Global accolade viewed as Milestone for Secom

Secom’s ongoing and diligent work at the cutting edge of CCTV-based security has won a global accolade for the nationwide company. Use of the internationally acclaimed Milestone VMS for systems serving some of its leading UK customers has resulted in Secom being named as Milestone’s 2018 Northern Europe Partner of the Year.

The award was announced at the recent Milestone Integration Platform Symposium, an event that brings together partners from the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions who collaborate, network and learn about global trends in the VMS space.

Secom’s commercial, sales and marketing director Alan Blake enthused: “We were delighted to hear that we had been nominated for an award and even more so to be named as the winner. This award is evidence of the sterling work that Secom has delivered in leveraging innovative, industry-leading solutions on the Milestone platform. We look forward to engineering more solutions in this way during 2019.”

Milestone’s open platform provides VMS options for applications ranging from single retail stores through to multi-site and city-wide monitoring systems.

Blake continued: “On this platform we’re able to offer our customers the ability to monitor several cameras simultaneously. This provides enhanced security as well as the opportunity to make management decisions – such as the need to open additional till points – based on real-time observations of in-store conditions.”

In addition, Blake stated: “Coupled with our track record in addressing retail crime through the analysis of intelligence gathered from CCTV, Secom can now offer an advanced security process with the potential to slash retailers’ losses to crime and enable the police to successfully prosecute repeat offenders.”

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360 Vision Technology’s established Invictus PTZ cameras enlisted to protect Super Bowl LIII

Super Bowl LIII was safeguarded by 360 Vision Technology’s ruggedised Hybrid Invictus PTZ cameras. These were deployed as part of Security Centres International’s high-performance Mobile Advanced Safety Tower (MAST) rapid deployment camera solution.

In all, ten MAST units were deployed in various areas surrounding the brand new, state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

With over one million fans expected to focus on the Super Bowl and the ten-day Fan Festival, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was keen to complement the existing CCTV networks around the ground as well as mass transit point footfall areas, such as bus and rail stations.

Stuart Bostock, executive group president at Security Centres International, explained: “Featuring world-class HD surveillance imaging, leading-edge design, robustness, zero infrastructure requirements and seamless VMS integration, MAST is the only product of its kind that would readily integrate into the existing CCTV infrastructure. Additionally, MAST benefits from a significantly smaller footprint than similar trailer-based, stand-alone surveillance systems.”

Bostock went on to comment: “MAST has been developed to answer the need for a more sophisticated and flexible surveillance system for infrastructure and public space safety, including large crowd gatherings. MAST combines a rapidly deployable unit with some of the most advanced safety and surveillance technology available. This is why we selected 360 Vision Technology’s Invictus camera for its core imaging technology.”

Mark Rees, managing director of 360 Vision Technology, added: “360 Vision Technology’s Invictus is a high-performance, ruggedised all-in-one PTZ camera with Full 1080P HD and ultra low-light camera technology, making it the perfect choice for off-grid temporary/rapid deployment mobile surveillance rigs such as MAST. Additionally, Invictus’ low power consumption greatly assists the longevity of critical battery power when deployed in the field, extending MAST’s operational performance for deployment in more remote applications.”

Rees concluded: “The Invictus camera’s unparalleled mix of competitive cost and advanced Predator low-light camera imaging technology makes it the perfect imaging component for the innovative MAST system.”

The use of the MAST units integrated to the existing fixed camera points during Super Bowl LIII week proved a huge success with HD images transmitted to the MARTA Emergency Operations Centre via a mobile network. Thanks to the high quality of the images received, system operators were able to identify and tackle a number of incidents, including a vehicle theft.

Additionally, the images were also used to predict areas of dense footfall, tackle crowd control safety issues and manage general Health and Safety concerns.

The deployment of the Invictus-based camera system at Super Bowl LIII proved such a success that plans are already in place for deployment at other large-scale US sporting events (including the NCAA Final Four Basketball Championship in 2020) and also for city centre deployment across Atlanta.

Remote sites upgrade delivers enhanced security for energy provider

Working to a tight ten-week schedule, four teams of Secom engineers recently completed a significant electronic security upgrade at no less than 150 critical sites resident within the UK’s energy infrastructure network.

