Co-op invests in tech to combat crime increase

UK retailer the Co-op is rolling out Motorola Solutions' body worn video cameras to mitigate incidents of violence and theft taking place in store.

The company will provide an initial 1,000 of its VT100 cameras to 250 outlets, thereby providing the ability to stream video in real time to Co-op security partner Mitie. The cameras are supported by cloud hosted VideoManager software, enabling “secure and efficient camera allocation, user administration and incident management.”

According to statistics quoted by Motorola, the Co-op has seen in-store crime increase by more than 140 per cent year-on-year. Disturbingly, there have also been 1,350 violent attacks on Co-op shop workers in the first six months of 2020.

Speaking of the need for the BWV roll-out, Co-op retail security manager, Cheryl Houghton, said:“Shop workers play an essential role serving communities, yet they have to contend with unprecedented levels of violence and abuse on a daily basis.

“I have never seen such high levels of violence and abuse. It’s a societal issue that all retailers are concerned about and it’s having lasting effects on the lives of shop workers, both mentally and physically.”

Motorola Solutions’ director of business operations, video and analytics, Richie McBride, said: “Body-worn video is becoming a critical element in commercial organisations’ strategy to keep their employees safe. We are proud to partner with one of the UK’s largest retailers in its work to further improve the shopping experience and enhance safety for both shoppers and staff.”

Alongside the Motorola cameras, Co-op has also introduced SmartWater fog cannons, remote monitored iCCTV and communication headsets for those on the shop floor.