Coles supermarkets trial body worn cameras to prevent theft

The trial is being rolled out to 30 supermarkets and comes after the supermarket cited an industry-wide surge in shoplifting for its lower profits than expected for the 2022-23 financial year.

A Coles spokesperson said measures such as the cameras were for the minority of people who weren't doing the right thing in stores.

The body worn cameras only record once they've been activated, the spokesperson said.

"If a team member feels unsafe in a situation they can turn on their body camera and will inform the customer that they are turning it on for safety.

"This trial has been well received by team members, who feel that the technology would benefit them if faced with a threatening situation."

The spokesperson said the safety of team members and customers was Coles' top priority and other measures in place included security personnel and CCTV.

The move is not new to major supermarkets with Woolworths trialling the technology in 2021.

But Retail and Fast Food Workers Union secretary Josh Cullinan said the union did not accept the cameras were a "proven method to reduce or eliminate workplace violence".

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"To the contrary, their presence and the requirement a minimum wage, insecurely employed worker notify a perpetrator before switching it on is demonstrably likely to risk conflict," he said.

He said workers were being made into "walking CCTV" and put them at greater risk.

Instead, he called for safety guards at all stores, banning perpetrators for life and ensuring police are given the necessary information to investigate incidents.