A cutting edge system that allows retailers to efficiently report incidents of shoplifting has been introduced in Liverpool city centre.
The joint Liverpool BID Company and Merseyside Police initiative has been launched to help local businesses report incidents online via Facewatch, an instant crime reporting app that creates a ‘digital evidence package’ containing statements and accompanying CCTV imagery, which is then instantly sent to Merseyside Police.
The scheme has been introduced following a safety review by the Liverpool BID Company.
Initially, the first phase of the initiative will involve around 40 retailers in the city centre who are currently being trained to use the new software.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Liverpool city centre has a great record for thwarting criminal activity but there is always room for improvement and Facewatch will play a crucial role in this.
“This web-based system will allow us to gain a more complete picture of how crime and anti-social behaviour affects our businesses, helping us to develop our support for them in the future.”
Chief Inspector Greg Lambert of Merseyside Police said: “Embracing new technology is crucial as we adapt to the challenges of modern day policing.
“This system saves time and money and enables us to offer a more efficient service to businesses – and importantly frees officers up to patrol the streets and fight crime.”