Primark Staff Equipped with Bodycams as Shoplifting Surges
Shoplifting is on the rise, and Primark is taking action. Retail bosses have expressed concerns about the significant increase in theft, attributing it to social media platforms like TikTok. Primark, known for its affordable clothing, has seen thieves walking out with hundreds of pounds worth of merchandise.
John Lewis CEO has described this as an “epidemic.” TikTok and other social media platforms have been accused of promoting theft by sharing tips on how to steal from stores.
The theft levels have become so alarming that Primark’s owner, Associated British Foods, has informed investors that it’s impacting budgets and stock levels. Consequently, they are increasing spending on additional security personnel and introducing body cameras for their staff.
Eoin Tonge, the chief financial officer of Associated British Foods, stated, “I think the cost of living crisis has given some people a societal excuse that they can just go out and nick what they want. It’s depressing, particularly for our staff.” He pointed out that there is a difference between people stealing out of necessity and the recent rise in the “glorification of nicking” on social media.
Primark is now collaborating with law enforcement and social media platforms to crack down on theft-related posts and assist with prosecutions. Recently, an incident occurred on London’s Oxford Street when a viral TikTok post encouraged a mob of youths to “rob JDSports,” leading to chaos in the area.
George Weston, ABF chief executive, and Dame Sharon White, chair of John Lewis and Waitrose, have called on authorities to take responsibility for maintaining law and order in the face of this growing issue. The Co-op has even warned that some towns and neighborhoods may become no-go areas for shops due to rising retail crime.
Retail workers have reported organized gangs entering stores with bags to clear entire shelves, with some gangs stealing infant formula for illegal purposes. While such large-scale shoplifting has typically been associated with supermarkets, it has now become a concern for Primark as well.
In the past year, retailers in the UK suffered nearly £1 billion in losses due to theft, with eight million theft incidents recorded, according to the British Retail Consortium. Shopworkers have also faced 315,000 incidents of violence or abuse, equivalent to 867 assaults each day.
Primark has noted that while the UK accounts for half of its reported shoplifting incidents, the issue is also rising in other countries such as France, Spain, and the US.
To combat this problem, ten of the UK’s largest retailers, including John Lewis, are funding a police operation called Project Pegasus, which will utilize CCTV footage and facial recognition technology to tackle shoplifting. Dame Sharon has also called for nationwide legislation similar to Scottish laws that make the abuse of retail workers a criminal offense.
The situation is dire, and it’s clear that retailers are taking significant steps to protect their staff and merchandise in the face of this shoplifting surge.