Shared radio networks for safer high streets and town centres
Business Against Crime (BAC) Radio Schemes
Retail crime doesn’t wait for you to “get round to it”. When something’s happening in real time, you need fast, discreet communication between staff, nearby businesses and - where available - the CCTV control room.
A Business Against Crime (BAC) radio scheme gives local businesses a shared, licensed two-way radio network for crime prevention and incident response. It’s designed to help you warn others quickly, coordinate a calm response, and keep staff safer.
What a BAC Radio Scheme helps with
- Shoplifting and repeat offenders
- Anti-social behaviour and aggressive incidents
- Late-night issues at venues, takeaways, pubs and bars
- Sharing real-time information across a precinct or town centre
- Faster support via CCTV operators where the scheme is linked to a control room
How it works
A BAC scheme typically connects participating businesses via a licensed radio system. Radios can also be linked to a CCTV operator in a council control room (where the local scheme includes this), giving members a rapid way to request support and improve visibility during an incident.
To keep the network effective, it’s not designed for general chatter - it’s for short, clear, incident-focused messages so everyone stays alert.
Some schemes are set up in zones or networks (for example, separate areas within a borough) so messages stay relevant to the businesses that need them.
Proven scheme support in Hackney & Brent
OS Comms has successfully supported radio schemes in:
- Hackney - including late-night venues and retail networks connected via radio and CCTV.
- Brent (Harlesden) – a licensed Shopwatch scheme with radios connected directly to the CCTV operator in the council control room.
If you’re planning a new scheme, or upgrading an existing one, we can advise on the best setup for your geography, operating hours and risk profile.
What OS Comms provides:
We make the scheme practical and reliable day-to-day - not just “installed and forgotten”.
You can expect:
- Licensed two-way radios supplied and configured for the scheme
- Chargers and essentials ready for use
- Ongoing support and maintenance options
- Training and user guidance so staff know exactly what to do under pressure
Where your scheme includes CCTV integration, we’ll align the configuration so members can contact the control room quickly and consistently.
Costs
BAC radio schemes are usually priced as:
- One-off connection fee, plus
- Annual subscription covering the radio service and support
Funding arrangements vary by borough/BID/partnership, so some schemes subsidise the connection fee or part of the first year.
Example Scheme Pricing for transparency
- Hackney Late Night Radio Scheme: ongoing subscription £120 per annum + VAT, including connection to the network, a digital two-way radio and charger, plus ongoing support and radio maintenance.
- Brent (Harlesden) Shopwatch Radio Scheme: ongoing subscription £295 per annum + VAT, including replacement batteries, repairs and licensing.
- Mare Street radio operation (Hackney): annual cost £95 + VAT, including replacement batteries, repairs and licensing.
Connection fee: Varies but is typically around £250 connection fee in council-backed schemes - often funded by the local authority, depending on the programme.
If you tell us your location and whether you’re joining an existing scheme or creating a new one, we’ll confirm the exact costs and what’s included.
Why BAC Radio Works
Because it is immediate, shared, and doesn’t rely on mobile networks. It helps businesses:
- Share alerts quickly to reduce repeat incidents
- Act earlier - before behaviour escalates
- Improve evidence and response when linked to CCTV support
Talk to OS Comms about Business Against Crime
If you are part of a BID, local partnership, shopping centre, high street group, or late-night economy scheme, we can help you plan or upgrade a BAC radio network that’s fit for purpose.
Call OS Comms on 0121 622 5555 to discuss your scheme requirements, and we’ll advise on the most suitable setup and pricing.
"Very good experience from start to finish. Great communication throughout and after care service A1. Would highly recommend OS Comms."
With Os Comms as a partner, all our radio related issues have been resolved in a timely manner and hassle free for me and my team."
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