The Dover Partnership Against Crime (DPAC) was set up over 20 years ago to combat theft across Dover, Deal, Sandwich, and surrounds. The business crime partnership has more than 120 members including retailers, pubs, transport operators and schools.
DPAC members were using an analogue network of two-way radios, but DPAC managers realised that multiple issues were preventing the system from being used to its best. Firstly, the organisers had concerns over coverage and clarity. The analogue network did not guarantee consistent coverage, and communications were not always clear.
However, the primary issue was security. Operating a crime partnership requires communications to be secure at all times, and the analogue network was not encrypted. Hence, DPAC decided to switch to digital.
DPAC contacted local Hytera dealer Smye-Rumsby, who recommended Hytera radios. Each member was therefore supplied with one of Hytera’s latest models, the PD605. Repeaters were set up around Dover, Deal and Sandwich so that coverage could be assured across the district. The PD605 is a two-way radio that, the dealer reports, helps users migrate from analogue to digital by providing both modes.
Importantly, the radio has signalling and encryption for secure communications, and features emergency buttons, GPS and ‘Man Down’ as standard.
Feedback has been that the radios are light and not cumbersome and that clarity has been greatly improved. Coverage has also improved, with less drop-out across the town.
DPAC uses the Hytera radios for its members to communicate with public spce CCTV operators and alert other members of potential crimes. When a shoplifter enters a store, members can use the radios to inform CCTV, who upload a photo to a Whatsapp group and a secure website. DPAC has also assisted in finding missing persons, with members alerting council CCTV operatives.
DPAC’s Karen Griffiths says: “We’re very pleased with the new radios. We have good transmission, noise cancellation and excellent coverage, but most importantly, our communications are encrypted which is hugely important to the organisation. We’re looking to extend DPAC out to further parts of the Dover area with confidence that we’ll be able to communicate safely and clearly, and help our members prevent crime.”
