Ann Summers trials body worn cameras amid challenging rise in antisocial behaviour and theft in stores

Ann Summers is working with Reveal Media to test out employee body worn cameras in some of its stores.

In a LinkedIn post, the retailer said: “It's no secret that over the past few years the rising incidents of antisocial behaviour and theft in stores has become increasingly challenging for retail teams. The personal safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is absolutely essential, so creating safe spaces for both them and our customers is a priority.”

It added: “We are partnering up with the brilliant Reveal Media to trial body worn cameras across a number of locations. Our intention is for this solution to reinforce a culture of respect, and significantly reduce the issues faced in store, ultimately ensuring our teams feel safe and supported.”

Reveal Media commented: “We’re proud to support Ann Summers in their mission to improve colleague safety with our new R1 body worn camera. With the busy trading period just around the corner, now is the perfect time to trial new ways of protecting staff and creating safer, more respectful store environments.”

Yes, please

A new YouGov poll finds broad support among Americans for body camera use in retail, public transit, private security and other sectors where frontline workers increasingly face disruptive behaviour.

As H&M joins Ann Summers in starting to test bodycams for employees, a survey of over 2,500 people, commissioned by tech firm HALOS, found more than 70% are comfortable with, or indifferent about, the growing prevalence of body worn cameras beyond law enforcement.

"There’s been a lot of conversation about how bodycams impact businesses and employees, but we wanted to understand how the public feels about seeing them in everyday settings,” says Alan Ring, CEO at HALOS.

"Our study found the majority don’t mind that bodycams may be capturing their interactions in a store, on a train or at a concert because this era of over-sharing on social media and hyperconnectivity has sort of made that the expectation. It goes to show how bodycams are quickly becoming an accepted part of the public safety toolkit." 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.