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As prices on consumer goods<\/a> continue to rise, shoplifting has been increasing right alongside them.<\/p>\n To protect their bottom line, retailers are fighting back with a bold new tactic \u2014 one that might make some shoppers uneasy.<\/p>\n Stores like Walmart, Target, and TJ Maxx are outfitting employees with body-worn cameras in an effort to reduce theft, prevent violence, and protect workers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Kroger Relents, Finally Makes Coupon Change Customers Have Been Begging For<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s a move that\u2019s sparked debate across the country \u2014 but according to new research, most Americans aren\u2019t nearly as worried about privacy as they used to be.<\/p>\n Body cameras have long been associated with law enforcement. But now, you might spot one on a cashier,<\/a> store greeter, or loss prevention officer at your local grocery store.<\/p>\n Walmart<\/a>, Dollar General, and Kroger are among the growing number of retailers testing or rolling out bodycams for employees \u2014 especially in locations hit hard by theft or safety incidents.<\/p>\n At Walmart stores in Florida and Texas, body-worn cameras are now being used<\/a> at select checkout counters.<\/p>\n TJ Maxx and Marshalls are also deploying them among their loss prevention teams.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/i>This Beloved Southern City Is Finally Getting a Trader Joe\u2019s \u2014 2, Actually<\/a><\/p>\n Even convenience stores like 7-Eleven \u2014 often open late or around the clock \u2014 have joined the trend in high-crime areas.<\/p>\n The goal? Protect employees, de-escalate tense situations<\/a>, and discourage shoplifters before they act.<\/p>\n Despite obvious privacy concerns, it turns out most Americans are surprisingly okay with this kind of surveillance \u2014 especially if it means safer stores.<\/p>\n A new survey commissioned by tech firm Halos<\/a> found that more than 70% of U.S. adults are either comfortable with, or indifferent to, the presence of body-worn cameras outside of law enforcement.<\/p>\n Even more striking: 62% of people believe bodycams help deter bad behavior like theft or verbal abuse. And 44% said they\u2019d think twice about their own actions<\/a> if they knew store staff were wearing one.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a lot of conversation about how bodycams impact businesses and employees, but we wanted to understand how the public feels about seeing them in everyday settings,\u201d said Halos CEO Alan Ring.<\/p>\n For many shoppers, the trade-off between privacy and protection seems worth it <\/a>\u2014 at least for now.<\/p>\n While some might feel uneasy being filmed while picking up groceries or waiting in a checkout line, others say it helps them feel safer.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Your Next Walmart Order Might Be Delivered by a Drone<\/a><\/p>\n Retailers are still watching closely. As more chains experiment with wearable cameras, public opinion could shift<\/a> \u2014 especially if the footage is ever misused.<\/p>\n But for now, Americans seem to be signaling: record away, as long as it keeps the peace.<\/p>\n These 11 country stars were locked up for committing awful crimes. Some turned their life around while others (like No. 10) never seemed to have learned their lesson.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA Bold New Strategy in Retail<\/h3>\n
Americans Aren\u2019t Pushing Back<\/h3>\n
The Trade-Off: Safety or Surveillance?<\/h3>\n
Country Music’s Most Horrific Crimes<\/h2>\n