WALMART shoppers are outraged after the retail giant’s brand-new security measures were revealed.
The supermarket chain is requiring some employees to wear body cameras as part of a pilot program attempting to protect workers and prevent theft, according to CNBC.
Walmart is testing using the technology in multiple locations as pictures shared online reportedly show signs warning visitors about “body-worn cameras in-use.”
The news has outraged customers as the store hasn’t released an official statement addressing the change.
“The irony: They can afford cameras, but can’t afford cashiers,” one X user slammed.
“That’s where the real stop loss prevention should go.”
“Ridiculous!” another wrote.
“There are so many things wrong with this… The bottom line is Walmart is putting employees in harm’s way,” a third slammed, claiming that the tech will make shoppers act hostile toward workers.
Walmart shared a cryptic comment defending the new safety measures, which are often used by police officers.
“While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry,” a Walmart spokesperson told CNBC.
“This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.”
It’s unclear how many locations are giving their employees the cameras.
Walmart didn’t immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
The technology is the latest effort to clamp down on shoplifting, which cost businesses more than $121 billion in 2023 and is expected to rise in the next two years, according to Capitol One’s shoplifting statistics.
Walmart follows TJMaxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods after all three stores added cameras to their workers’ uniforms.
The stores’ parent company TJX said they were taking steps to prevent any outbursts against employees.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
A TJX spokesperson said staff members went through training before wearing the body cameras.
“Body cameras are just one of the many ways that we work to support a safe store environment,” TJX’s statement said, according to CBS News.
“This includes a variety of policies, trainings, and procedures.
“We hope that these body cameras will help us de-escalate incidents, deter crime, and demonstrate to our associates and customers that we take safety in our stores seriously.”
It’s unclear if Walmart has provided employees with training before putting cameras on their uniforms.
Walmart’s other unpopular anti-theft measures have included locking items in glass cabinets, receipt checks, and auto-locking carts.
