The tech allows shops to submit CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence directly to officers from today
Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Greggs have signed up to a new security system in 11 areas of London – which sends pictures and footage to police instantly. The retailers are working with the Metropolitan Police to trial the new system across several areas in London.
The tech allows shops to submit CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence directly to officers, the police force said.
Officers used to have to wait up to 28 days to review footage, but will now be able to access it within minutes.
The platform is currently being used in:
- Westminster
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Hammersmith and Fulham
- Lewisham
- Greenwich and Bexley
- Southwark
- Lambeth
- Sutton
- Croydon
- Bromley
- Hillingdon
Croydon MP Sarah Jones said: “Today the Met Police is rolling out new technology in Croydon to help catch shoplifters. Major retailers, including Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Greggs, have been part of a scheme allowing them to submit CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence directly to officers within minutes.
“This enables officers to arrest and build cases against offenders more quickly. Today, the scheme is being expanded to include Croydon, among other boroughs.
“When the system has been used, there was a caution, charge or other criminal disposal in 29.4% of cases – up from 7.3% before. Shoplifting is already down 4% in London – and these latest measures will help to continue that crackdown.”
Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said the tool is helping the force identify shoplifters more quickly and bring more of them to justice.
“Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost 4%, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech,” he said.
