Alert box launched in Derby

A high-tech security system has been installed at 50 businesses in the Allenton area of Derby to protect businesses at risk of crime and anti-social behaviour in response to retailers’ particular concern about intimidation from groups of people gathering outside the shops.

 

Derby Community Safety Partnership has invested £20,000 of the £150,000 allocated to the city under the nationwide Vigilance programme to tackle robbery and burglary to buy AlertBoxes which are the size of a paperback book, transmit warning messages to other shop owners at the touch of a button that there is an issue.

 

The warning button makes neighbouring shops aware of suspicious activity such as theft of nuisance groups so that they can stop incidents before they happen.  And, in an emergency, after ringing 999, the help button lets other businesses know that help is needed quickly.

 

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Safer Neighbourhood Team has been working with retailers on Osmaston Road to fit the boxes in their premises following positive feedback from the 27 retailers in the St Peter's Quarter area of the city centre who were the pilot scheme for the technology in the city.

 

Chief Superintendent Andy Hough from Derbyshire Constabulary said: “AlertBoxes give businesses the peace of mind that they can call upon their neighbours for immediate help and also as an early warning regarding a potential problem – whether that be suspected shoplifters or groups of people causing trouble.

 

“It therefore enables businesses to take control of their own environments by supporting each other when incidents take place and to warn others of potential problems so that they can be nipped in the bud.”

 

Leader of Derby City Council Cllr Harvey Jennings added: “Having evaluated the pilot scheme in the St Peter's Quarter, AlertBox is now a proven tool to help businesses support each other and I am delighted that these businesses in Allenton have embraced the new technology.”

 

One of the local retailers, John Bestwick from JG Bestwick in Osmaston Road, said: “When we launched the Shop Watch scheme with walkie talkies it generated a great community spirit in this area and the AlertBox will enhance that.

 

“Not everyone is included in Shop Watch because there is a cost involved in the radios, but the AlertBox has been free to retailers so everyone now has a level of coverage”.

 

“We do have instances of shoplifting and anti social behavior, although the police have been working hard to tackle this, but this technology gives everyone the peace of mind that they can alert their neighbours if there is a problem.

 

“Although it obviously does not replace the 999 emergency calls, it does mean that neighbours can be alerted immediately if there is a problem and can offer their assistance and support.”

 

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