The project – covering offices as well as remote locations with no staff – involved replacing key legacy equipment and software to create a superior platform for the remote monitoring of CCTV surveillance systems. It brought the 150 sites up to the same high standards of security as the customer’s other 250-plus sites across the UK.

Phil Lamb, Secom’s general manager for regional sales, feels that installation of new transmission units has allowed a switch for all of the customer’s sites to a more robust and cutting-edge video control platform in the Alarm Receiving Centre.

“Security is of course a major consideration for infrastructure service providers, but can prove to be challenging because of the many remote locations needed to ensure uninterrupted delivery to consumers nationwide. Reliable CCTV and alarm systems are important tools in dealing with issues that might affect the continuity of supply or any other risks of compromising security or Health and Safety concerns if, for example, there’s an unauthorised entry.”

Lamb said the customer was facing a critical need as its existing transmission units had become obsolete. With the existing video management software there was a growing risk of losing connectivity with remote sites – and also, therefore, visibility of site issues.

“The decision to replace obsolete hardware and software was initiated to mitigate the risk of major security incidents by creating a more stable platform. Our role was to replace the end-of-life kit with the latest generation transmission units. As the incumbent service provider, we have intimate knowledge of each site and could evade potential issues, using our engineering skills to design issues out of the tight schedule by dint of using detailed process maps.”

The software platform was upgraded to meet customer expectations. Due to the nature of the replacement project, Secom hand-picked engineers for the four teams and also provided dedicated project managers.

GJD appoints ezCCTV.com as national distribution partner

GJD, the designer and manufacturer of external detection and LED illumination equipment, has announced the appointment of ezCCTV.com as its new national distribution partner. Based in Hertfordshire and an authorised official Hikvision distributor, ezCCTV.com supplies digital and IP surveillance solutions.

Models in GJD’s D-TECT range of detectors reliably detect people and easily integrate with third party VMS providers and CCTV systems. The product range performs well in all weather conditions without fail or false alarm.

Commenting on the new partnership, Greg Stuttle (GJD’s business development manager) observed: “GJD is confident that our product range will be popular with ezCCTV.com’s customers. GJD is wholly committed to delivering a responsive and reliable service. ezCCTV also takes this approach, so we believe the company will be a great partner. We’re looking forward to a long and successful working relationship.”

Camera analytics has driven demand for reliable human detection. For their part, GJD’s products have been capturing genuine alarms for over 30 years, providing both end users and installers alike with peace of mind that critical events will never be missed and that false alarms will not occur.

Joss Cohen (left) and Greg Stuttle

Joss Cohen, sales director at ezCCTV.com, told Risk Xtra: “We’ve partnered with GJD as the company’s products incorporate functions not found on any other similar products. GJD’s IP technology also integrates with Hikvision. This is a perfect fit for our customers and aligns very well with our strategy.”

The D-TECT motion detector range is designed for intruder monitoring, CCTV surveillance and other alarm warning requirements. The detectors provide both volumetric and long-range narrow field of view sensing plus remote programming.

D-TECT IP detectors integrate with Hikvision’s I Series and K2 Series NVRs, which are said to deliver “remarkable advantages” for end users including quick and efficient installation, minimum maintenance and remote access. Installers can change detector settings via a secure web-based interface.

Other products in the GJD range include Clarius PLUS LED illuminators. These produce powerful and even illumination, in turn assisting reliable detection and deterrence. Clarius IP provides smart lighting solutions, which can be integrated with IP cameras and CCTV systems. Every Clarius light includes a lens diffuser pack so the beam spread can be easily adjusted on site.

Chubb appointed principal security and fire safety contractor for major Scottish Housing Association

Chubb Fire & Security has become the principal fire and security provider for Dunedin Canmore, a leading provider of social housing and related services in Scotland. After initially installing fire alarms for many years, Chubb now provides installation and maintenance services for emergency lighting, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control.

Chubb has worked with Dunedin Canmore, part of The Wheatley Group, for more than a decade now. Across its communities, the company has built a strong working relationship and is now servicing more than 150 sites for the Housing Association.

With a strong focus on compliance, Chubb’s services range from initial fire risk assessments and security audits through to the remote monitoring of all the sites in its care. Additionally, Chubb is now servicing the Care System (ie Warden Call), an enhanced assisted living solution, across the majority of Dunedin Canmore’s amenity housing for older people.

