Retailers are set to gain free access to a new weapon in the war against retail crime.

Facewatch, an online system for reporting low-level crime, has been released for free to all UK businesses. The system makes it easy to report crimes and share CCTV footage with police.

Trials of the system began last summer. A pilot project in London resulted in a 73% increase in detection rates of low-level crime as well as measurable savings in police time and costs. Police said it saved two hours per crime and CCTV images were circulated two weeks faster than previously.

“Facewatch is a great tool that helps us streamline our process, focus on the people committing the crime, and get to work quickly,” said Met police chief superintendent Simon Ovens.

“Victims want to know what’s happening once they report a crime, so to be able to report a theft quickly and easily, and then track it online, is a step forward.”

Once a crime is reported via Facewatch a crime reference number is instantly provided. Police then update a ‘crime file’ throughout the investigation that is shared with the retailer involved. It can also be used by the retailer and police officers for secure communications, which remain on the case file.

Facewatch is being offered via a new not-for-profit company called Facewatch & Partners. The company is sponsored by Facewatch founder Simon Gordon, who set up the system after becoming frustrated by the practical difficulties of reporting petty crime at his wine bar.

Facewatch offers retailers a complete online evidential pack including images, CCTV footage and witness statements. Those affected are kept updated by police on the progress of any investigation by email. Facewatch can also be used to create posters showing images of suspects.

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