LERPnet

I was reading the latest issue of Business Week magazine this weekend and found an interesting little article on LERPnet.

Regular readers of the blog will remember how frequently I highlight the uselessness of CCTV in the general sense. LERPnet, however, seems to be a CCTV scheme done right.

"Of the country's biggest retailers, 54, including Walgreens (WAG), Macy's (M), and Wal-Mart (WMT), subscribe to the two-year-old-system, which allows members to share information on what's been stolen—data they once might have considered proprietary—and to post photos and videos of suspects. ... As of the end of April, LERPnet had information on more than 40,000 organized thefts, up 80% from a year earlier." - Business Week

"Hypothetical Scenario: Retailer A has 40 laptops stolen. Later that afternoon, the same criminals enter a neighboring state along the same highway corridor and steal dozens of notebook computers from Retailer B. Along the same highway in a different county, Retailer C is victimized that evening.

With LERPnet, Retailers A, B and C will be able to enter each incident separately into the system and allow other users to communicate with other companies and law enforcement about crimes occurring in their stores. Companies can report the theft and include information about suspects, getaway vehicles, and identification numbers of stolen products. In their reports, retailers can also include photos and video footage to assist in the detention and prosecution of criminals. Immediately, retailers and law enforcement should be able to connect the incidents and suspects to the similar crimes." - From LERPnet.com

Check out the article. LERPnet seems like a step in the right direction.

Enjoy.