they need to protect themselves from crime, the PCC promised to roll out more crime prevention programmes to help businesses reduce their risk and to make it easier to report crime while ensuring the force pursues all reasonable lines of enquiry.
Announcing the scheme, Mr Matthews said: “Body Worn Video is a simple yet effective tool for increasing confidence in shopworkers and can help to create a safer and more secure environment.
“These devices not only help to deescalate situations and deter offending they can also help capture vital evidence to bring more offenders before the courts.
“Retailers should know I am taking crimes against their staff and livelihoods extremely seriously and will continue to offer my full support through investment in technology and other measures to prevent these crimes happening in the first place.”
CSPs and BIDs must show a commitment to multiagency collaboration as part of their bid and show evidence of existing retail crime reduction initiatives. They will also need to provide details of how they will sustainably incorporate the BWV scheme into their own activity.
The application process is now open and closes on Sunday 15th June, with cameras allocated by July. Applications can be made HERE
TRB works with Reveal Media as a supplier of body-worn cameras suitable for retail colleagues. If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch….. Reveal Media. Or meet them at any Retail Bulletin event in 2025.
