Two way Radios for Shopwatch

In the face of rising shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and retail crime, high street retailers and local councils are turning to tried-and-tested solutions – one of the most effective being the Shopwatch scheme, powered by professional two way radios.

At Scotia Radio, we’ve worked with town centre partnerships, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and retail security teams across the UK to supply, support and maintain two way radio networks that keep communities connected and criminals at bay.

Let’s break down how it works, and why it’s still one of the most important tools in town-centre crime prevention.

🔄 What is a Shopwatch Scheme?

A Shopwatch scheme is a radio-linked network of shops, businesses and security personnel working together to share information, report incidents and deter crime. It often ties into wider Pubwatch or BID security strategies, and is usually coordinated by local authorities or crime reduction partnerships.

The core of the scheme? Instant communication – which is where two way radios play a vital role.

📡 Why Two Way Radios Are Essential to Shopwatch

Unlike phones or messaging apps, two way radios offer real-time group communication, without signal dropouts, delays or dial tones.

Benefits include:

• 📞 Instant alerts between stores & security teams

• 🕵️ Rapid identification of known offenders

• 🚓 Direct links to CCTV control rooms and police

• 📍 Coordination of staff across multiple locations

• 💸 Reduction in losses due to faster response times

With one push of a button, shop staff can alert the network to:

• Ongoing shoplifting

• Suspicious individuals

• Aggressive behaviour

• Lost children or vulnerable people

• Emergency situations

It’s fast, discreet and effective – particularly when every second counts.

🔧 Systems That Work for Every Town

At Scotia Radio, we provide radio hire and sales for Shopwatch schemes of all sizes – whether you’re covering a compact retail park or a bustling city centre.

We supply:

• Digital two way radios (Motorola, Hytera, Caltta & more)

• Repeaters for wider coverage

• Base station radios for CCTV rooms and security HQs

• Accessories like covert earpieces, chargers and batteries

• Ongoing servicing, repairs and tech support

Need help setting up your scheme? Our engineers can design and install a bespoke solution, and offer full training for staff and volunteers.

📈 The Results Speak for Themselves

Shopwatch schemes using radios have been proven to:

• Deter crime by increasing perceived risk to offenders

• Improve conviction rates through better evidence gathering

• Build safer retail environments, boosting customer confidence

• Reduce emergency service callouts by managing minor incidents locally

Many local businesses see ROI within weeks, simply by reducing theft-related losses and protecting staff.

💬 What Our Customers Say

“Since we implemented the Shopwatch radio system from Scotia, incidents are dealt with so much quicker – and we’ve built a real sense of community between stores.”

“We hired radios from Scotia for our local retail park security team. The clarity, battery life and coverage are excellent – we’re now rolling it out across our other sites.”

🎯 Who Should Get Involved?

• Independent retailers

• High street chains

• Security guards

• Local council officers

• CCTV control rooms

• Community wardens

• Transport hubs

• Event organisers

Whether you’re setting up a scheme from scratch or upgrading an existing one, Scotia Radio can help with equipment, planning and maintenance.

🔐 Safer Streets Start with Smarter Communication

If you want a safer, more responsive town centre, Shopwatch radios are a proven tool that builds trust, promotes accountability and deters crime. They’re simple, affordable and immediately effective.

Ready to connect your community?

📞 Contact Scotia Radio today to discuss Shopwatch radio hire, purchase and support.

Let’s create a safer high street – together.