Barnet excluded as London retailers trial instant CCTV sharing with police

Residents shopping at Tesco, Boots, Marks & Spencer or Greggs in eleven London boroughs are now being monitored by a new security system that sends CCTV footage and witness statements directly to the Metropolitan Police. The trial, which began this month, allows officers to access evidence within minutes instead of waiting up to 28 days.

Barnet is not included in the scheme. The participating boroughs are Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Southwark, Lambeth, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley and Hillingdon. The Met confirmed the list as reported by MyLondon.

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How the system works

Retailers use a digital platform to upload CCTV clips, photographs and written statements. The Met receives an alert and can review the material immediately. Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for business crime, said the tool helps officers identify suspects faster and build stronger cases.

Before the trial, police often waited weeks to receive footage. The delay meant suspects could leave the area or dispose of stolen goods. Now, officers can act while evidence is still fresh. The Met reported that the system has already contributed to a 4% reduction in shoplifting offences across London.

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Results so far

In cases where the new system has been used, the Met secured a caution, charge or other criminal disposal in 29.4% of incidents. That compares with a 7.3% rate before the trial began. The figures were provided by Croydon MP Sarah Jones, who spoke to MyLondon.

Reported shoplifting offences across London are down by almost 4%, but we’re not taking our foot off the pedal as evidenced by this continued use of new tech.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, Met Police lead for business crime

Jones said the scheme enables officers to arrest suspects and compile evidence more quickly. She added that the expansion to Croydon and other boroughs would help sustain the crackdown on shoplifting.

What happens next

The Met has not announced when the trial will end or whether it will expand to other boroughs. Barnet Council has not commented on whether it has requested inclusion in the scheme. Residents who want to report shoplifting in Barnet must still use the Met’s non-emergency number or visit a police station.