Theft has gotten so bad in grocery stores that staff are now wearing body cameras.
In Calgary, Real Canadian Superstores in the East Village and the nearby Shoppers Drug Mart launched a three-month trial this week, where staff are now wearing phone-sized cameras on their shirts, intentionally large so as to deter potential shoplifters.
The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) said instances of violent theft has skyrocketed since 2020, increasing by 300 per cent over the past four years, as reported by the Calgary Herald.
“It’s not unique to Superstore — we’re always looking at ways to protect our customers and employees and we’re looking at this as a proactive aspect,” said Dean Henrico, Loblaw’s senior vice-president of asset protection.
“I’m optimistic it’ll work for us as successfully,” he added.
Operators of Real Canadian Superstore practically begged Calgary police to help out, saying they’ll pay for the police presence, but Police Chief Mark Neufeld told them they don’t have the capacity.
Charges laid in meat theft
In June, Calgary police laid charges on a man who stole $5,000 worth of meat from the family-run business Pre Pak Meats.
A month earlier, a man pulled out an edged weapon while stealing from a grocery store in southwest Calgary, before fleeing.
