Ann Summers makes major change in 80 UK stores as abuse and theft soars

Ann Summers has joined the growing list of retailers rolling out body-worn cameras in stores amid mounting concerns over shoplifting and violent behaviour towards staff.

The lingerie and adult toy retailer is working with Reveal Media to trial the technology across several UK locations.

In a LinkedIn post the company said: "The personal safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is absolutely essential, so creating safe spaces for both them and our customers is a priority."

The business believes the cameras will foster "a culture of respect" and "significantly reduce the issues faced in store", helping workers feel "safe and supported".

Ann Summers joins major retailers including H&M, Tesco, Co-op, and Lidl, which have all equipped shop floor workers with bodycams in response to rising theft and aggression.

The British Retail Consortium revealed that shoplifting jumped 20 per cent last year, whilst violent incidents against staff hit 2,000 per day.

Despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on security measures across the industry, crime levels keep climbing.

Stores are also introducing anti-theft tags on everyday items, offender image databases, and stronger police collaborations to tackle the escalating problem. Labour has pledged to introduce a new law making attacks on shop workers a specific criminal offence, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently revealed plans to station more bobbies on the beat to tackle high street crime and antisocial behaviour.