the first
Hi! Visibility Day
C
ity of London Police, in partnership with the City Security Council, launches first “Hi! Visibility” Day.
Project Servator, a policing tactic that aims to disrupt a range of criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public, linked up with members of the City Security Council, and some of the more than 400 security professionals who took part on the day.
City of London Police officers and security professionals based within the Square Mile joined forces to remind members of the public that security remains a priority as lockdown restrictions are eased.
The day, known as ‘Hi! Visibility Day’, provided reassurance that while the City may have been quieter than usual during the pandemic, police officers and security staff have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure they are ready to safely welcome visitors, workers and residents back to the capital.
Neill Catton, Chairman of the City Security Council, said: “The Private Security Industry showcased the incredible men and women working in collaboration with police to keep the City of London safe and secure. The Hi! Visibility day shone a light on those individuals who make the public’s safety a priority every day, provide further insight into what security means within the Square Mile, and encourage collaboration so that everyone is able to do their part.”
Sector Policing teams organised a number of key engagement events throughout the day, such as bike marking, liaison with City schools, homelessness hubs and joint working with Street Pastors to provide advice and support to individuals around personal safety.
In the evening, officers from the City of London Police’s licensing team engaged with licensed premises and those further enjoying the lifting of restrictions, alongside special constables who patrolled bridges and crowded spaces.
6 © CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2021
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Their main aims are to ensure joined-up working when it comes to identifying and reporting criminal activity, and to recruit members of the public to be extra ‘eyes and ears’ and pass on details of anything that doesn’t feel right.
Chief Inspector Christopher Hay, City of London Police, said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, it is understandable that people will want to regain a semblance of normality. Whether this is through returning to the office, going shopping, engaging in leisure activities or meeting friends at one of the City’s many hospitality venues, it is important to remain vigilant, so as not to fall foul of criminals.
“Our teams of officers from across our force took to the streets to speak to residents, workers and visitors about the best ways to protect themselves, and their loved ones, whilst enjoying all that the City has to offer.”
M
uch like a return to the workplace, in- store shopping offers something that its online equivalent cannot – an experience. But this will be muted somewhat with a hyper awareness of personal safety and – for many – an anxiety of suddenly being in large crowds once again.
Security officers have been at the front and centre of our limited retail experience throughout the pandemic and will continue to play a vital role.
The pandemic has created five years’ worth of internet sales growth and five years of high-street decline in a single year. That is according to Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association. That prediction doesn’t look hopeful for retailers. However, on closer inspection, the situation may not be so simple as a migration online. Primark, a huge name on the high street, refused to move online and took a hit to sales through both lockdowns as a result. However, when it reopened, sales soared above what had been predicted.
Forbes has suggested that we may see “revenge shopping”– customers making up for lost time and enjoying newly earned freedom after the lockdown – and the statistics for Primark suggest this may well be the case. However, to effectively cater to shoppers, organisations must understand what will draw them back to the high street.
Creating an experience
After a year of isolation, getting back out into towns and cities is about more than being able to shop, for most. The freedom brings with it a sense of autonomy and an opportunity to meet friends and catch up. Browsing in shops is no longer necessary, so those choosing to visit shops rather than order online will do so for the whole experience. Those who don’t go out to shop may still be tempted to browse after visiting a coffee shop or hairdressers. But shoppers will only choose to do so if they feel safe.
Research suggests that almost half of shoppers are still uncomfortable about returning to the high street. To allow shoppers to relax and enjoy the retail experience, retailers must go above and beyond to demonstrate the precautions they are taking. While sanitising surfaces is a vital precaution, it doesn’t offer added reassurance unless it is done in front of shoppers. Instead, safety precautions have to be clearly visible.
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