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M-R-S announce 50th high-street surveillance scheme

Cardiff based M-R-S Communications have recently established their 50th STORENET radio surveillance system. The site, in Fleet, Hampshire, consists of Icom IC-F20 radios, which M-R-S have been using since conceiving the STORENET idea in 1995.

STORENET is a two-way radio system (using Icom IC-F10/F20 handheld radios) that allows shopping-centre retailers to exchange valuable security information. Other organisations and services, for example the police, town centre managers and CCTV control rooms, can also be linked into the system, enhancing its effectiveness still further. The fully integrated system facilitates the fast flow of information regarding criminal activity (actual or suspected) to be circulated to all relevant parties. The presence of known shoplifters can be monitored and passed on.

Since its launch, this crime-busting scheme has had remarkable success in high streets and shopping centres within a growing number of towns and cities throughout the UK.

Terry Fowler, Commercial Director of M-R-S is convinced that STORENET has played a key role in reducing crime. Fowler says ‘Our customers tell us that the system really works, they are impressed not only with the enhanced security but also with the added protection that STORENET provides’. He went on to explain how fulfilling it is to hear so many success stories.

When asked about the choice of equipment Fowler explained why Icom’s IC-F10 family was chosen. ‘In this environment, you need something that is lightweight and unobtrusive, yet visible enough to work as a deterrent. With many stores now offering extended shopping times, it was also important to locate a radio with at least 12 hours of battery life.

Simplicity is also important and the Icom features a red emergency button which, when activated, sends the identity of the retailer to all other radios in the system, alerting them to a situation. The microphone is then automatically activated for 30 seconds, allowing hands free communication. The ‘live microphone’ is a unique feature, specially developed by M-R-S. It also provides extra piece of mind for the retailer.

Hart District Council’s Security Manager, Helen Hudson, was in charge of implementing the Fleet scheme. She explains ‘We wanted to enhance our high street CCTV system by adding “ears” to the “eyes” on the street and we knew our plans had paid off when, within a few hours of the system going live, we located a lost child’.

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Executive at Icom (UK) Ltd said ‘With retail crime always making headlines, it is refreshing to hear about the continuing achievements of the STORENET scheme. We congratulate M-R-S on their accomplishment and look forward to many more successes’.

Icom UK Marketing - marketing@icomuk.co.uk