ID scanners 'cut theft' (From Watford Observer)

ID scanners 'cut theft' in Watford bars

2:20pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

ID scanners introduced to eight bars and clubs in Watford town centre have helped bring about a five per cent reduction in theft within weeks, police have said.

Oceana, Paparazzi, Cameo, Columbia Press, Reflex, Rehab, Revolution and Walkabout have already been fitted with Scan Net ID technology which can tell door staff if the ID is forged, fake or has been tampered with.

The technology also allows police and venues to share data about problem individuals and to impose bans across every venue nationally which use this equipment.

As the Watford Observer reported last week the chairman of Watford Pubwatch and former director of Paparazzi, Richard Valentine and pubwatch secretary Alison Brown are being prosecuted for breaching the terms of their license by not having a working ID scanner on the premises.

Chief Inspector for Watford, Nick Caveney said: "We have been working very closely with the licensees in the town centre to provide a safer environment for visitors, and welcome the investment that they have made in installing this technology.

Pub Watch vice chair Alex O'Reilly, general manger of Oceana, said: "It is in all our interests to ensure that Watford town centre offers a fun, safe and welcoming night out for people of all ages."