Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts, Wickes chief David Wood, and Fortnum & Mason boss Tom Athron were among the executives to sign an open letter in August calling on the government to legislate to better protect service workers.
Headline signatory Jo Causon, CEO of the Institute of Customer Service (ICS), and her co-signatories from retail, hospitality and adjacent sectors, want the Crime and Policing Bill currently moving through Parliament to protect all public-facing workers. It includes specific legislation relating to assault of retail workers, but the ICS is calling for it to go further to deter crime in all service sectors.
Why the clamour now? ICS data from January shows 42% of customer service staff across every sector experienced abuse in the prior six months, up 19% compared to a similar study the institute published in March 2024.
Some 37% of workers surveyed said they had considered leaving their role due to hostility, and a quarter of them have taken sick leave as a result. It’s not just a problem with personal consequences, it’s a business continuity issue as well.
And the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported in March nearly a quarter of UK consumers had witnessed shoplifting taking place in the previous 12 months, and 23% of customers had experienced physical or verbal abuse of staff, with some incidents involving weapons.
BRC’s annual crime survey, released in January, showed retail crime resulted in record losses of £2.2bn in 2024, with the 2,000-plus incidents of violence and abuse more than three times the level recorded in 2020.
Action – be it from central government, local authorities or the police – is required. In many circumstances, retailers themselves are taking matters into their own hands and deploying new technology in the name of protecting their workers and premises.
Body-worn tech
Staff at H&M, Tesco and EE are among the retailers offering their staff the opportunity to don cameras as they work as a deterrent for criminals. In July, H&M said it was using the technology. Computer Weekly contacted the retailer to check on the results to date, but it is still in pilot stage and there are no learnings to report yet.
A spokesperson for H&M says: “We’re testing body-worn cameras in a three-store pilot to assess what beneficial impact it may have, along with staff customer service training, on de-escalating and reducing incidents for the safety of both our colleagues and customers.”
In February, Motorola Solutions announced its VT100 body cameras had been distributed to employees across Poundland stores. It claimed Poundland had reported a decrease in incidents, including an 11% drop in violence against store employees and a marked reduction in shoplifting and theft since the tech was introduced.
The footage is used by Poundland’s security and loss prevention team in its investigations. The retailer uses Motorola’s digital evidence management tool to prepare, store and process video data, according to the manufacturer – and it can tag and match body camera videos with CCTV footage and other incident data.
We’re testing body-worn cameras in a three-store pilot to assess what beneficial impact it may have…on de-escalating and reducing incidents H&M spokesperson
In February, Tesco launched a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year manned security hub as a direct response to rising crime in the retail industry. The facility was unveiled at its newly refurbished security centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire, and it aims to track down criminals targeting its premises across the UK. Staff there analyse thousands of hours of CCTV footage and they share intelligence with the police.
A Tesco spokesperson tells Computer Weekly: “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work. We continue to invest in the latest technology, resources and training for our expert team in our Security Hub. This team is dedicated to joining up evidence and supporting the police to tackle crime, helping to keep our colleagues and customers safe.”
Tesco introduced body-worn cameras to store staff in 2023, and last year some delivery drivers were offered the chance to use them too. The UK’s largest retailer said the cameras are not recording all the time and will only start if the driver feels unsafe, calling it an “unlikely event” that a driver will feel the need to begin recording.
“Any footage that is taken will be stored securely and will only be used if an incident requires investigation,” the grocer says online, adding that the driver will inform people if they are to start recording.
Meanwhile, tech retailer Currys announced in May that it is working with VoCoVo to ramp up security in its stores. The manufacturer’s headsets are being introduced to Currys shops, with early feedback from staff suggesting they feel safer wearing them because they can communicate with colleagues when confronted with shoplifters as the equipment doubles up as a comms tool for general operations.
The retailer has also partnered with Auror to introduce crime reporting software into its stores. The aim of using this platform is to speed up and improve the accuracy of crime reporting, and the individual shops can share information on criminals and incidents which is then matched with data nationwide.
