Controversy Erupts Over Surveillance Camera in Vevey
A recent incident at the Manor department store in Vevey (VD) has ignited outrage among customers regarding privacy concerns. A woman, who was trying on clothes in a fitting room with her daughter, was shocked to discover that a surveillance camera was pointed toward them. She expressed her discomfort, stating, “I will never forget that unpleasant feeling. While I was in my underwear in the fitting room, my daughter pointed out that a camera was filming us. I was completely taken aback when I looked up and actually saw it.”
Immediate Reactions and Customer Care Response
After the alarming discovery, the woman promptly reached out to Manor’s customer service, which resulted in an immediate response. The store management acted quickly by installing small white plates around the camera to mitigate concerns. Additionally, she notified the police, who dispatched officers to the store to investigate the situation.
Assurances from Manor’s Management
In a follow-up message, Manor’s representative addressed the incident on August 30, stating that the security manager was contacted to rectify the situation. The message noted, “We have confirmed that the images captured by the camera are blurred in areas that may have an angle toward the inside of a fitting room. As a precaution, we have installed temporary covers on the concerned camera until a permanent technical solution is in place.”
Camera Still in Place Despite Promises
However, two weeks later, customers reported that the camera remained in its original location, still visible from inside the fitting room. Despite Manor’s assurances that the camera was fixed and could not film 360 degrees, some customers remained apprehensive. A spokesperson from Manor clarified, “The camera in question is a fixed unit, strictly aimed at the corridor and cannot record inside the fitting rooms.”
Transparency in Surveillance Practices
Manor also pointed out that they comply with regulations regarding data protection and surveillance practices. The store features signage at the entrances, informing customers of the surveillance measures in place. Nevertheless, the ongoing visibility of the camera led to discomfort among shoppers worried about their privacy in intimate spaces.
Action Taken: Camera Removal
Following scrutiny from the media and continued customer complaints, the store department finally decided to remove the controversial camera. A statement attributed to the company acknowledged, “To avoid any discomfort related to the visibility of a camera, the mentioned camera has been removed and will be repositioned elsewhere.” This removal, confirmed by several sources, was welcomed by the concerned customer, although she expressed disappointment that the store had delayed action until media coverage arose.
Final Thoughts on Privacy and Security
The incident at Manor in Vevey serves as a critical reminder of the balance between security and customer privacy in retail environments. While video surveillance is essential for maintaining safety, it is equally important for companies to ensure that their measures do not infringe on individuals’ rights and comfort. As the situation unfolds, the need for clear communication between retailers and patrons regarding surveillance practices will be vital for maintaining trust and ensuring a comfortable shopping experience in the future.
