A year on from the introduction of a new identification scanning system in Watford bars and clubs, Hertfordshire Police say that they have seen a reduction in crime and disorder. Scan Net ID was installed in the entrances of the ten main bars and clubs in the town centre in December 2013.
The product scans every customer’s identification and highlights to the door staff if the ID is forged, fake or tampered with. It allows police and venues to share data about problem individuals and to impose bans across every venue which uses the equipment. Anyone who is found to be violent, aggressive or commits crime, including assaults and thefts, in the town centre on a night out will be banned from all of the venues for a minimum of six months, or longer, depending on the severity of the crime committed. The figures show that between April and December this year, compared to the previous year:
• Reports of antisocial behaviour are down 28%, resulting in 220 fewer calls.
• Thefts have reduced by 57 per cent, resulting in 162 fewer incidents.
• Violence has reduced by 14 per cent, resulting in 68 fewer victims.
• All crime in Watford is down by 16 per cent; and
• about 250 people have been banned as a result.
Chief Inspector for Watford, Dave Wheatley said: “These results are fantastic and show a continued decline in the number of incidents, making the town an even safer and more enjoyable place to visit at night. Scan Net is just one of the initiatives which have helped us achieve these results; there’s also a strong partnership approach with our colleagues at Watford Borough Council, the licensees, the taxi marshals and the other voluntary organisations such as God After Dark and the Red Cross.
“We are now gearing up for the busiest season in Watford. We have plans in place to ensure that incidents are kept to a minimum and that people can celebrate the festive season safely. Whilst we will be in the town centre it is important that people take steps to keep themselves and their belongings safe. Alcohol can lead to a person being more vulnerable to crime so we’d ask people to drink in moderation, plan ahead how they are getting home and keep their valuables well hidden and never left unattended.”
And Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd said: “The results speak for themselves. Local businesses have made an investment in this technology and by doing so have demonstrated their shared commitment to tackling alcohol-related offences.
“As part of my ‘Everybody’s Business’ plan I highlight that businesses which contribute to an increased risk of crime, and require additional police resourcing, have a part to play in tackling crime in a way that does not leave the burden on Hertfordshire’s individual tax payers.”
Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “Watford is a safe and enjoyable place to visit, so it’s great news to hear that there is a further reduction in crime in the town centre. We are determined to drive crime down as low as possible and Scan Net is our latest tool.”