Mobile and broadband services retailer EE is embarking on a new store strategy in 2025, investing £3m between May 2025 and March 2026 in bricks and mortar, including opening what it terms as “experience stores” containing areas where visitors get “hands on with tech”. In August, it opened in Merry Hill near Birmingham – its third store of 2025 in the new format, following openings in Nottingham in May and Sheffield earlier in the month.
Asif Aziz, EE retail director, says security and tech to protect customers and employees is a key feature as the store estate is refreshed. “As part of our continued investment into our retail estate, we’re not only enhancing experiences for our customers, but also ensuring both they and our teams are safe,” he says.
“Our staff wear the latest body cameras, which instantly transmit footage to our monitoring teams and law enforcement. In our stores, we utilise smart tracking systems to track stolen goods and monitor them in real-time until they are recovered.
“We also employ time delay stock safes, as well as fogging and misting devices that, when triggered, instantly fill part of the store with disorienting fog and forensic marking solutions. All these security measures are helping to effectively deter and detect criminals.”
CCTV-plus
In June, frozen food retailer Iceland acknowledged it had started trialling use of facial-recognition technology in a small number of its stores, including in its The Food Warehouse shops.
“We will do anything and everything to help protect our staff and customers,” the retailer’s executive chairman Richard Walker said on LinkedIn, following a backlash which included privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch calling the move “chilling”.
“Organised and targeted retail crime is out of control. Every single week, I see the reports from our stores and read about our colleagues being abused, threatened and assaulted simply for doing their job,” Walker added.
Reflecting on the deployment of facial-recognition tech from Facewatch, he added: “I know some people will not like that – but I make zero apologies for it. If I must choose between upsetting a campaign group or protecting our colleagues from violence, I will pick our people every time.
“Let me be clear – this technology does not monitor innocent shoppers. It does not store your data. It helps trained store teams to calmly identify repeat offenders who are known to use violence or intimidation. That is it.”
Iceland estimates it could see a 30% reduction in violent incidents where the Facewatch technology is deployed. More Iceland stores will be fitted with the tech later in 2025, with retailers such as Home Bargains, Farmfoods, Sports Direct, B&M, Flannels, Spar and Morrisons Daily already using it in parts of their respective estates, according to Facewatch.
In June, Trigo Retail, the company known for its high-tech, computer vision stack which supports checkout-free stores for several retailers across Europe, announced it had started to play in the loss prevention space by offering an alternative to CCTV.
The company’s new artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled platform helps retailers to track shoppers as anonymised figures, identifies which items are picked up and then cross-references these goods against what is scanned at checkout. Instant alerts are made to store security in the event of potential theft – and, like Facewatch, Trigo says it never uses, collects or stores any biometric data.
Daniel Gabay, co-founder and CEO of Trigo Retail, says: “The most effective retail security technology today isn’t about adding more barriers or locks – it’s about making existing infrastructure smarter.
“Computer vision AI essentially gives cameras a ‘brain’ to interpret what they’re seeing in real-time, providing stores with unprecedented intelligence about when and how hidden theft is happening in the store. When implemented correctly in a non-biometric way that protects shopper privacy, this technology preserves what matters most: honest shoppers should feel welcomed and trusted by their store, never embarrassed or under suspicion.”
Loyalty and the law
Iceland also announced in August its customers who alert staff when they see shoplifters in store will be eligible for a top-up reward to spend via their Bonus Card loyalty scheme.
The company is looking at all angles to protect itself including this quasi-vigilantism. Iceland customers are strongly encouraged not to directly interact with any shoplifters, but to find the nearest member of staff and alert them instead with a detailed description – and when doing so, they will be topped up with a £1 reward that can be spent in the shop immediately.
Walker called shoplifting a “plague” spreading across big cities, market towns and villages. “To combat any activity in Iceland stores, we’re encouraging our loyal customers to help sound the alarm, and if they do help to catch a shoplifter, we’ll top up their Bonus Card to spend in store,” he says.
