NEWS RELEASES
Hi-tech solution to abandoned trolleys
27th February 2007
THE Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (HCDRP) has teamed up with Sainsbury’s in Horsham to reduce the problem of abandoned shopping trolleys in and around Horsham town centre.
The removal of trolleys from the Sainsbury’s store in the town’s Worthing Road had become a cause of concern for people who live, work and shop in Horsham.
Trolleys not only make the area less attractive, but there are real safety concerns such as trolleys being pushed into the road and used to damage property.
The introduction of a hi-tech preventative measure aims to reduce the problem and Sainsbury’s has committed to installing a new electronic security system which will prevent people from taking the trolleys off site.
The system works on a radio signal transmitted from within the Horsham store via a sunken wire which will surround the car park and be marked by a highly visible red line.
All trolleys will be fitted with a device within the wheels and if trolleys are pushed over the wire, a brake comes on and the trolley can no longer be easily pushed.
The brake is de-activated and the trolley can be wheeled once it is pushed back inside the car park boundary.
Speaking of the initiative, the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership’s Greg Charman said:
“We are very pleased that Sainsbury’s has listened to local people over this quality of life issue.
“We are confident that this new system will have the desired effect as it has had in other locations across West Sussex, which report a 75% reduction in the number of trolleys leaving the store”.
Anne Hutchinson, Sainsbury's trolley buyer, said;
"We are committed to making the shopping experience as easy as possible for our customers and this solution is a positive step in ensuring that a sufficient supply of quality trolleys is available at all times. "
Sergeant Andrew Burfoot from Sussex Police added:
“Shopping trolleys are the property of the store and the Police will view any removal of them as a dishonest act, taking the necessary legal action.
“I am pleased to hear about this type of joined up working and it will certainly help make Horsham’s town centre a safer place, which is a good thing”.
For more information contact the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership on 01403 215124 or email community.safety@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
Note to editors:
This news release has been issued by Horsham District Council on behalf of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
The Horsham District Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership is a statutory partnership of Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, Sussex Police Authority, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and West Sussex Primary Care Trust. The Partnership is charged with reducing levels of crime and disorder in the Horsham District through sustainable solutions; by working with other key public, private and voluntary agencies and the community.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk