Described as a “groundbreaking crime prevention website”, Facewatch has been launched as an aid to reporting, storing and sharing information relating to low-level crime.
Facewatch creates a highly effective partnership between retailers, the public and the police service, and is the only online crime reporting system that’s officially supported and accredited by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) as an official police security initiative.
The Facewatch scheme is based on a network of businesses using a simple, online system to report incidents and share information and CCTV images between each other. Working closely with police forces, the scheme works by gathering and creating a database of new and known offenders so that data can be shared between businesses, in turn reducing the opportunities for criminals to strike.
Following an incident, such as a handbag theft, users simply use Facewatch’s unique screen capture software to record still and moving footage from their CCTV cameras and upload it to the Facewatch website. This technology cuts the amount of time it takes to report an incident and assemble the required evidence, making it easier and faster to process a conviction.
Speaking at yesterday’s official launch in central London, Facewatch’s inventor Simon Gordon explained: “As the owner of Gordon’s I was fed up with the theft of bags and other items from my customers. Facewatch is my response to this problem, and I’m delighted we have police and political support for it, as well as enormous interest from the business community who are keen to work with us.”
What are the benefits of Facewatch?
Facewatch provides a safer environment for staff and customers. It’s a far more efficient way of reporting crime and providing better customer service.
In terms of direct benefits to the public, if someone has a bag stolen in a Facewatch-supported venue, they can report the crime without having to go to a police station. They can obtain a crime reference number straight away (allowing them to make insurance claims) and, through the scheme’s exclusive partnership with Card Protection Plan (CPP), have their credit cards cancelled instantly and replacements ordered immediately.
Not unlike Neighbourhood Watch posters and stickers in residential areas, it’s fully anticipated that the presence of the Facewatch sign will act as a strong deterrent to would-be criminals in retail and leisure premises.
In 2009 in Westminster, despite the extensive installation of CCTV equipment in shops and licensed premises, only 3% of low-level crimes were solved. No figures have been published for 2010.
The implementation of Facewatch has the potential to dramatically increase this percentage, while saving valuable police time and resources. It’s a valuable tool for business in the fight against crime.
Saving police time when budgets are tight
The streamlined process offered by Facewatch saves significant police time. There are no wasted site visits and a decision can be made immediately with regard to following-up on crimes based on the quality of the uploaded CCTV snippet.
Information and images relating to all incidents are available to police officers and Facewatch members, providing a database of faces which can be shared for ID purposes with appropriate groups.
Incidents can be linked to faces online, and there are a number of tools to help the police identify key trends in a given locality.
A successful pilot study is currently being carried out in the Victoria Business Improvement District (BID) in central London. This involves 31 premises including Sainsbury’s, Pret A Manger and selected pubs and nightclubs.
Although in place for just a short time, thieves have already been convicted through the use of Facewatch technology, with the Metropolitan Police Service and the British Transport Police working together and sharing the information that has been made available to them thanks to the new technology.
Facewatch is now being rolled out on a wider scale across the UK.
Interestingly, Facewatch requires no public funding. Each premises subscribes to become a Facewatch member, gaining access to the system, and therefore allowing the system to be free to the police. The cost to individual premises is from just GB pound 15 per month.
No new equipment is required at participating premises.
Basic features of Facewatch
Members share information with each other, alerting one another to potential trouble-makers and criminals, and allow their staff to act proactively to deter crime.
Facewatch can be used on any premises where low-level crime could be committed.
The system is online, so users can accessit from anywhere they like. There’s no need to download any software – users simply use Facewatch’s unique screen capture software to record still and moving footage from their CCTV cameras and upload it to the website.
All incident forms are completed online and sent direct to the police.
Businesses can provide a safer environment for staff and customers alike, a strong deterrent to potential criminals and instigate an efficient way of reporting crime and better customer service.
For further information access the website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
