Retailers in Auckland’s Newmarket are trialling body cameras that stream directly to local police as concerns rise nationwide about groups of young shoplifters intimidating shoppers and staff.
The cameras are worn by mobile security patrols operating seven days a week and, with a double tap, guards can trigger an alert that instantly streams live footage into the Newmarket police station.
Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas said the system had already proven “monumentally successful”, boosting police response times and helping lift arrest rates.
“These body cameras are the first in New Zealand to be used this way. They can stream live, straight into the police station, so officers can triage situations in real time,” he said.
Knoff-Thomas said the goal was to make people feel comfortable and secure when visiting the busy retail precinct.
Body-cameras on security guards send live coverage from the Newmarket retail precinct to the nearest police station. (Source: 1News)
“Retail theft is a big part of what happens daily, but when police can see what’s happening and get out onto the street immediately, the outcomes are vastly better.”
The technology also linked with the street’s CCTV network and a new AI tool that can search footage for specific items, such as a “blue hoodie” or “red shoes”.
Local shop owners said the visible security presence had made a tangible difference, with one retailer telling 1News the patrol team was “friendly and really effective” at preventing trouble before it starts.
The rollout comes as retailers head into one of the busiest and most challenging trade periods of the year.
Retail crime and anti-social behaviour were estimated to cost the New Zealand economy $2.6 billion annually. In 2024, 99% of surveyed retailers reported experiencing at least one incident.
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said the numbers reflected a crisis which had escalated dramatically.
“Retailers are dealing with an unprecedented level of crime and aggression,” she said.
“We’re hearing from businesses every day who are seeing repeat offenders, groups of young people coming in to intimidate staff, and an overall rise in threatening behaviour.”
Young said any initiative that improved real-time visibility for police and security staff was a welcome development.
“It not only supports retailers but also gives staff and customers more confidence heading into Christmas,” she said.
The Newmarket trial will continue over the coming months, with results helping determine whether the system is expanded to other town centres.
