Iceland chair Richard Walker has called on the government to change “stupid” laws that prohibit retailers from sharing CCTV footage of shoplifters online, The Times has reported.
Walker said retailers are fighting crime with “one hand tied behind our backs”, referring to the data protection law that stops retailers from sharing footage on social media platforms such as WhatsApp.
The chair of the frozen food chain said he had advised staff to circulate images and videos of shoplifters on high street WhatsApp groups despite the rule, adding that he is prepared to “take the rap” for it if there is a problem.
Speaking on the Woburn Partners Lessons in Leadership podcast, Walker said: “We are fighting with one hand tied behind our backs.
“When these images are on your CCTV… it’s absolutely proven. There’s no denying.
“You watch someone pick something up, put it under their coat or whatever they do, and walk out or become aggressive to store staff if they’re stopped.
“Obviously, you’d like to absolutely share those images. I’ve told my colleagues to do it anyway and I’ll take the rap if there’s a problem. It’s a stupid law.
“Let’s use the tools that we’ve got to be able to fight this.”
A spokesman for the Information Commissioner’s Office told The Times: “Data protection law enables retailers to share images to prevent or detect crime as long as it’s necessary and proportionate in the circumstances.
“Retailers will need to consider the relevant privacy implications such as having a legal reason and appropriate security measures when considering publishing any images of suspected shoplifters.
“Any retailer that is using or sharing information to prevent or detect crime and isn’t sure how to do this in a compliant way can contact us for advice or find guidance on our website.”
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