Mitie, the facilities management company, has teamed up with Facewatch to launch an intelligent and proactive security monitoring solution for businesses vulnerable to crime, called SafeWatch. The solution combines cutting-edge alarm monitoring technology with CCTV surveillance to provide real-time visual verification of an incident. This enables staff to immediately raise the alert.
As a result, police response times are faster compared to traditional alarm and CCTV monitoring systems, and due to the visual evidence and crime reports produced the rate of convictions is higher. Police have estimated that they save approximately four hours of admin per crime by not having to recover CCTV on discs. They are also able to start their investigations within minutes rather than the average period of two to four weeks.
SafeWatch not only alerts the surveillance centre to the incident, but automatically provides real-time visuals of the incident taking place so staff at Mitec, Mitie’s CAT II BS 5979 dedicated technology centre providing 24/7 remote assistance, can broadcast audio warnings to assailants and update the police accordingly.
Following an incident, all images are then compiled as evidence and passed to the police, allowing participating partners to share watch lists and threat profiles of assailants. The West Mercia Police say Facewatch’s easy-to-use platform, which allows more collaboration between security staff, police and retail staff, has driven a 41.5% reduction in retail crime in Hereford City Centre. West Midlands Police also revealed that since the introduction of Facewatch they have seen a 30% reduction in routine call outs.
Jason Towse, managing director of Mitie’s Total Security Management (TSM) business, said: “We’re really excited to be working with Facewatch in bringing this unique solution to market. SafeWatch is an ideal fit with our integrated approach to security, using technology to enhance what we deliver. Mitec’s highly trained operatives are well placed to support in this highly responsive remote monitoring and assistance of personal attack and intruder alarms.”
Simon Gordon, Chairman of Facewatch, added: “SafeWatch will lead the way in the monitoring arena, protecting businesses and their employees and customers 24 hours a day, when operational or closed. The benefits of getting real-time video and reporting to police online are significant and will make the UK a safer place as this rolls out nationally.”
SafeWatch is currently being trailed in the high street retail market where shop staff often work in isolation and are more vulnerable to repeated crime, such as theft and vandalism. The ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) recently highlighted that business crime cost convenience retailers an estimated £122million in 2015. Taking into account the amount retailers invest in crime prevention measures, the total cost of crime per store was £3,750.
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For further information, contact:
Lauren Hepburn, Investor and Public Relations Manager, Mitie Group plc
T:+44 20 3123 8720 E:lauren.hepburn@mitie.com
John Telling, Corporate Affairs Director, Mitie Group plc
T:+44 20 3123 8673 E: john.telling@mitie.com