EE’s Aziz adds: “While advanced technology is a key part of our security strategy, we also put a lot of focus on our training. We invest thousands of hours in onboarding new team members and in regular training to ensure our employees know how to handle thefts safely, quickly and effectively. We are always looking for ways to improve our processes to protect everyone who walks through our doors every day.”
There’s only so far the individual measures retailers are adopting can protect their people and their profits. Further top-down deterrents are required from policymakers, while law keepers need to dedicate resources to public-facing industry. The BRC wants processes put in place to ensure police attend all incidents of crime in retail stores and follow up as necessary.
“The government must act now to enshrine vital protections for all our service workers; without action now to create a strong deterrent, this problem will continue to grow,” Causon writes in her open letter. “These professionals form the bedrock of our society and economy. They are essential to community building, social cohesion and economic growth – let’s seize this moment to protect all public-facing workers.”
The company pretty much invented the hardware superstore when it began in 1978, just by being so big. They inflated the neighborhood tool shop into a whole city of lumber, hammers, caulk, power saws, and big rolls of wire. I would know I’m in a Home Depot blindfolded, because of a distinct quality to the air—crisp and particulate, smelling like wood dust and paint and the oiled metal of power tools. The Home Depot smell is buried deep in my childhood, filed somewhere between “building a deck” and “first day of spring.” Anyway, the Home Depot website is just as big. And while it doesn’t smell like sawdust, it’s easier to find stuff. And as it turns out, the hardware giant also goes hard on discounts, slashing grills and garden and outdoor power tools by up to 50%, not to mention smokers like the new Traieger Woodridge (8/10, WIRED Recommends) also sold at Home Depot. Our roundup includes Home Depot promo codes, new customer coupons, free shipping offers, and Pro rewards to drop prices by as much as 60% when you buy online.
Get 10% Off With Home Depot Promo Codes and Coupons
Autumn is in the air, which means falling leaves and everyone’s favorite spooky holiday. Home Depot is the perfect place for a myriad of needs as the seasons change, including leaf blowers and Home Depot’s iconic Halloween decor collection that just launched now up to 50% off, including outdoor and yard decor (which includes free delivery). WIRED writer Nena Farrell reviewed Home Depot’s iconic giant Halloween skeleton a few months ago.
If you register for Home Depot’s Style and Decor newsletter, you get a special code for 10 percent off on furniture and home accents. Or if you sign up for the Home Depot coupon newsletter, you get an immediate $5 off the next in-store purchase of $50 or more. Another easy way to get 5% off at Home Depot is to set up a subscription for your go to products and automatically get 5% off and free delivery on your order.
Use Top Home Depot Coupons for up to $500 Off Tools, Appliances, and More
Home Depot’s website makes it super easy to shop the best current discounts by department in the savings portal, making it easier than ever to find the best deals for any home reno need. Right now, savings include up to $400 off (including up to 50% off) on top tool brands including Milwaukee, Ryobi, and DeWalt, plus, you’ll get a free battery or tool kit with tool purchase.
Home Depot also offers huge savings on bundle deals, including up to $400 off LG and $500 off Samsung kitchen appliances when you buy 2 or more, and huge savings on home decor, like 40% off living room furniture including sectionals and modular sofas. You can also shop top sellers like sectional sofas for under $500. Plus, the Home Depot Fall Savings event is always a great way to save more on tools and other home essentials.
Get 40% Off With Home Depot Deal of the Day Coupons
Home Depot coupons of the moment include whopper deals like 15% off storage solutions, 35% off washers and dryers, and $2,000 off LG kitchen appliances when you buy 2 or more. Explore more deals on kitchen and other furniture too, by checking out the deals of the moment here. Like we’ve stated, there are so many ways to save at Home Depot, even when you’re shopping online. Special Buy of the Days include steep price drops on certain products or entire brands—but the significant price drops only last for 24 hours. Recently they’ve highlighted essentials for the Fall Bath Event, in which daily deals include 40% off faucets, 25% off toilets and bathtubs, and 40% off vanities. That’s a whole lot of savings for one of the most expensive home renovations you can do.
