Staff at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Winnipeg are now wearing body cameras as part of a new security pilot project aimed at enhancing safety, though experts warn it may raise privacy concerns.
Cashiers at the Dominion Centre location on Marion Street and St. Mary’s Road were seen wearing the small, smartphone-sized devices on Friday. Shoppers Drug Mart’s parent company, Loblaw Companies Ltd., stated that participation in the initiative is voluntary, with hopes of creating a safer environment for both customers and employees.
Winnipeg police confirmed they have responded to 12 calls at the Dominion Centre Shoppers Drug Mart this year. In 2023, officers received 70 calls for service at the store, matching 2022’s figures but significantly higher than the 24 calls recorded in 2023. Most incidents involved retail theft, with some cases of robbery, fraud, and property damage.
John Linossier, a regular customer at the Dominion Centre location, said shoplifting is a common issue at the store. He recently witnessed someone attempting to steal a $30 pack of batteries. While he is uncertain whether body cameras will deter theft, he believes the footage could assist in legal proceedings.
Pauline Gerrard, another shopper, acknowledged the store’s increased security efforts but expressed unease about being recorded. She recognized the need to combat theft but remained uncertain about the balance between security and privacy.
Former Ontario privacy commissioner Ann Cavoukian cautioned that stores using such measures should display clear signage about recordings and delete footage if no security incidents occur. Loblaws stated that non-essential footage is removed promptly and stored securely when required for investigations. However, Cavoukian raised concerns about the criteria used to retain video recordings and emphasized the importance of safeguarding customer privacy.
Beyond the Dominion Centre store, the pilot project has been implemented at Shoppers Drug Mart locations on Osborne Street and another site on Marion Street. Superstore locations on Regent Avenue and McPhillips Street have also introduced body-worn cameras for some employees.
Source: Swifteradio.com
