ShopWatch
We help you tackle crime in your community.
What Is ShopWatch?
ShopWatch is a network of businesses, from a town centre and outlying areas, linked by radio to each other, the police and CCTV operators.
Operating in cities, towns and shopping centres across the country, and collaborating with local councils, town CCTV and the police, ShopWatch has a purpose to deter and ultimately assist with the prevention of antisocial behaviour within our public spaces and as well as increasing personal safety and confidence amongst many retailers and their customers.
Since ShopWatch began, there has been multiple reports of reduction in crime within cities & towns. This has had a positive impact on local businesses by decreasing losses of stock as well as creating a safer environment for customers.
‘Shopwatch’, in one form or another now operates in most of the towns, cities and shopping centres around the country. Its purpose is to deter and ultimately assist with the prevention of antisocial behavior within our public spaces. The problems could be from shoplifting to graffiti, and effective communication has had a massive impact on these social issues. In many cases there has been a huge reduction in the reporting of these types of incidents where Shopwatch schemes are operating.
Today digital radio technology has evolved and provides much clearer communication with many additional features to make the very most of the radio system. Control software based at a remote location can, if required, provide voice recording, GPS tracking, and text messaging to mention just a few features. As the needs of Shopwatch/Pubwatch customers changed, we have been there to help our customers make the digital migration either gradually or instantly. With our expertise, we have made the most of the digital technology for our customers building in resiliency and with an eye on the future; we continue to provide support throughout the UK.
The backbone of the scheme is a reliable, affordable two-way radio communication system, allowing shop staff, police personnel and community wardens to co-ordinate their efforts.
Effective communication can have a positive impact on reducing social issues such as; violence, vandalism, arson, shoplifting, fraud, drunkenness, trespassing and general anti-social behaviour. ShopWatch members across the country are reporting lower cases of crime in their communities, plus both staff and members of the public are reporting feeling safer.
How Does ShopWatch Work?
• Members of the ShopWatch network carry a radio on their person or a store may keep one behind the counter.
• Everyone on the network will hear the messages sent, usually via a central controller or a repeater radio station.
• Offenders who are known or seen to be causing concern can easily be spotted and tracked before they commit crimes against businesses.
• Each two-way radio user will have a caller ID so the controller knows who is transmitting and can identify their general operating area.
• Security staff and the police can monitor the two-way radio network at all times and respond accordingly.
• If a radio is stolen, it can be disabled remotely so the radio will be unusable (it can also be re-enabled if it is recovered).
PubWatch And TownWatch
The success of the ShopWatch scheme has led to the introduction of similar schemes such as Pubwatch and Townwatch - also using two-way radio communications and body worn cameras.
Smye-Rumsby has designed, installed and commissioned many such systems and, as popularity has grown, we continue to provide the support and after-sales care, throughout the UK, to ensure these systems perform to the very highest standard.
It's Not Just Two-Way Radios Suitable For ShopWatch
A Body Worn Camera is designed to protect you and are typically used by police officers, fire and ambulance services - however, they have many uses for ShopWatch schemes too!
Body Worn Cameras are designed to collect evidence from the point of view of the wearer. Video evidence is vital, it can be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful prosecution.
We know that managing and storing evidence is vital to any security system, all of our Body Worn Cameras come with effective Evidence Management Software solutions to cater to all sizes and types of organizations. The platform protects not just the public but also personnel who are using the body worn camera and the organizations too.
Get in touch if you'd like more information on implementing body worn cameras into your ShopWatch scheme.
What Our ShopWatch Members Have Said About Us
"We’re very pleased with the new radios, We have good transmission, noise cancellation and excellent coverage, but most importantly, our communications are encrypted which is hugely important to the organisation. We’re looking to extend DPAC out to further parts of the Dover area with confidence that we’ll be able to communicate safely and clearly, and help our members prevent crime.
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— Karen Griffiths, Dover District Partnership Against Crime
Are You A Part Of ShopWatch?
Or Are You Looking To Start A Scheme?
We've helped many local businesses across the UK to implement a ShopWatch scheme and improve an existing schemes.
Are you having trouble with your radios, or perhaps want to collect evidence via body worn cameras or CCTV? We can help you!
Get in touch with our friendly team with our contact form, alternately you can call us on:
01304 248 900