POOLE BID has launched two-way radios to provide an ‘immediate response’ to crime in the town.

Poole Business Improvement District (BID) is implementing the radios as part of its business crime prevention initiative.

The technology aims to prevent crime including shoplifting, non-paying diners, staff theft and burglary from premises. 

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Businesses across Poole will have direct access to BCP CCTV Hub and Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers.

Those in the Dolphin Shopping Centre (DSC) will also have additional access to DSC Security Control.

The radios, provided by JPS Communictaions, will be more efficient than a mobile phone, allowing instant communication fast and effectively.

Jacqui Rock, Poole BID Lead said “This is an exciting project, especially when you consider that it is one of the main initiatives requested by our Levy Payers who voted us in for a second successful term.

“Business crime is not going away and so to be able to be a conduit in making strides to combat this is particularly important to us especially when you consider the current volatile economy and the impact that this has on our businesses bottom line.”

The radios will operate on a private network with security features to prevent eavesdropping, and can function anywhere with access to 3G, 4G/LTE, 5G or Wi-Fi coverage.

“The two-way radios give our users the immediate response that we have been missing and I am also excited to see phase two of our safety initiative which will complete the cycle by reporting crime through the application so that we can begin building a picture of intelligence that we previously have not been able to do,” said Jacqui.

“It is great to see the businesses already embracing the radio system and collaboratively working together to achieve the same goal for crime prevention.”

Vinnie Edmonds from JPS Communications said: “As a long-standing radio communications supplier, we have been aware of this type of technology for some time now.

“Push-to-Talk Over Cellular now forms a large part of our overall business as it has in recent times become more affordable for end users.

“From the point of launching the new devices in Poole Town Centre, it was immediately apparent to see the benefits for businesses, with the direct link established with the BCP CCTV Hub, located over six miles away.

“On a personal note, growing up in the district of Poole, it was an absolute pleasure to be entrusted by Poole BID to deliver a new radio scheme on their behalf.”