A preview of a new initiative to fight violent crime in independent stores was given to retailers attending the Grocer4Independents regional roadshow at Booker Cash & Carry's Wimbledon depot.
Digby Ram, chairman of security company IBP, gave retailers an insight into Raid Control which is being piloted in south London by the Metropolitan Police.
Raid Control is being developed by a steering group comprising retailer organisations such as the ACS and BRC, police units such as the Flying Squad and Greater Manchester Police, and manufacturers of security equipment and insurers.
The aim of the scheme, said Ram, who is chairing the Raid Control steering group, is to help retailers deter criminals.
It involves certifying stores which have reached agreed security standards and giving them posters to promote the fact they have police certification.
Ram said there was already evidence that such a scheme would deter criminals from attacking stores taking part because it was evident that criminals were looking for soft targets.
Ram said five elements were required before a store could be certified.
Retailers needed to carry out staff training, reduce the amount of cash available, have a CCTV system which could provide evidence if there was a raid, install a cash degradation unit (equipment for activating smoke and dye when cash is stolen), and arrange publicity material to raise the public's awareness of the store's security systems.
Conscious of the difficulties facing independent retailers in complying with the requirements, the group is working with the police so that crime prevention officers will carry out risk assessments with retailers and advise them on staff training.
Security equipment companies are also working to come up with suitable equipment at affordable prices, and retailers taking part are also likely to qualify for reduced insurance costs.
Ram said the first trial of the scheme was under way with 30 retailers in Croydon, in south London, and a full trial involving 200 stores in Manchester would begin early next year.
A national launch is planned for the second half of next year with backing from the Home Office.>>p22 Retailers' views on the problem of crime
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Digby Ram, chairman of security company IBP, gave retailers an insight into Raid Control which is being piloted in south London by the Metropolitan Police.
Raid Control is being developed by a steering group comprising retailer organisations such as the ACS and BRC, police units such as the Flying Squad and Greater Manchester Police, and manufacturers of security equipment and insurers.
The aim of the scheme, said Ram, who is chairing the Raid Control steering group, is to help retailers deter criminals.
It involves certifying stores which have reached agreed security standards and giving them posters to promote the fact they have police certification.
Ram said there was already evidence that such a scheme would deter criminals from attacking stores taking part because it was evident that criminals were looking for soft targets.
Ram said five elements were required before a store could be certified.
Retailers needed to carry out staff training, reduce the amount of cash available, have a CCTV system which could provide evidence if there was a raid, install a cash degradation unit (equipment for activating smoke and dye when cash is stolen), and arrange publicity material to raise the public's awareness of the store's security systems.
Conscious of the difficulties facing independent retailers in complying with the requirements, the group is working with the police so that crime prevention officers will carry out risk assessments with retailers and advise them on staff training.
Security equipment companies are also working to come up with suitable equipment at affordable prices, and retailers taking part are also likely to qualify for reduced insurance costs.
Ram said the first trial of the scheme was under way with 30 retailers in Croydon, in south London, and a full trial involving 200 stores in Manchester would begin early next year.
A national launch is planned for the second half of next year with backing from the Home Office.>>p22 Retailers' views on the problem of crime
{{NEWS }}
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