The Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC) was set up over 20 years ago to prevent theft across Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and the surrounding areas. With more than 120 members including retailers, pubs, transport operators, and schools, DPAC is one of the most successful business crime partnerships in the country.
The DPAC members were using an analogue network of two-way radios, but DPAC realised that there were multiple issues that were preventing the system from being used to its optimum level.
Hytera PD605 two-way radio
Firstly, there were some concerns over coverage and clarity. The analogue network did not guarantee consistent coverage, and communications were not always clear.
However, the primary issue was security. Operating a crime partnership requires communications to be secure at all times, and the analogue network was not encrypted. Therefore, DPAC decided to make the switch to digital.
DPAC contacted local Hytera dealer Smye-Rumsby, who recommended Hytera radios. Each member was therefore supplied with one of Hytera’s latest models, the PD605. Repeaters were set up around Dover, Deal, and Sandwich so that coverage could be assured across the whole area. The PD605 is a latest-generation two-way radio that helps organisations migrate from analogue to digital by providing both modes.
Advanced signalling and encryption
Importantly, the radio has advanced signalling and encryption for secure communications, and comes with features such as the emergency buttons, GPS and Man Down as standard.
DPAC has also assisted in finding missing persons, with members alerting CCTV operatives |
Feedback has been that the radios are light and not cumbersome and that clarity has been greatly improved. Coverage has also improved, with less drop-out across the town.
Currently, DPAC uses the Hytera radios to ensure its members are able to communicate with CCTV operators and alert other members of potential criminal activity. When a shoplifter enters a store, members use the radios to inform CCTV, who upload a photo to a Whatsapp group and a secure website.
Excellent transmission and noise cancellation
DPAC has also assisted in finding missing persons, with members alerting CCTV operatives.
“We’re very pleased with the new radios,” says DPAC’s Karen Griffiths. “We have good transmission, noise cancellation and excellent coverage, but most importantly, our communications are encrypted, which is hugely important to the organisation. We’re looking to extend DPAC out to further parts of the Dover area with confidence that we’ll be able to communicate safely and clearly, and help our members prevent crime.”
