The betting shop chain Ladbrokes will be piloting Facewatch, the online crime reporting and image sharing product, in all their betting shops across London. Facewatch is an internet based system allowing crimes to be reported to police, with evidential information and witness statements.
Details of a crime are entered into the Facewatch system via any internet connected device and a crime investigation number is immediately provided to the victim. The business owner is then able to upload moving and still images from his CCTV cameras which may be used in court as evidence. Further services such as payment card cancellation is provided free to a victim who will also receive updates by email on the progress of the police investigation.
Ladbrokes see the use of Facewatch as contributing to creating a more secure and safe experience for their customers and staff. Richard Royal, Public Affairs Manager Ladbrokes plc said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff is paramount and we’re delighted to add another crime-fighting tool to our excellent procedures, which already includes a 24/7 manned security room and the best CCTV in the business. Ladbrokes is glad to be at the forefront of cutting edge innovative technological solutions to problems which affect the whole community.”
Simon Gordon, Chairman and founder of Facewatch Ltd, said: “We look forward to working closely with Ladbrokes’ in this ground breaking pilot. Facewatch is the perfect solution in this environment as it provides immediate benefits for customers and staff whilst ensuring rapid and accurate uploading of all crime information and allows all shops to share information and images of persistent offenders.”
And Philip Davies, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Betting and Gaming group said: “I am happy to support this highly innovative crime reduction initiative which uses the Internet to assist bookmakers across the UK to provide an even safer and more secure environment for their customers and staff. Facewatch allows bookmakers to directly upload crime incident reports and CCTV film and images directly to the Police and to share images of repeat offenders with partner organisations.”
