Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Since Sept 27, 1879
After-ball worries
P2
Retail $1.80 Home delivered from $1.15
Shop owners fight back BY KATIE TODD
KATIE.T@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
s D V D win
P13
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
Ashburton retailers are using a simple and unexpected piece of technology to rally together against recidivist shoplifters. Shopkeepers at more than 40 local stores downloaded the free smartphone messaging app WhatsApp in November, and now say it has become an invaluable tool for alerting one another to any thieves in town. When they suspect a shoplifter is in their midst, shopkeepers simply open the app, send out a message, and quietly let others know to keep an eye out, retailers’ spokesman Bob McDonald said.
They may choose to share information like physical descriptions of shoplifters, photos of security camera footage, or even licence plate numbers. “We can use the app to alert others, catch the thieves, or send them on their way,” he said. He said WhatsApp has since proven handy on a number of occasions – including against a group of thieves last week. The WhatsApp messenger group was started by Kitchen Kapers owner Rachael Redmond, following a meeting with police about how to stop or limit shoplifting and disorderly behaviour in shops last year.
Meanwhile, larger retailers like supermarkets are using special crime intelligence software like Auror to share crime reports with one another, and also directly with police. The cloud-based Auror system was trialled in small areas of New Zealand last year, and Z Energy, New World and Countdown have since vowed to roll it out in their stores nationwide. While Auror were unable to confirm exactly which retailers were using the technology, they said it was actively being used in the Ashburton area.
CONTINUED
“THE BEST DECISION WE’VE EVER MADE!”
P2
Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!
After living in Oamaru for 50 years, we decided after one visit to move to Lochlea so we could be closer to our children and family. We found the transition from our quarter acre home to our new Lochlea Lifestyle Villa very easy, we were thrilled with the privacy and the Villa had been built to capture the sun so well. We recently celebrated our 60 year wedding anniversary here at the Resort - we are very happy here. Fleming and Joy Robertson
To arrange an appointment please contact Resort Manager, Tony Sands. 03 307 9080 | 0800 272 7837 a/h 03 302 6887 Find us just off Racecourse Road at 25 Charlesworth Drive, Ashburton. www.lochlearesort.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz