As you may know, many of Winchester’s businesses are linked to the CCTV control room and local police officers by radio. More often than not, the radio is used to call in police support or to track suspect individuals using the city’s network of cameras.

This week, however, there have been two shining examples of the local businesses working together to reduce crime and ensure the safety of staff and customers.

The first was when a scuffle broke out at Pitcher and Piano.

Although staff at the Pitcher largely had the situation under control, it was heart-warming to hear over the radio, the staff and security team from Alfies rushing across the road to assist their counterparts.

In doing so, they were able to detain one troublesome individual until local police arrived and an arrest was made.

The individual arrested is now serving a six month Pubwatch ban for his behaviour and as such, won’t be able to gain access to nearly all of the city’s pubs, clubs and bars.

The second such event came about when the eagle-eyed store security team at Debenhams noticed a group of individuals acting suspiciously. The telltale signs were there that this group were gearing up for an attempted bulk theft.

Staff in store were quickly on their Shopwatch radio and made CCTV control aware, who in turn directed in local officers and warned nearby shops.

In a flash, the group of three grabbed a large number of items and made for the exits. Two of the individuals were apprehended by police and Debenhams store security within seconds of leaving the doors to the shop but one made good his escape towards Middle Brook Street.

Imagine his surprise when an arm extends from the side door of Marks & Spencer and he is pulled inside into the waiting arms of their security team.

Examples of teamwork such as these take place every day over the Shopwatch and PubWatch airwaves and it is reassuring to know that so many businesses and organisations are all working together to achieve a common goal; a safer city and a better place in which to do business.

What do you think? Leave your comments below.