Deals include smart home items WIRED has covered extensively, like Nest learning thermostats (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Need advice on setting up a smart home? WIRED has your back. Not only do Deals of the Days (and over 1 million products) qualify for free shipping, but you can also get free delivery to your local Home Depot store or straight to your door with online orders over $45.
Save 20% With Home Depot Pro Xtra Discounts
Home Depot also offers a loyalty program called Pro Xtra for frequent flyers, whether you’re a contractor or just undergoing a serious remodel this year. This means exclusive prices up to 20% off, 10% discounts on bulk buys, a rewards point system, and occasional $50 off $250 coupons too. Painting the house? The program also nets you 10 to 20 percent off paint and primers. Pro Xtra offers multiple tiers, from basic membership to Elite and VIP.
Special Buys of the Week are bargains that are worth checking out, and pros can get discounts with the Pro Special Buy of the Week—and that’s on top of exclusive discounts and everyday discounted pricing on items. Hot offers this week include: free tools or batteries with your purchase of tools from Milwaukee, RYOBI, and more premium brands, plus 20% off flooring. Also grab 40% off bathroom products like Kohler showers, tubs, vanities, faucets, tubs, and toilets, including luxury upgrades like Horow smart toilets and bidets.
Get 10% Off With the Home Depot Military Discount
Home Depot has long maintained a program offering discounts to active service members, veterans, and their spouses, offering 10 percent off all eligible purchases. You’ll need to register to verify your military status through SheerID, and from then on you can just scan your virtual ID or enter your phone number at checkout, same way you do at the grocery store. Note that military discounts are limited to $400 each calendar year, and this resets each year. Some commodity products are excluded, including lumber, wire, and building materials. Appliances are also out in the cold, but military families may still find special deals or tax-free shopping through Home Depot’s Military Exchange Program.
Donald Trump’s recent visit to the UK saw a so-called “landmark partnership” on nuclear energy. London and Washington announced plans to build 20 small modular reactors and also develop microreactor technology—despite the fact no such plants have yet been built commercially anywhere in the world.
The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, promised these plans will deliver a “golden age” of nuclear energy that will also “drive down bills.” Yet the history of nuclear power has been decades of overhype, soaring costs and constant delays. Around the world, the trends point the wrong way.
So why the renewed excitement about going nuclear? The real reasons have less to do with energy security, or climate change—and far more to do with military power.
At first sight, the case may seem obvious. Nuclear supporters frame small modular reactors, or SMRs, as vital for cutting emissions, meeting rising demand for electricity from cars and data centers. With large nuclear plants now prohibitively expensive, smaller reactors are billed as an exciting new alternative.
But these days even the most optimistic industry analyses concede that nuclear—even SMRs—is unlikely to compete with renewables. One analysis in New Civil Engineer published earlier this year concluded that SMRs are “the most expensive source per kilowatt of electricity generated when compared with natural gas, traditional nuclear and renewables.”
Independent assessments—for instance by the formerly pro-nuclear Royal Society—find that 100% renewable systems outperform any energy system, including nuclear on cost, flexibility and security. This helps explain why worldwide statistical analysis shows nuclear power is not generally linked to carbon emissions reductions, while renewables are.
Partly, the enthusiasm for SMRs can be explained by the loudest institutional voices tending to have formal pro-nuclear remits or interests: they include the industry itself and its suppliers, nuclear agencies, and governments with entrenched military nuclear programs. For these interests, the only question is which kinds of nuclear reactors to develop, and how fast. They don’t wonder if we should build reactors in the first place: the need is seen as self-evident.
At least big nuclear reactors have benefited from economies of scale and decades of technological optimization. Many SMR designs are just “powerpoint reactors,” existing only in slides and feasibility studies. Claims these unbuilt designs “will cost less” are speculative at best.
