The Business Watch scheme, launched by Greenwich Council, connects businesses with a radio network linking directly to the council’s CCTV control centre, allowing real-time reporting of suspicious activity and faster police intervention.
Since its introduction in Woolwich Town Centre in September, 18 businesses in Woolwich and 15 in Eltham have joined the scheme, which is already delivering results on the ground.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, said: “The launch of Business Watch has been a resounding success, with 18 businesses in Woolwich and 15 businesses in Eltham signing up to the scheme since it launched in September, resulting in four arrests so far.
“The more businesses that sign up, the more effective the scheme will be in helping us and the police crack down on retail crime and anti-social behaviour in public spaces, making workers and residents feel safer.”
One early success took place at TK Maxx on Powis Street in Woolwich on September 5, when staff used the scheme to alert the CCTV control room about a suspected shoplifter.
Operators tracked the individual on camera as they headed towards Boots on Hare Street and notified the store’s security team.
When the suspect entered Boots, security staff were able to intervene immediately and prevent any theft.
The scheme is currently active in Woolwich and Eltham town centres and will expand later this year to Greenwich Town Centre, Plumstead, Avery Hill, and Blackheath Standard.
A similar initiative called Pub Watch is also in development and will equip pubs and bars with radios to report incidents such as the sale of stolen goods, anti-social behaviour, or sexual harassment in real time to the CCTV control centre.
