Retailers turn to Identicom to Protect Staff from Abuse & Attack
RETAILERS TURN TO IDENTICOM AS USDAW REPORT THAT 95% OF RETAIL STAFF HAVE BEEN VERBALLY ABUSED
Major high street retailers are turning to Connexion2’s Identicom in an attempt to stop the increasing problem of verbal and physical abuse against staff. On 10th July 2006 the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) reported a 35% rise in verbal and physical abuse with 500,000 incidents being reported every day.
Now, retailers are using Identicom to help stop abuse which, according to the USDAW, can include anything from verbal abuse to being hit by an iron bar, threatened with dirty syringes or even stabbed.
The technically advanced Identicom looks and is carried like a normal identity (ID) card holder, but is equipped with mobile phone technology.Identicom not only enables the shopkeepers to discreetly raise an alarm if threatened, but also allows a third party to listen to what is happening and record events whatever the distance.The device can also support the pinpointing of a worker’s location using GSM/LBS technology as well as its amber alert capability.
Unlike ‘under the counter’ panic buttons which are more costly to install and often cannot be reached if the shopkeeper is away from the counter stacking shelves or checking on product, the Identicom is always to hand and operable whether the worker is in the store, outside or in transit to/from the store.It provides an innovative solution to the problems of abuse by enabling the shopkeeper to discreetly summon help at the touch of a button, without breaking eye contact with an aggressor, regardless of where they are and without the expensive of installing a wired infrastructure.
Measuring 102x72x14mm and weighing just 70 grams, Identicom‘s innovative technology is all contained unobtrusively within the unit.The device includes a lanyard attachment that enables it to be worn around the neck as a standard ID and hides a ‘rip alarm’ function, which is triggered if the unit is forcibly removed from the wearer.Identicom is flexible enough to be configured in a number of ways, thereby allowing an employer to adopt the device without the need to significantly change or alter current working practices.
A discreet emergency button activates the alarm which opens up a voice call to a third party whilst at the same time surreptitiously notifying the wearer that the alarm has been triggered, is active and assistance is on the way if deemed necessary.
Commenting, Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2 said: “In today’s busy society, shop assistants have become a verbal punch bag on whom shopper take out their frustrations. This is totally unacceptable and results in retailers being faced with damages and in shop workers leaving their jobs. We have carried out successful trials with a number of high street retail chains and the feedback has been extremely positive. Workers specifically at risk of verbal abuse such as racism and threats have reported that their general well being and peace of mind has improved. Capturing verbal evidence enables their employer to take action”.
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