A crime prevention device rolled out in Clapham in 2009 has been so successful that a further 23 crime fighting ‘Alertboxes’ have been installed.

Alertbox is an innovative system allowing businesses to instantly alert each other to criminal activity or suspicious behaviour in a bid to cut shop lifting and pick pockets.

53 Alertboxes are installed in shops and businesses along Northcote Road, an area which has suffered from shop lifting and pickpockets in the past. Once reported to other traders, the Alertbox then informs Safer Neighbourhood Team officers in the area.

Due to the success of the scheme, enthusiasm from the community and sponsorship from the Battersea Crime Prevention Panel, the Northcote Safer Neighbourhood Team were able to secure a further 23 Alertboxes for shops and business in Northcote Road, in partnership with the Wandsworth Community Safety Unit.