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Eastbourne first shopping centre in the UK to trial data radio system Eastbourne Business Crime Group members are tackling crime with an innovative new voice and data radio system, making Eastbourne the first shopping centre in the UK to trial the new system. Eastbourne Business Crime Group members are tackling crime with an innovative new voice and data radio system, making Eastbourne the first shopping centre in the UK to trial the new system. The Group, which currently includes over 100 retail businesses, is moving from a standard voice system to a Fast Frequency Shift Keying data system. Designed to speed up crime reporting, the new system will help to provide a quicker response to all reports of criminal activity. The system benefits from new text messaging technology, which allows a control room computer operator to send text messages regarding criminal activity in just half a second to individual shops or groups of businesses, Police and CCTV operators. Emergency buttons also alert the control room of an emergency situation and the location, allowing the operator to immediately send a text message to all users that assistance is required. The new system was developed as a means of quick and secure communication, as radio users often don�t hear messages or miss descriptions of shoplifters. The text messages are stored in the radio for ongoing reference and it also means shoppers do not overhear sensitive information. The new software has developed from a joint partnership between Adur Communications and Japanese radio manufacturer Icon UK. Adur Communications supply most of the Shopwatch radio systems across the south coast from Chichester to Eastbourne, and chose Eastbourne as its launch for the new shopping centre software. Chairman of the group Bill Plumridge said �This latest initiative will make communication between members of the group more secure and effective leading to a faster response to incidents within the town. We are delighted that Eastbourne is once again leading the way in terms of security and crime detection.� The Eastbourne Business Crime Group is a subgroup of the Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership, of which members include Sussex Police, Eastbourne Borough Council and local businesses. The Group has been running for just 6 months and has already achieved the Home Office Safer Shopping Award, with Eastbourne being one of the first towns in East Sussex to win the award. The Group recently achieved it�s first two Anti-Social Behaviour Orders against two persistent offenders and has also issued exclusion notices banning prolific offenders from entering any of the member�s premises displaying the Red Hand sign. As well as town centre businesses, the group also has members in Langney, Old Town and Seaside Road. The scheme could eventually cover all of Eastbourne, incorporating non-retail business premises, such as hotels and taxi services. In addition to arranging exclusion notices against persistent offenders, members can benefit from up to date photographs, training in conflict management, crime prevention advice, regular newsletters and quarterly meetings. Businesses can join the scheme by contacting the Business Crime Manager on 01323 415411. |
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