Norwich BID Supplied With Two Way Radio System

Norwich BID

Helping to protect local businesses from crime is a key strategic role of the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID). One of its flagship projects is a city-wide radio system to ensure a fast-track response to reports of problems. When the existing system needed a revamp, the BID turned to Brentwood.

The ALERT crime reduction scheme was set up to reduce theft and anti-social disorder by providing local businesses with a direct communications link to both the police and the city’s CCTV control centre. As well as providing a rapid response alert, the idea is also to help shop owners and employees keep in touch to share information and look out for one another.

However, towards the end of 2015, Norwich BID had become dissatisfied with its current system. Reliability and coverage had become an issue. They wanted a radio link which would ensure every business across the city centre remained on the network at all times, giving enforcement agencies the best opportunity to prevent crime.

Our solution

Norwich city centre is spread out over a large area, so providing adequate network coverage to all businesses at all times was a key challenge. Drawing on our expertise supplying two way radios for use at large city-wide events and festivals, we designed a network built around two Motorola IP Site Connect repeaters. IP Site Connect is an IP-enabled repeater solution used to boost radio signal. By connecting two of these in different locations with a dedicated IP link, you can combine the coverage area each provides. Any radio linked to the IP Site Connect system therefore benefits from the extra coverage of both repeaters – the operating area is effectively doubled.

Another key requirement for the ALERT system was that it should include an emergency button function so businesses could raise the alarm quickly should an incident occur. The client specified that they wanted a system which could pinpoint where the alarm had been triggered, allowing for a rapid response. Brentwood supplied a mix of Motorola DP2400 and DP4800 radio handsets, both compatible with IP Site Connect and combining best in class audio with durability and long battery life. Part of the Mototrbo range, the DP4800 offers the full range of integrated digital radio capabilities, including an emergency button function which signals which user has triggered the alarm.

With Brentwood’s assistance, Norwich BID was able to re-launch ALERT in July 2016. Every business in the city centre is now supplied with a two way radio linked to the city-wide IP Site Connect network, maintaining constant, reliable contact with the city’s crime and safer communities partners. Everyone involved is delighted that the system is back up and running, helping to make Norwich a safer city to work, shop and live in.

Norwich BID

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