Investment markets know this. While financiers see SMR hype as a way to profit from billions in government subsidies, their own analyses are less enthusiastic about the technology itself.
So why then, all this attention to nuclear in general and smaller reactors in particular? There is clearly more to this than meets the eye.
The hidden link
The neglected factor is the military dependence on civil nuclear industries. Maintaining a nuclear-armed navy or weapons program requires constant access to generic reactor technologies, skilled workers and special materials. Without a civilian nuclear industry, military nuclear capabilities are significantly more challenging and costly to sustain.
Rolls-Royce is an important link here, as it already builds the UK’s submarine reactors and is set to build the newly announced civil SMRs. The company said openly in 2017 that a civil SMR program would “relieve the Ministry of Defense of the burden of developing and retaining skills and capability.”
Here, as emphasized by Nuclear Intelligence Weekly in 2020, the Rolls-Royce SMR program has an important “symbiosis with UK military needs.” It is this dependency that allows military costs (in the words of a former executive with submarine builders BAE Systems), to be “masked” behind civilian programs.
By funding civil nuclear projects, taxpayers and consumers cover military uses of nuclear power in subsidies and higher bills—without the added spending appearing in defense budgets.
When the UK government funded us to investigate the value of this transfer, we put it at around £5 billion per year in the UK alone. These costs are masked from public view, covered by revenues from higher electricity prices and the budgets of supposedly civilian government agencies.
This is not a conspiracy but a kind of political gravitational field. Once governments see nuclear weapons as a marker of global status, the funding and political support becomes self-perpetuating.
The result is a strange sort of circularity: nuclear power is justified by energy security and cost arguments that don’t stand up, but is in reality sustained for strategic reasons that remain unacknowledged.
Russia and China are both quite open about their own inseparable civil-military links. French president Emmanuel Macron put it clearly: “Without civilian nuclear, no military nuclear, without military nuclear, no civilian nuclear.”
Across these states, military nuclear capabilities are seen as a way to stay at the world’s “top table”. An end to their civilian program would threaten not just jobs and energy, but their great power status.
The next frontier
Beyond submarines, the development of “microreactors” is opening up new military uses for nuclear power. Microreactors are even smaller and more experimental than SMRs. Though they can make profits by milking military procurement budgets, they make no sense from a commercial energy standpoint.
However, microreactors are seen as essential in US plans for battlefield power, space infrastructure and new “high energy” anti-drone and missile weaponry. Prepare to see them become ever more prominent in “civil” debates—precisely because they serve military goals.
Whatever view is taken of these military developments, it makes no sense to pretend they are unrelated to the civil nuclear sector. The real drivers of the recent US–UK nuclear agreement lie in military projection of force, not civilian power production. Yet this remains absent from most discussions of energy policy.
It is a crucial matter of democracy that there be honesty about what is really going on.
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Cookware brand All-Clad surprised me this year. This summer, it breezed into the backyard pizza world with a debut pizza oven that I like as well as any oven I’ve tested this year. Right now, that excellent All-Clad gas-powered pizza oven is a whopping $800 off the suggested retail price, only at the All-Clad site.
What’s so good about the oven? The All-Clad gas-powered pizza oven heats up fast, and crests 900 degrees Fahrenheit after 20 minutes. It’s insulated well, comes with a built-in thermometer that’s pretty accurate, and it’s made with the sturdy stainless steel All-Clad is known for.
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
Photograph: Matthew Korfhage
But especially, All-Clad’s pizza oven comes with a rotating pizza stone that removes a lot of the fuss and bother of cooking pizza evenly. Instead of having to hover nervously over each pie with a pizza peel, in order to turn the pizza before the backside burns, all I have to do is launch the pizza in the middle of the pizza stone.
The oven does the rest, spinning the pizza at a rate of one revolution every 40 seconds or so. It’s not foolproof—you have to launch the pizza in the center of the pizza stone to get an even cook—but it is a game-changer. This is true especially if I’m making multiple pizzas in a go-round. It means I’m able to prep the next pie while the current one is still spinning and baking.
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