Shopwatch
A two way inter store radio system that links retailers,
police and the St Albans city centre CCTV control room and enables
the swift exchange
of information about criminal activity in the city centre has been
in situ since December 2000.
The main purpose of the radio link is to reduce theft from shops in
the city. It also improves the personal security of retail employees.
In the first year that CCTV was installed in the city centre crime
reduced by 22%. St Albans retailers, with the support of the Police,
built on this success by targeting retail theft. Setting up a Retail
Radio link in the city is part of the campaign and has led to an increased
reduction in crime by a further 38%.
Whilst reducing loss through theft was a major incentive
for establishing a radio Shopwatch scheme there are other benefits
to the city centre
users and workers;
- Childsafe initiatives designed to assist in finding
lost children quickly.
- Improved the personal security of shop
staff especially for lone workers in small stores,
- Comfort for
key holders returning to stores at night
- A Help Point for shoppers
to call for assistance,
See also:
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