Loblaw stores in Saskatoon using bodycams for security
Expert says there isn’t enough evidence cameras help de-escalate violent situations
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has ramped up security in Saskatoon by bringing in bodycams as part of a new pilot project. Employees have donned the equipment at Real Canadian Superstore, located in the Confederation neighbourhood at 411 Confederation Drive, and the adjacent Shoppers Drug Mart.
"Violent encounters at retail locations across the country have increased dramatically in recent years," Loblaw Companies Ltd. said in a statement about the decision to use bodycams.
Recent crime statistics from Saskatoon police showed a "significant increase" in reports of shoplifting under $5,000 in the Confederation area.
The company said the cameras are meant to reduce risks for customers and employees in certain areas where crime is more prominent. The three-month pilot project is also implemented at two Loblaw's stores in Calgary.
However, some experts say that while the body cameras might help customers feel safe, there's not enough evidence that they de-escalate situations or increase the safety of employees and customers.
"We know cameras don't prevent retail theft in most settings. We have CCTV cameras in those settings," Eric Laming, an assistant professor of criminology at Trent University, said.
So who does it help?
Laming said bodycams are a tool that law enforcement and retail organizations can use to help prosecute people stealing or committing other crimes at the stores.
"It might have some fringe benefits in helping customers feel safe. Whether that actually translates into actually increasing safety will be a different thing to determine."
He said anti-theft measures like bodycams, checking receipts, security tags and locked cabinets are putting more stress on people.
"If we're getting positive feedback from police and now maybe possibly retail, you're going to see cameras expand across many industries, which is again just kind of a more surveillance society. Whether [or not] people want that, we're heading in that direction."
Some customers CBC spoke with Tuesday don't seem so sure it's necessary.
"I don't know if this one's gonna make an impact on shoplifting and all those things," Nilgo Kuriyappa said.
"Going backwards instead of forward in our life, because I think this is crazy. We have to lock everything, show ID," said Shirley, who didn't give her last name.
Other shoppers said the cameras will help them feel safer, both in the store and around the neighborhood.
"We come with my family, with my kids that play around this area, so I can say it's good here," said Syed Shah.
"I'm a relative newcomer to this area and it is really sketchy. Ugh. Yes. Anything they can do to improve security, there's just, the things you see around here, yeah,' said Laura.
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