An innovative security solution including live video monitoring and public address technology is being trialled by the Co-operative Group to protect its staff and cut down on shoplifting.
Two sites, in Goring-on-Sea, Worthing, and Scala, Bath, are taking part in the trial using Vision Systems ADPRO FastTrace Multi-Site Video Security System - a secure, cost-effective and reliable remote off-site video transmission and verification technology that enables rapid access to live events and instant retrieval of stored images that are admissible in court."A major focus of the trial is to improve the environment for both customers and shop-staff alike, making them safer, more attractive places to shop and work," explains Richard Quinn, the Co-op's Regional Loss Prevention Manager. "We are working with Vision Systems to develop a solution where the staff feel safer, our shops can stay open later, and we can see real improvements in business," he adds.
"Like many retailers," Richard continues, "we do have problems with crime. We have a responsibility to our staff to protect them, against a background of wanting to make our stores better places to shop. They are all factors that work together."
The Co-operative Group's approach is to take a proven technology - remote video surveillance - and turn it from being a ‘reactive' tool to one that is positively ‘proactive' in preventing crime.
"If we can avoid our staff having to have potentially difficult confrontations with would-be shoplifters," adds Richard. "It will have a tremendous impact in improving safety for our staff and shoppers."
Should a member of staff become suspicious of a customer, or if they are a known shoplifter, they simply press an alert button and the remote monitoring station ‘views' what is happening from the cameras installed strategically around the store. A series of general alerts are then given out, via the public address system, to warn all shoppers that they are being monitored by live CCTV.
"It could be that a known trouble-maker has entered the store," Richard continues, "so before he or she is able to do anything the staff press the button and the central station is alerted. In the event of an emergency, having first contacted the police the central station can view and record events for future evidence. It provides the staff with the comfort of knowing help is always close by. Out of hours, the stores are monitored as usual."
The decision to trial the ADPRO Fast Trace came from Richard's previous experience with the company. "ADPRO has a reputation for quality and technical innovation."
"By linking cameras to live monitoring and recording we give staff the comfort of knowing someone is constantly looking after their welfare, and avoiding confrontation whenever they can."
Vision Systems recently launched an enhanced version of its ADPRO FastTrace Multi-Site Video Security System in line with BS8418 that sets new rules for remote monitoring stations and installers in relation to the quality of technology deployed in monitored CCTV installations. The new British Standard provides clear guidance as regards the correct positioning and configuration of detectors, cameras, lighting and audio equipment, and minimum performance requirements of any technology specified.
More recently still it further enhanced its ADPRO FastTrace with a new EPOS (Electronic Point-of-Sale) interface to help retailers identify and combat fraud amongst employees as well as protecting innocent staff from being wrongly accused. The new ADPRO EPOS interface sychronises video and audio with serial data from all manner of Point-of-Sale devices including Electronic Cash Registers and even Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
The ADPRO FastTrace is specifically designed for a diverse range of high security, multiple site industries that require centralised security and surveillance management, such as banks, utilities, telcos, retail sites, and transportation.
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