What: Research by YouGov and Motorola Solutions showed that 41% of retail workers are worried about their safety during the festive rush amid rising retail crime.

Why it is important: These concerns are amplified as holiday season approaches when shops are busier, stay open later, and may be understaffed.

Petty theft was the most common crime as 56% of retail workers said they or their store has experienced this in the last 12 months. The report also found that 51% witnessed or experienced a hostile customer interaction, 31% have encountered organised retail crime gangs, and 15% of workers have been victims of or witnessed a physical attack on a colleague.

In the survey, the role of technology emerged as integral to improving safety as 67% said video cameras have been installed in stores, 30% use two-way radios, and 25% said body cameras have been used to improve safety. When asked which technologies would make workers feel safer, a wearable or mounted panic alarm topped the list. Body cameras and video security cameras completed the top three.

Four in 10 retail workers are worried about their safety during the festive season