Despite recognising that body-worn cameras (body-cams) can improve safety for retail staff, younger shoppers are expressing ‘surveillance anxiety’ when interacting with frontline workers wearing recording devices, the latest research from HALOS reveals.

Body-cams spark unease among younger shoppers

Original research of over 2,000 UK consumers by the body-cam company showed that almost one in three (29%) of 18–24-year olds feel uncomfortable when retail or security staff wear cameras, while 26% of those aged 25–34 also feel uneasy when being recorded. In contrast, just 17% of over-55s express surveillance anxiety when it comes to body-cams.

Younger customers are also almost twice as likely than older demographics to adjust their behaviour in response to being recorded. 61% of Gen Z shoppers would think twice about their actions if they knew a body-worn camera was being used, compared to just 33% of over-55s who would adjust their behaviour.

A new kind of social contract for security

This, HALOS suggests, shows that the generations most uneasy about being filmed are also the ones most likely to be influenced by the presence of a camera, creating a powerful paradox that speaks to rising ‘surveillance anxiety’ among digital natives.

“We’re seeing a new kind of social contract emerge in public spaces. Younger generations are used to being seen, having grown up on camera and used to documenting their daily lives. But being watched – especially in a way they can’t control – is something else entirely,” said Alan Ring, CEO of HALOS.

“Body-worn cameras are no longer just about deterrence or collecting evidence. They’re actively shaping social norms,” Ring added. “If handled with care and transparency, they can protect staff, influence conduct and foster accountability. But businesses must recognise that this isn’t just a tech rollout, it’s a cultural shift.”

Retailers turn to tech to improve staff safety

The latest ONS figures showed shoplifting offences rose by +20% for the year ending in March 2025, with 530,643 retail thefts reported in England and Wales, the highest level since records began.

As instances of retail crime continue to rise, retailers have turned to technology to help protect their staff and customers.

Boots now uses body-cams in one in five of its UK stores, having first deployed the technology in 2021 after experiencing an ‘increasing problem’ of staff receiving abuse from customers. When the devices were used consistently, stores saw a ~45% reduction in incidents, according to its Security & Incident Manager, Iona Blake.

Currys also turned to tech to improve staff safety, rolling out VoCoVo’s headsets across its store estate. The headsets allow store staff to stay connected and feel safer on the shop floor following rising levels of retail crime and abuse incidents aimed at retail workers across the industry.

“Incidents of shoplifting and aggression against retail workers are continuing to rise at a completely unacceptable level,” Currys’ Director of UK Stores, Matthew Speight, said. “VoCoVo’s headsets, alongside a range of other store safety measures, are allowing us to put our best foot forward in protecting colleagues and customers from dangerous situations.”