The Partner MK4 body-worn video system

Source: Bakers Basco

All staff in the investigations team have been trained in The Partner MK4 video system

Bakery equipment management scheme Bakers Basco has ramped up its tech capabilities with body worn video cameras.

All staff in the investigations team have been trained in The Partner MK4, a body-worn video system that captures footage that can be easily transferred to the police or relevant authorities.

The move follows the appointment of former Lincolnshire Police officer Stacey Brown as national investigations manager to head up the investigations team and overhaul its strategy.

In conjunction with this, all staff have undergone a training program covering evidence gathering techniques, conflict management and prevention of violence in the workplace as part of efforts to improve the processes behind recovering missing or stolen bread baskets and dollies.

“Since joining Bakers Basco nine months ago, it has been my mission to ensure our investigations team is trained up with the right knowledge and skillset to think differently about how we run investigations,” said Brown.

“Technology plays a key role in that, and this new bodycam technology will significantly improve our evidence-gathering capabilities when dealing with those who are stealing or unlawfully using equipment owned by Bakers Basco and our members.”

The Partner MK4 DEMS has an extra-large battery allowing for up to 15 hours of recording, and all footage captured is GDPR-compliant and encrypted.

Bakers Basco said the move marked a major step forward for the company’s national investigations team and was part of a wider initiative to tighten up the processes involved with investigations around stolen equipment that can sometimes end up in court.

In recent years Bakers Basco has increased its investment in technology by introducing GPS tracking devices to track and monitor the daily movements of its equipment. Bakers Basco said evidence gathered through the use of GPS-equipped products had helped secured judgement in a number of court cases against third parties using equipment without permission, had reduced losses and improved recovery levels.

Bakers Basco was set up in 2006 by Allied Bakeries, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, Hovis and Warburtons to buy, manage and police the use of a standard basket for the delivery of bread to retailers and wholesalers.