A Bolton-based estate agent, The Purple Property Shop, pictured, sought to reduce the risk of verbal and physical abuse by contracting with a lone worker device provider. The product used is Identicom, from Connexion2. It looks like a standard identity card holder, can be used discreetly and offers peace of mind for staff working outside.
Purchased as part of SoloProtect, which includes Identicom, 24-7 manned monitoring, SIM card and mobile network usage, customer support, device training and monthly reporting. The lone worker service is compliant with BS8484 (the British Standard for lone worker device services) and as such guarantee a police escalation at a regional level when required.
The Purple Property Shop is an residential estate agency set up two years and employing a staff of four negotiators, The Purple Property Shop manages property sales and property lettings for clients in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Ramsbottom, Rochdale, Westhoughton and Wigan. Previously the firm had used mobile and landline phones to confirm staff whereabouts but as the estate agency grew, Managing Director, Matthew Jones, felt the company needed a lone worker device.
Matthew Jones says: “Identicom was recommended to me by a member of my Business Networking Group and as my staff often have to meet strangers in empty buildings I realise they could potentially be vulnerable to verbal or physical abuse. I am very happy with the Identicom device, which provides me with the ability to monitor usage of the devices through the monthly reports I receive and peace of mind knowing that should a conflict situation arise they have the means to raise the alarm, eliciting a police response if required.“
Now, when staff from The Purple Property Shop enter an empty building they can activate the ‘Amber Alert’ function allowing them to leave a 20-second voice message outlining whom and where they are, and what risks they are facing. This is accessed by the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), should there be a ‘Red Alert’ on the device. Then, staff at the Alarm Receiving Centre can listen in to what is happening and assess – involving police if necessary. All audio captured through the device is recorded for use as admissible evidence in court if required.
As manufacturers of Identicom, Connexion2 supply solutions direct to market through the SoloProtect brand while supplying indirectly through authorised partners. Identicom has also been awarded ‘Secured by Design’ status by the Association of Chief Police Officers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
