Greggs staff armed with body cameras after ‘concerning’ rise in sausage roll thefts

Apparently thieves are targeting the popular pasty shops.

Use of the wearable video recording devices are currently being trialled in some of Greggs' busiest stores, including the London Bridge station branch where a sign has been erected.

The sign reads: "To ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues, we're trialling body-worn cameras in this shop. Audio and video will be recorded."

It has been reported that staff at some of the chain's busiest stores have experienced a spate of attacks and altercations with customers recently.

An employee, who chose to remain anonymous, told The Sun: "The cameras were introduced as staff were getting worried they could be attacked.

"Everyone’s noticed there’s more shoplifting.

"If it was filmed on a bodycam there’s more of a chance they would be put off trying."

The equipment has the capability to record footage for up to 90 minutes, so staff have been advised to switch it on if they fear an altercation or issue.

Another worker said: "They don't really do much because they take five seconds to power up and start recording. By the time you've got it on, the thieves are gone."

Greggs is not the first food chain to introduce extra security measures in a bid to keep staff safe.

Supermarket chain Lidl adopted a similar measure last year, when they gave staff in all their UK stores cameras to wear in a bid to tackle the surge of shoplifting cases.

"Safety and security has always been an absolute priority for us," Ryan McDonnell, chief executive at Lidl GB said in a press release published at the time.

Greggs also join Primark, Tesco and Co-Op in introducing the cameras as a means of keeping staff safe.