The contracts were initially awarded in July 2011 following a rigorous tender process where Kings Security Systems was chosen to provide specialist intelligence services incorporating crime intelligence collection and reporting, crime pattern analysis, intelligence sharing, fraud investigation, hostage line, mobile overt and covert surveillance, asset tracking and retrieval and incident management.
A diligent plan of implementation facilitated the transfer of the business into Kings Security Systems, with the service ‘going live’ in September.
Kings is now providing a range of intelligence-led security services to Grapevine, which is available to the Post Office Ltd for its national branch network of 11,500 sites, its 430-unit UK Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit (CViT) vehicle operation and its 14,500 agents and employees.
Working closely with the Grapevine team, Kings is able to deliver a truly bespoke package of services. Collating information that comes in to the Call Centre through a variety of channels for analysis and passing this back down to the Post Office branch, CViT and employee network is just one element of the support the company’s able to provide.
Kings can respond proactively to suspicious behaviour providing security and peace of mind to the individuals affected.
Overt and covert CCTV operations are vital elements for early detection and deterrence of crime. CCTV can also be combined with other resources to collect and report on the information required in real-time to investigate serious crime and fraud, and to respond.
Working closely with law enforcement agencies, Kings has access to crime intelligence and is able to provide those agencies with the information they require to fully investigate crimes against Post Office assets escalating (where and when appropriate) to the police and other agencies.
Integral part of security support
John Scott, the head of security at Post Office Limited, commented: “Grapevine is an integral part of Post Office Limited’s security support to its nationwide branch network and CViT operations. Its High Street presence together with its real-time intelligence gathering and reporting provides a valuable service to the business through the early detection, deterring and reporting of crime.”
Scott added: “Grapevine has a close working relationship with all UK law enforcement agencies and provides them with relevant, timely and accurate crime intelligence.”
Anthony King, the managing director at Kings Security Systems, stated: “We will continue to work closely with the Post Office team to manage, develop and expand the Grapevine services. This innovative solution was developed by Grapevine to provide valuable crime prevention and reporting support to the UK Post Office branch network. We are now working together to develop a strategic plan for the future.”
Increasingly important loss prevention tool
Intelligence is emerging as an increasingly important loss prevention tool and Kings believes it will become even more so in the future.
As stated, the company’s services range from Cash-in-Transit surveillance operations to informing stores of frauds or thefts that have recently occurred and instructing managers how to recognise and prevent it happening in their location.
All services involve using the company’s experienced security professionals to liaise proactively with retailers and the police service.
These services are becoming more and more effective as more clients join an already established network, pooling their intelligence.
Intelligence services include: crime pattern analysis, fraud investigation, tiger kidnap, overt and covert surveillance, asset tracking and retrieval and intelligence management.
