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In the first of seven interviews with Fraser Sampson the UK’s Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner hosted by Nick Fisher CEO of Facewatch, Fraser explains his statutory roles as Commissioner and suggests holding users accountable for deciding when to use facial recognition and new technology as opposed to demonising or banning it, is the way forward.
We recently met with Nisa Local Bow Road to gather some feedback on how Facewatch has affected their business. Facewatch was installed to the store in March 2021 to help the store staff fight crime.
We spoke with Chirag Patel, the store manager, who reported that Facewatch has had a really positive impact on the business.
In a video testimonial Chirag says that, ‘It has made a massive improvement… Our crime levels have dropped drastically’
Chirag explains that before installing Facewatch, they were struggling to manage crime. Their CCTV system was not enough to deter the crime and they were looking to use a more proactive tool.
Facewatch uses revolutionary Facial Recognition technology to watch out for shoplifters and other local offenders. When an offender enters the premises, their face is instantly recognised and an alert is generated.
This means that store staff can prioritise more important operational tasks like serving customers or stocking shelves safe with the knowledge that Facewatch is protecting the store.
Since using the system, Chirag and his staff have been able to keep on top of the store crime and drastically reduce the levels of crime in store.
‘The customers love that we have it, because it make them feel safe when in our premises’
In addition to the store staff loving the system, the reception with customers has also been great.
Having an effective solution to deter crime helps to create a safer working environment.
Facewatch is currently installing systems daily across the UK and stores interested in the system should contact our team immediately to secure their installation date.
0207 930 3225
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Eat 17’s family run SPAR in Hackney has become a strong advocate of Facewatch.
Following a successful trial at their Walthamstow store last year, the system was installed at the Hackney store 5 months ago to combat store crime. It immediately made an impact.
Once the repeat offenders are uploaded to the system, Facewatch’s unique software is able to recognize the returning offenders and instantly warn the store staff by sending an alert via the Facewatch mobile app.
By receiving the alert, store staff then have the information required to safely deal with the situation and prevent any further incidents.
In a video testimonial Emmanuelle Jardin, The Store Manager, says that, ‘Since installing Facewatch in our store, we saved I reckon, a few thousand pounds a week.’
As well as reducing the stock loss and saving money, the system also has a positive impact by creating a safer working environment for the colleagues in the store. Knowing that the system is watching out for offenders, it gives them peace of mind to go about their jobs without being worried for their safety.
‘Having the backup of the system, does make us feel more confident and safer.’
Emmanuelle also goes on to explain how the system automatically shares data with the local community, allowing local businesses to work together to combat crime.
Facewatch is currently installing systems daily across the UK and stores interested in the system should contact our team immediately to secure their installation date.
0207 930 3225
Play video here:
Appleby Westward, the successful convenience store wholesaler in the South and West of the UK, has become a firm supporter of Facewatch and has installed the facial recognition system in their own stores. They will be promoting the system to their independent retailers with a view for them to all install the shoplifting and anti-social behaviour deterrent.
In March 2021, this company trialled Facewatch for 90 days in 2 of their company owned stores based in Portsmouth. After just 45 days the system had been so effective that they decided to end the trial early and sign up for a paying contract.
In a video testimonial Martin Sanger, one of the groups area managers, says that, ‘It became clear that the effectiveness of the system in deterring store crime had saved the company thousands in shrinkage’ .
Since the opening up of retail following the pandemic there has been a surge of interest by convenience store owners to find ways to deter habitual thieves and reduce bad behaviour and abuse from some customers. Martin mentions this in his video interview and it seems that this challenge is across the whole UK. Today the focus for convenience stores, in particular, is to improve the working conditions of employees after a very tough 2020 when managing restrictions became a new and important priority which led to more theft. Facewatch provides a low cost and effective way to deter the worst offenders without any negative effect on the retail experience.
Facewatch is currently installing systems daily across the UK and stores interested in the system should contact our team immediately to secure their installation date.
Play video here:
