Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff.
The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating that recording is in progress. The aim is to discourage crime by making surveillance more visible to customers.
Additional screens have been fitted throughout stores in higher-risk areas, including the fresh meat and alcohol sections, selected personal care aisles, and at checkout zones. Waitrose confirmed the initiative has been gradually rolled out over the past year and is now in place in more than half of its 315 stores nationwide.
A company spokesperson emphasised that all data is handled strictly in line with data protection legislation, and information is only shared with police when formally requested to support investigations.
The use of cameras and live screens has become increasingly common in UK supermarkets as retailers look to tackle a rise in retail crime. While traditional CCTV has long been present in stores, recent years have seen an expansion into more visible and targeted systems, such as prominent live-feed screens near self-checkouts, sometimes referred to as VAR-style surveillance.
Other supermarket groups are also trialling new technologies in response to the issue. Sainsbury’s recently announced the introduction of facial recognition technology in selected locations to help protect staff and customers. Working in partnership with Facewatch, the system alerts stores to criminal behaviour reported by their own or neighbouring retailers, supporting a wider collaborative approach to tackling theft.
Waitrose’s latest investment reflects the growing importance of visible deterrents in maintaining safe and secure shopping environments, while ensuring that any surveillance is managed responsibly and transparently.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
