Palmer & Harvey’s loss prevention consultancy Discovery Risk Solutions has created a smartphone app to help retailers report and manage the impact of crime more easily.

The app allows store owners to log an incidence of theft, burglary or fraud using their smartphones, which instantly push a notification of the incident out to other users, building up a real-time incident map of the local area.

The app also features a service support network, from which users can access information on the environmental, legal and health & safety aspects of crime, plus contact details for local locksmiths or repair specialists.

Speaking at P&H’s Pro Retail exhibition last week, director Derek Bruder said: “With reduced police numbers, there is already a huge vacuum in the reporting and investigation of so-called low-level crime. Police forces are interested in looking at new ways to deal with crime, and if we as an industry can use something which is added value, why wouldn’t they engage with it?”

The DRS app is free for independent retailers. For more information, visit www.discoveryrisksolutions.co.uk.

Also at the show, P&H unveiled a new social media guide for retailers, with tips on how to use Facebook and Twitter effectively for business purposes.

P&H managing director Martyn Ward said: “We are looking to help retailers take their first step into social media, as well as helping those already engaged to take it to the next level.”

The wholesaler is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and will be making more use of social media to highlight new initiatives, including introducing a ‘retailer of the month’ programme.

In addition, the company is looking to raise £90,000 for charity during the year with a range of fundraising activities.

Source

David Rees

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