Smile, you’re in front of the camera! Walmart is testing body cameras on employees as retail crime increases

As retailers across the country continue to grapple with persistent thefts and increasing violence in stores, Walmart has begun testing whether employees wear body cameras during their shifts, according to USA Today. The program is still in its early stages and will only be used in one market for now.

Walmart did not comment on the details of the pilot program, but said the company would evaluate the results before making long-term decisions about it. Walmart says its pilot program focuses more on employee safety than theft prevention.

Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is joining the growing list of companies using body cameras worn by employees to deter theft. TJX — the parent company of TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls — announced earlier this year that it would begin using body cameras at some of its locations.

A study released earlier this week by the National Retail Federation found a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting cases per year in 2023 compared to 2019. The same study found an increase in dollar losses due to shoplifting during the same period 90% of the time .

“Retailers continue to grapple with an increasing retail theft landscape that has evolved significantly over time,” said David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations at NRF. “Protecting store employees and customers and reducing today’s levels of violence and crime in retail require a whole-of-society approach and collaboration from all stakeholders.”

In addition to increasing thefts, many retailers are also reporting that shoplifters are becoming more violent and aggressive, according to the NRF. The study found that 73% of respondents reported that “shoplifters are exhibiting more violence and aggression than a year ago, and 91% reported that shoplifters are exhibiting more violence and aggression compared to 2019.”

“Retailers and solution providers must work together to develop and advance technologies that go beyond immediately preventing theft to predicting it. This allows us to proactively reduce the risk of violence by reducing crime,” said Tony D’Onofrio, President of Sensormatic Solutions. “No party can achieve this feat alone.”

The study was conducted earlier this year and collected responses from 164 retail brands.