‘My uniform’s more valuable than I am’: a security guard’s take on bodyworn cameras

Public-facing staff in shops and frontline services are donning cameras to help fight abuse and theft

When you work in security it can be a battle to stop people stealing. Most thieves know that they have the same legal power as guards, and it’s not easy trying to decide who gets to dole out “reasonable force” when a teenager’s cutting through a bike lock in front of you.

My shift mates and I recently observed a heroin user cutting through our car park repeating a shopping list into her phone: shampoo, school uniform, other low order goods. She’s part of a growing number of people stealing for others, focusing on stuff that people need but don’t want to pay for.

When to press buttons isn’t my only fear around BWCs. My job’s starting pay is £11.44 per hour, the current minimum wage; the camera I wear retails for £534. I don’t want to think about what happens if I damage it. Sometimes I feel my uniform’s more valuable than I am.