On the Case

Corking security

Intrepid Security Solutions has incorporated advanced RF tagging systems and CCTV into high profile retailers Coast, Hobbs, Oasis and River Island at Mahon Point, Cork, Ireland's largest mixed commercial development outside Dublin.

The massive 111 acre site incorporates 250,000 sq ft of shopping facilities on the outskirts of the city. Shopper demand is expected to be high this year, with Cork designated European City of Culture for 2005.

Intrepid has been protecting the profits of Oasis, Coast and River Island all over the Irish republic, including Dublin, Limerick, Galway and of course Cork city centre, for a good number of years, with the 9000 series of EAS deterrent systems. For Hobbs, Mahon Point is its first foray into the expanding Irish market.

Hawks on the street

MEL Secure Systems has installed a network of rapid deployment cameras for Mansfield District Council, to deliver wider CCTV coverage and meet government initiatives for cutting the level of antisocial behaviour on the streets.

MEL Secure Systems was selected to supply its camera to supplement the existing CCTV network after a three-week trial. MEL offered Mansfield DC a single-source solution with high levels of technical back-up. In just six weeks, MEL manufactured, delivered, installed and completed the handover of eight Street Hawk camera systems – half were deployed in Mansfield town centre, with the remainder in outlying Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. Antennas and video receivers were mounted on an existing camera pole to save costs.

"Rapid deployment cameras really do work, and they are enabling us to quickly fill in the gaps not covered by traditional fixed CCTV systems," says Cath Bannister, CCTV manager at Mansfield.

"The speed with which the cameras could be deployed was a crucial factor.

“They have already contributed towards detecting more crimes which will eventually lead to a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour in and around the Mansfield area.”

Tripoli protection

Hochiki's addressable smoke and heat detectors are being used to protect both public spaces and plant and staff areas at the new five-star, 300-room Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in the heart of Tripoli, Libya.

The ESP-compliant addressable smoke detectors are located both below false ceilings, as well as above them, where the plenum ceiling cavity space is significant.

In the banquet hall, reception and main restaurant, where the false ceiling is high, beam detectors are used, which deploy emitters and receivers within a range of 5m to 100m. Fire alarm sounders are connected on the same loops as the detectors.

The system also comprises a number of addressable manual break-glass stations installed throughout the building, wired on the same loops as the detectors and sounders.

Massive IP installation

Incom Interactive Surveillance has installed a Milestone IP video surveillance system for US company Mallory Alexander's distribution centre - a gigantic area that covers 400,000 sq ft.

The system provides monitoring around the clock and remote access at any time. An infrared detector mounted at the gate triggers cameras to start recording when someone drives up at night. PTZ cameras monitor the parking lot, receiving and shipping bays, rubbish disposal area and railroad container bays running along the back of the building. Milestone XProtect IP video surveillance software is the operating system for the hybrid solution, using five Axis 2400 video servers and an Axis 241Q to convert analogue images from Pelco Spectra PTZ cameras. There are also some stationary JVC network cameras in use.

Numbers up at Dover

Tyco Integrated Systems has installed an ANPR control system at the port of Dover which allows number plates to be checked in real time against the Police National Computer and lists compiled by local agencies. The system operates on multiple lanes and offers the user alerts via pagers, audible alarms and control room displays.

TIS opted to use Rainbow CCTV's 8.5-51mm vari-focal model lens, also referred to as 'vari-zoom'. The models used have an auto-iris to cope with varying light levels, and added depth and width through the focal length variant. TIS said it selected the lens for its consistent production of high quality images, a crucial factor in any number plate recognition project.

Assisting FirstAssist

Kaba has provided FirstAssist Group Limited's Purley and Bournemouth sites with access control systems and turnstiles, complemented with a digital CCTV solution which is able to maintain the original car park barriers, roller shutters and CCTV system.

The Kaba exos 93090 access control system manages access to both sites, which are linked via a TCP/IP WAN with Kaba's PIN and Proximity Card Readers installed, using Legic chips embedded within the ID cards.

Both the Purley and Bournemouth sites have a comprehensive access control solution, comprising car park barriers, staff and main entrances, and IT suites. Two Kaba Charon turnstiles were installed at FirstAssist's Bournemouth office to provide security and enhance the main entrance with a pass gate to provide access to disabled persons.

Gate back on the job

Huntingdon-based Power Gates has helped give a restored and refurbished gate a new lease of life at a vineyard in Northamptonshire.

The gate formerly guarded the main entrance to New Lodge in the village of Earls Baron, but when the owner moved next door to the New Lodge Vineyard, she didn't want to leave the old gate behind. After it was restored and re-hung on new posts, its refurbished FAAC swing gate 400 operator was re-used.

Access control is by radio remote control for authorised users, and by telephone entry system for visitors.

Laying cable

Network system installers Zircom are working with Airbus UK, designing and installing network cabling infrastructure at Airbus's Broughton site in North Wales.

