Crime App Targets Pubs and Clubs

Success of Retail Crime App Sees it Rolled Out to Nightlife Industry – But Are There Potential Privacy Issues?

The BBC this week reported that a new crime prevention app designed to help police and businesses tackle shoplifting is now being expanded to cover anti-social behaviour in pubs and night-time venues in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

While the technology promises greater safety for staff and customers, it also raises important questions about privacy, due process, and fairness for those who may find themselves flagged as “known offenders.”

What the UKPAC App Does

The app, known as UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), allows licensed premises, shop owners, and police to share information about individuals suspected or known to have committed offences such as shop theft, drug use, or violent behaviour.

It is already in use by retailers across the south coast region and has now been rolled out to the night-time economy, including bars, pubs, and clubs.

Users can upload reports and images directly from their phones, helping venues to identify repeat offenders and, where appropriate, issue bans or report concerns to the police.

Information gathered can be shared between members of local Pubwatch schemes and law enforcement to support community safety initiatives.

According to Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the app has already contributed to the successful prosecution of dozens of persistent shoplifters, resulting in more than 45 years of combined prison sentences.

She added that the system has saved “almost a month of police time” by allowing frontline officers to act on accurate, up-to-date intelligence.

Expanding to the Night-Time Economy

Following its success in the retail sector, the UKPAC system is now being adopted by venues across Portsmouth and beyond.

Steve Hudson, Chair of Portsmouth City Pubwatch and the operator of two pubs in the city, said the technology could make a tangible difference to staff safety:

“I’ve been in the trade since 1986 and violence and drug use are still issues. This is about trying to make everything as safe as possible for everybody.”

Other publicans have expressed cautious optimism. Jamie Peckham, who runs the Painters Arms in Portsmouth, said that while he had not yet used the app, he could see clear benefits:

“If I know their face and that they could cause trouble, I can tell them to leave before they even get in here. We already share information between pubs – this just makes it easier.”

How Data Is Shared – and the Legal Considerations

While community-based information sharing can play an important role in reducing anti-social behaviour, it must be managed carefully to avoid breaching data protection or privacy laws.

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 require that any personal information shared – such as photographs or identifying details – be handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

Incorrectly identifying someone as a “troublemaker” or “offender” could also give rise to claims of defamation or complaints under the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if the data is not accurate, up-to-date, or proportionate to the risk involved. Furthermore, individuals who are banned from venues based on app reports may argue that their right to due process has been undermined if they are not given an opportunity to challenge or correct the information held about them.

For venue operators and app administrators, these issues underscore the importance of following strict information governance protocols – ensuring that only relevant data is shared and retained for legitimate purposes.

Balancing Safety with Rights

From a policing and public safety perspective, tools like UKPAC can clearly improve efficiency and help reduce offending in key areas such as shoplifting, alcohol-related violence, and disorder around licensed premises.

However, for those accused of wrongdoing, these systems may have serious consequences long before any criminal charge or conviction is brought.

Defendants and suspects must remember that being mentioned in an app or community safety database is not evidence of guilt – and that they retain full legal rights, including the right to challenge unlawful data use or unfair treatment under the Human Rights Act 1998 and relevant data protection laws.

How We Can Help

Of couse, we will be keeping an eye on developments should this be rolled it further across the UK. If you would have any questions or concerns about legal representation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.