Retail security’s tech-powered evolution has set the precedent for smarter, safer streets
As increasingly stretched police forces collide with a rise in serious violence on our streets, as an industry, we need to step up, as private security can play an important role in supporting the safety of our communities.
While the government’s pledge to crack down on crime by recruiting up to 13,000 neighbourhood officers is a significant step in the right direction, this is unlikely to have an overnight effect or work entirely in isolation.
To truly deter and clamp down on crime on our streets and rebuild confidence in the justice system there is a role to be played by in-person and remote technology-led security services, particularly when both work in tandem. One example of how this is already leading to results is in the retail sector, but the model can be replicated on high streets, at events and in other public places.
Physical presence and technology can drive results
When we talk about security, for most people, physical presence is what comes to mind. Often, we take for granted the uniformed individuals standing near to an entrance, keeping a watchful eye and intervening as required. However, security can be amplified when technology and people work in complementary ways – increasing the opportunities for offenders to be caught and face consequences, whether this is through convictions or rehabilitation initiatives.
One example of this has been through Project Pegasus, part of Opal, the dedicated police unit for prolific offenders and Organised Crime Groups (OCGs). Pegasus has brought together retailers, the police and government to achieve the shared goal of combatting rising retail crime. A data-sharing platform was developed which has been used by several national retailers to share data, intelligence and trends on retail crime across the UK to support the police.
While the platform is a critical tool in sharing the data, an additional element of Pegasus is that footage from CCTV and body-worn cameras can be reviewed directly by analysts in Mitie’s control centre who can create an evidence package for the police. Often this is supported by insights from security officers who have been working on the ground to bolster evidence.
In the current landscape, security firms must ensure that the safety of their officers comes first, and the footage captured by a combination of body-worn cameras and CCTV means that officers don’t have to put their safety at risk by trying to detain potentially violent criminals, as the technology means they can be identified and pursued after the event.
Technology helps break down geographical barriers
Pegasus has been operational for slightly over a year and almost 150 arrests have been made so far, relating to £5.9m of items stolen from stores. Importantly, 37 different crime operations spanning OCGs across the country have been identified.
What sets this apart from the work that individual security teams and police forces do is the ability to transcend geographical boundaries. One offender stole items spanning areas covered by 16 different police forces, with a value of over £33,000.
Thanks to the flexible technology-enabled approach that has been developed, Opal acted quickly to use further intelligence to support the location of the individual and then Devon and Cornwall Police took on the investigation, arresting the man, who subsequently received a 16-month prison sentence.
Without access to intelligence and the sharing of data between forces, this would not have been possible, and the offending could have continued for years to come.
Beyond retail
Project Pegasus is just one example of how converging tech and physical presence can support public safety and build safer communities.
Another example of how remote monitoring support on-the-ground colleagues is being adopted more widely, is the Department for Work and Pensions, which will have access to a newly designed and bespoke Security Control Centre. Colleagues based there will support guarding colleagues on the ground at their offices and at Jobcentres across the country so that they remain a safe space for all.
There are further ways that Pegasus’s data-sharing model could be adapted. For example, it could enable hospitality venues to share data amongst each other and with the police on violent offenders or those who have committed VAWG.
As the Crime and Policing Bill progresses, policymakers can look at existing solutions that can be adapted further to bridge the gap between the police and public safety. And as an industry, it is our responsibility to stand ready to support.
Jason Towse
Managing Director,
Mitie Business Services
