Axis Security secures Peacocks Shopping Centre with round-the-clock surveillance

Axis Security provides an around-the clock presence at the centre with patrolling and monitoring CCTV

Axis Security, one of the UK's fastest growing providers of integrated security solutions, is protecting visitors and staff at Woking's Peacocks Shopping Centre. Comprising half a million sq ft of retail and leisure space, the centre is home to a mix of 72 retailers, six cinemas, two theatres and five main anchor stores.

With an average footfall of 170,000 per week and a catchment of 661,000, security is a key priority for the centre's management team. Axis Security provides an around-the clock presence at the centre, with its officers charged with patrolling the centre and monitoring its CCTV.

Axis Security won the contract on competitive tender as Martin Pooley, Operations Manager for the Centre, explains: "We looked at a number of suppliers, but Axis Security's presentation stood out for its strong management team and its excellent support and benefits package for staff. The team of 13 officers has been at the centre since April 2009 and the feedback already has been excellent.

"Unfortunately in the current economic climate, the centre has faced a rise in thefts. The officers have responded accordingly and there has been an increased rate of arrests in relation to incidences of theft at the centre. In addition there has been increased attendance of incidences requiring first aid by security staff.

"On a number of occasions the officer's actions have made a significant impact on security at the centre. For example they assisted Police in apprehending an organised team of criminals who were obtaining money by false pretences through cash machines, on another they took into custody an individual who had by fraud obtained items from a well-known retailer to the sum of £40,000.

In December, the team's efforts were rewarded at the annual Axis Security Christmas luncheon, where they received the Security Team of the Year prize

"We're extremely pleased with the level of service and attention to detail demonstrated both by the officers and the Axis management team, with a number of the centre's on-site team commenting on an improvement in security since they've come on board."

In December, the team's efforts were rewarded at the annual Axis Security Christmas luncheon, where they received the Security Team of the Year prize. The award formally acknowledges the contribution made by Axis Security officers in enhancing the lives of customers.

"The team have a professional ‘can do-will do' attitude, are consistently courteous and thoroughly deserve the recognition for all their hard work," Martin concludes.

Centred around an impressive 90ft atrium, The Peacocks is anchored by a 137,000 square foot Debenhams trading from all three levels of the centre. The Peacocks is also anchored on each level by larger stores including Primark, Toys R Us and TK Maxx. It also houses the Ambassadors Theatre and leisure complex with a six screen multiplex cinema and two theatres, the larger seating over 1300 people.

Jonathan Levine, Managing Director of Axis Security added: "Axis Security is delighted to have this opportunity to work at the centre and look forward to a mutually beneficial long term relationship."