LIB DEMS WELCOME ALERT BOXES TO CUT SHOP CRIME (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS WELCOME ALERT BOXES TO CUT SHOP CRIME

January 31, 2007 12:00 PM

Liberal Democrats in East Dulwich are celebrating the installation of a second round of 'Alert Boxes' in stores in the ward thanks to Cleaner, Greener, Safer money from the Community Council.

"Alert Boxes are a simple means of helping local stores to warn each other about shoplifters and other trouble in their area," said Liberal Democrat Cllr James Barber, the East Dulwich ward councillor who has led the Alert Box scheme locally. "Police estimates are that the first round of alert boxes helped to cut crime in the area by 58% in their first year of operation."

"We are delighted to have been able to give another £5,000 grant which will link another 30 stores to the scheme."

"Alert boxes work like a small digital radio. If a shopkeeper wants to warn others about potential shoplifters or to issue a distress call then they simply press a button. Experience has shown that their neighbours will be very quick to come to their aid."

"As well as boosting the fight against crime, these boxes help to build relations between local stores and are especially useful in helping stores run by just a single person to feel safer."

Cllr James Barber, East Dulwich Police Sergeant Paul Orhierre and David Isaacs, owner of William Rose Butchers, with the Alert Box already installed in his butcher's shop on Lordship Lane. Photo credit Fishnik.com

"Alert boxes are proving their worth in both large and small stores across East Dulwich. I'm already talking to my colleagues across Southwark about the scheme and we hope that it can be rolled out across the borough."