STAFF at Co-op stores will be given body-worn cameras which will record when shoppers become aggressive or violent.

The new cameras will be used in around 250 stores initially. Co-op said they are not naming specific stores, but stores in larger town - such as Rhyl and Wrexham in North Wales - are likely to see the new technology.

The introduction of body cameras forms part of the retailer's ongoing commitment to invest a further £70million over the next three years in 'innovative technology' to keep colleagues safer.

Footage recorded will be used to identify criminals and provide evidence to secure prosecution.

Cheryl Houghton, Co-op retail security manager, said: “Shop workers play an essential role serving communities, yet they have to contend with unprecedented levels of violence and abuse on a daily basis.

"As a community retailer we see the impact of social issues in our stores.

"I have never seen such high levels of violence and abuse, it’s a societal issue that all retailers are concerned about and it’s having lasting effects on the lives of shop workers - both mentally and physically.

"It is not part of the job to be verbally abused, threatened or attacked and we’re determined to make sure it isn’t, calling for greater protection for shop workers carrying out public duties, and for the root causes of crime in communities to be addressed."

The Co-op has seen store crime increase by more than 140 per cent year-on-year.

The number of violent incidents also hit record levels with 1,350 attacks having been experienced by Co-op shop workers in the first six months of 2020.

Themarket-leading VT100 body-worn camera from Motorola Solutions can be worn in standby mode for up to six months, preserving battery for instances when Co-op store colleagues feel threatened by aggressive or violent behaviour.

The cameras are operated by asimple one-push activation, instantly recording footage to the camera itself, and streaming live video to the security operations centre, allowing for a quick response from security personnel or police.

The cameras are supported by cloud-hosted VideoManager software, which enables secure and efficient camera allocation, user administration and incident management. Security features include audit-trails, encryption, configurable retention policies and RFID camera allocation, this integrated solution ensures footage and incidents are dealt with efficiently and securely.

It is not known if staff at other stores across Conwy, Gwynedd and Denbighshire will be given the cameras at a later date.

Stores in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea are likely to see the new technology.

A spokesperson for Co-op told the Journal: "The roll-out will be fluid and crime and intelligence-led."