Ann Summers is deploying body cameras to employees in 23 of its stores across the country following a trial.

The lingerie retailer is introducing the cameras after an eight-week trial throughout three of its shops in August, Drapers reported.

The company is reportedly prioritising locations where it has experienced “a history of incidents or higher risk”.

The trial followed workers across the retail sector facing “increasing incidents of abuse and threats”.

The move has been designed to provide additional “reassurance to colleagues, deter aggressive behaviour and ensure a safer shopping environment.”

Furthermore, the retailer is set to enhance staff training with body cameras in the future, using tactics such as practical role play and guidance on shopper privacy.

The initial deployment of the body-worn cameras is forecast to be completed before Christmas, with the launch continuing into next year.

Speaking previously, CEO Maria Hollins said: “At Ann Summers, the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our top priority.”

The trial has shown that body worn cameras can make a real difference in creating a safer, more welcoming environment in our stores.

“Our rollout is just one part of our ongoing commitment to personal safety and creating a positive and secure environment for everyone at Ann Summers.”

Ann Summers said that it continued to “review its approach” to its in-store security and was working with law enforcement and retail partners to fight retail crime.

In October, Tesco revealed plans to equip over 5,000 delivery drivers with body worn cameras in 100 of its stores by the end of this year, as part of measures to enhance their safety at work.

Earlier this year, H&M also joined an increasing number of retailers providing their staff with bodycams to tackle theft.