|
Whether it be perception or reality, the increasing level of crime against business is a concern to everyone. Even though Christchurch is a relatively safe area in which to do business, it will only remain so if we all work together to combat crime. Certainly, the criminal element will always be on the lookout for ‘soft targets’ and we need to ensure that they know Christchurch is not an easy touch. Shoplifting, vandalism and ram-raiding may impact your business, but increasing levels of threatening behaviour, even armed robbery, pose a real concern for the well-being of yourself and your staff. With a large area to cover, our police need us to work with them to combat crime.
The ShopLink Radio system enables us to do this - the Chamber took the initiative to upgrade the ShopLink transmitters to enable coverage of most of the borough. With the assistance of the National Westminster bank and the Eastern Dorset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, we now have an updated system available to most shopkeepers and public houses.
ShopLink, a special ‘retail radio’ system linking businesses to each other and to the local police via the CCTV control room, has been operating successfully in Christchurch Town Centre for several years, playing a significant part in crime reduction and in the apprehension of offenders.
ShopLink is available to all retail stores, public houses, restaurants and other ‘customer-facing’ businesses in an area from Iford to Highcliffe, who will benefit from the increased security ShopLink will give businesses and their staff. It is particularly beneficial to small traders and ‘one-person’ businesses.
The beauty of ShopLink is the ability to track not only potential offenders, but those who may have already committed crime. With ShopLink now being borough-wide, traders can help by reporting sightings of wanted persons or vehicles, giving the CCTV operators and the police a head start in apprehending them.
The radios cost around £200 - not much to pay for a lifetime’s peace of mind. At the current time, the Chamber is offering a discount to members joining the scheme.
|