Stuart Phillips, compliance officer at Dunedin Canmore, said: “We’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with Chubb for over a decade. The company’s customer service is excellent and we’re delighted to have made the business our principal fire and security provider.”

Dunedin Canmore owns and manages around 5,500 homes across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Chubb also provides fire and security services for YourPlace, Barony Housing Association and Lowther Homes, all of whom are part of The Wheatley Group.

Small Business Network advocates use of private security firms to support police

Following the latest budget, which highlighted increased funding for terrorism prevention despite recent cutbacks in other areas of police funding, the Small Business Network (SBN) of professional security companies has highlighted an opportunity for the private security industry to support public services.

“While the Budget saw extra money for the prevention of terrorism, the selling off of other police assets and the reduction in officers on the street has made life difficult when it comes to the prevention of other criminal activity,” commented Abbey Petkar, spokesperson for the SBN and managing director of Magenta Security. “The police are doing a fantastic job with limited resources and, for our part, we are perfectly placed to support them.”

Through client contracts already in existence, security companies across the UK can deliver for their clients while working in partnership with local police forces to spot and stop criminal behaviour.

Abbey Petkar

“Whether it be a CCTV supplier, an alarm company or security officers, the industry is already working to prevent criminal activity. We are on the look-out for vulnerabilities in the community that could affect clients as well as opportunists looking to make the most of any situation. A closer working relationship with the police can only improve this,” continued Petkar.  “In fact, there’s even an opportunity for those companies who have been properly certified to undertake work on behalf of the police, supplementing their forces and needs as appropriate.”

Ultimately, the SBN believes the current challenges faced by police forces across the country are an opportunity for the security sector. The Security Industry Authority’s ongoing desire to improve quality in the sector means the companies exist with the requisite skills and oversight to support public services in a professional and cohesive way. The SBN fundamentally believes that public security should not just be the responsibility of the police. Instead, everyone should do their part, working together to ensure safety for all.

360 Vision Technology moves to embrace deep systems compatibility

With a strong emphasis on the development of technical innovation and design, CCTV specialist 360 Vision Technology has forged close working partnerships with an array of technology leaders to enable deep systems integration across a wide range of solutions suitable for a host of surveillance applications.

A long list of leading UK and international technology companies enjoy a close working relationship with 360 Vision Technology, some of them for over 20 years now. Always, the driving factor in these relationships is 360 Vision’s commitment to deliver innovative high-performance CCTV camera solutions that provide no boundaries to deployment with third party manufacturers’ equipment.

Over many years, 360 Vision has developed a reputation for delivering innovation and usable functionality in its thermal imaging cameras, award-winning radar controlled video surveillance solutions and for its Sirius integrated LED white light and infrared lighting.

Commenting on 360 Vision’s commitment to reliability, Mark Rees (the newly-appointed managing director of the business) said: “Right from the design stage of any new product, our R&D team aims to ensure 360 Vision cameras are the simplest to commission and best performing in their sector. Close working partnerships with like-minded systems manufacturers helps us to achieve that goal.”

Rees added: “360 Vision’s partnerships with industry-leading technology companies helps to feed technical and sharp-end feedback into our constant product development, in turn pairing our leading-edge surveillance camera technology with the very best in CCTV control, alarm handling, access control, rapid deployment, radar and wireless system solutions expertise.”

Working partnerships with 360 Vision enable preferred technical partners from across the security industry to have a close hand in the development of the functionality of 360 Vision’s cameras. With deep third party integration to 360 Vision’s range of cameras, end users can be guaranteed the best possible surveillance imagery, the simplest set-up and seamless, intuitive control as well as numerous desirable performance benefits.

“Many of our technical partners proactively demonstrate 360 Vision cameras at our Resource Centre,” stated Rees. “Here, customers are able to experience and evaluate proposed end-to-end system configurations in action. This supports them in making an informed decision on their choice of specification for installation projects.”

Thanks to the ongoing technical partnership between 360 Vision and selected technology manufacturers, simple product set-up, deep systems integration and performance benefits are built-in to various applications and sizes of CCTV installations across the globe. Through these long term technical partnerships, 360 Vision Technology is not only ensuring installers and end users can enjoy a fully-integrated and hassle-free systems control experience, but also promotes to the wider world the benefits to be gained by specifying ‘Best of British’ integrated surveillance solutions.