Retail crime remains a significant concern for businesses across urban centres in the UK, including Liverpool. To address this, Liverpool BID Company, in partnership with Merseyside Police, has rolled out the Safer Pod S1X1 Intruder Detection System from Safer Group in selected retail locations across the city centre.

Liverpool BID Company represents 865 levy-paying businesses in Liverpool city centre. Through initiatives such as the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, it works to create a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous environment for businesses and their customers.

The Safer Pod S1X1 is a cutting-edge intruder detection system designed to:

  • provide a visual deterrent
  • provide real-time surveillance in vulnerable retail environments
  • be compact, mobile, and easy to install,
  • create HD video for intelligent monitoring,
  • act as an effective supplement to existing security measures.

Implementation:

Through Liverpool BID Company’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership, two Safer Pods were deployed across the city, including within high-traffic retail stores such as Tesco on Bold Street.

Sergeant Craig Winstanley of Merseyside Police’s Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team highlighted the importance of the collaboration:

“Merseyside Police are committed to exploring new initiatives and technology to support retailers within Liverpool City Centre. Working closely with Liverpool BID Company in support of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, several Safer Pods have been rolled out to specific retailers within the City Centre.

These pods not only act as a visual deterrent but also include additional security features that will maximise the safety of staff, customers and stock. Retail crime is not a victimless crime and by working in collaboration with key stakeholders we will continually support retailers by taking a preventative approach in addition to using all available legislation and tactics to disrupt those groups and individuals that cause the most harm to the business community.”

One of the participating retailers, Tesco on Bold Street, has seen noticeable effects from the deployment. Joseph Pownall, Store Manager, shared his perspective:

“It is obviously no substitute for a security guard or police presence – an actual person will always make more of a difference. The ones who are chancers and just steal in the moment are less likely to in front of the machine, but those career thieves aren’t bothered by us watching them with cameras on, let alone the Safer Pod.”

“I believe that in the right stores and right locations within them it does make a difference. Not only to the theft in store, but to colleague abuse, disorderly conduct and it helps provide a feeling of safety within the store.”

The introduction of Safer Pod S1X1 technology in Liverpool’s retail sector demonstrates a proactive approach to crime prevention. While not a substitute for human presence, the system contributes meaningfully to reducing opportunistic theft, enhancing the perception of safety, and supporting frontline retail workers. As part of a broader strategy, these pods play a valuable role in building safer, more resilient retail environments.

To find out more information, email us at [email protected].