[K]endal town centre will benefit from a new radio system to help further deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
From today (September 26th), businesses in the area will receive a new, improved, digital radio link system, which will enable shops to communicate more effectively with each other, with licensees and door staff, and directly with police.
The new system is part of the wider ‘South Lakes Business against Crime Partnership’ initiative, which was launched to support the Kendal Shop Watch and Pub Watch schemes across the South Lakes.
Inspector Paul Latham said: “The new digital radio link will make the Bar Watch and Shop Watch schemes more effective. It will enable shop staff to warn each other about suspicious behaviour and the presence of known shoplifters in the town centre, and it will also enable staff in bars, pubs and clubs to communicate with each other via radio and advise each other of any ongoing or potential incidents.
“Both the Shop Watch and Pub Watch schemes have been established for many years in Kendal. There have been 92 shoplifting offences reported this year with 15 offenders caught and prosecuted as direct result of the Kendal scheme – 34 of the reported offences were committed by three prolific offenders who have now been prosecuted, two of which have received Criminal Behaviour Orders. The launch of the new digital radio link initiative will enhance this existing working partnership and will continue to ensure Kendal is a safe place to live, shop and socialise.”
