Questions raised over body cameras in stores [Video]

Businesses are looking for ways to combat crime.

“You’re seeing more cameras being installed, better lighting outside and inside. In some cases, you’re seeing them maybe rejig the floor plan that they have,” said Retail Council of Canada Atlantic Director Jim Cormier.

Canada’s largest food retailer is taking measures a step further. Loblaw has launched a three-month pilot project where body cameras will be worn at select stores in Calgary and Saskatoon.

“We are taking these steps to increase safety and reduce risks for our customers and colleagues in certain areas where criminal activities are more prominent. Our goal is to see an overall decrease in violent encounters in these stores,” a Loblaw spokesperson said in an email to CTV News.

Loblaw said the on-duty store manager and security team will be trained to use the cameras.

“Based on the results from other companies that have implemented this technology, we believe it will help de-escalate situations, keeping our …