Zircom has been contracted to provide the cabling and technical support at the site. All work is carried out on a project basis, from the installation of single outlets, moves, additions and changes, to the cabling of large offices and factory areas, utilising both fibre and copper products.

Luxury locking

Intellikey, working with distributor Franchi Locks and Tools Ltd, has installed 200 intelligent electronic locks and keys into The Soho Hotel, the first 'deluxe hotel' to open in London's Soho.

Intellikey managing director Bernard Morton said: "For The Soho Hotel installation, the client wanted a key-based access control system that could be used in all guest room doors, as well as in back of house locations such as maintenance rooms. Our intelligent keys cannot be copied or forged, as each is unique and totally secure. It will automatically recognise when it is being inserted into the wrong lock and instantly disable itself if unauthorised entry is attempted, giving The Soho Hotel and their guests what they want most - total security."

Amin Nezam of Franchi Locks and Tools, said: "The hotel prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and high standards of quality and service, and to meet their brief of making sure guests are secure during their stay, we wanted he best locking system we could find, something that would not only offer the latest technology, but also be capable of growing with them in the future."

Securing Brunel Point

Kent & Sussex Security has provided a solution for unauthorised entry at Brunel Point, a large residential development consisting of flats and houses, situated in Rotherhithe.

The company was approached by Andertons, which manages the property, to connect the apartments and houses to a single pedestrian gate, so that visitors could contact the occupant, be identified and the occupant able to release the gate lock and allow access.

In addition to audio recognition, they also wanted to be able to see the visitors.

The existing pedestrian gate was automated so that it could be controlled from each apartment, by adding a BPT Automation gate actuator to open and close the gate remotely.

KSS also specified a Telguard door entry system which connects to a dedicated standard telephone line, as well as a Silent Witness vandal-resistant CCTV camera mounted above the audio panel and connected to the estate's communal TV system, enabling residents to view visitors on their televisions.

On the buses

Ansador of Battersea in London has installed an access control system at bus operator First's new £5m state-of-the-art building, which is the main depot for bus services the Chelmsford, Essex, area.

Ansador has installed two FAAC 640 heavy duty barriers with 7m beams. In addition, each vehicle has a tag bolted to its chassis, which is read by a ground loop as the vehicle enters and exits the depot.

The driver also has a proximity card, so both vehicle and driver are logged as they leave and enter the site.

Francis Davy of Ansador said: "We designed a robust system incorporating FAAC barriers specifically for this high-traffic situation, combined with tag readers, vehicle tags, proximity cards, and telephone linked intercoms for a totally integrated package."

The new depot replaces a 1930s building, and will initially house 88 buses with space for expansion up to 120 buses.

Around 250 drivers, engineers and administrative staff will be based at the site.

An eye for fashion

Chester-based integrated systems specialist MAC Vision has designed and installed the CCTV system at the TNT Fashion Group's Euro Hub warehouse facility.

At the facility, fashion garments arrive from manufacturers located around the EEC, and are then distributed by TNT Fashion Group to retail customers in designated European countries.

The CCTV system includes eight Pelco Spectra 111 dome cameras, providing all the external surveillance requirements. Inside the warehouse complex are an additional 22 static Pelco CC3710H digital CCD colour cameras, suitably positioned to give full coverage throughout the warehouse. These are then linked to two Pelco DX8000 DVRs within a central control office, and are connected to the internal network at TNT Fashion Group, enabling various managers to access the system at any time.

Ashley Holt, technical director at MAC Vision, says: "This new Pelco-based CCTV system provides all the security surveillance requirements at the TNT site, and went live in autumn. Already TNT Fashion Group is extremely pleased with the functionality from the Pelco products, whilst also noting that the DX8000 digital video recorders are very easy to operate."

Bastion in the dock

Gateshead-based specialist interiors company Bastion security has recently completed a contract worth almost £100,000 to design, manufacture and install high security enclosed docks in four courtrooms within Woolwich Crown Court, part of the Belmarsh Prison complex.

Bastion was asked to substantially remodel the Courtrooms by removing the existing defendant facilities, replacing them with reinforced docks complete with armoured glazing to both protect and detain defendants in what are often very high profile hearings, many involving terrorist suspects. Electronic speech enhancement and climate control facilities were also part of the works.

While the work was being carried out the Crown Court still had to function as normal, so each of the four courtrooms was closed in turn to make sure disruption was kept to a minimum. Security also had to be maintained at all times, as Belmarsh Prison is the most secure complex in the UK. Bastion was able to satisfy this requirement, as its entire workforce has been security checked by Government agencies.

Faith in CCTV

Gloucester-based CCTV specialist Fasit Security was asked to recommend and install a system that would observe and record movement around the perimeter of Bristol Cathedral.

Business development manager Jean Brown said: "We installed a total of nine cameras and took great care where they were sited, so that they did not affect the aesthetics of this remarkable building."

Images from the cameras are constantly recorded onto a Videoswitch VDC-9 DVR.

"The latest digital technology offers many benefits over outmoded analogue VCR," Brown said. "For example, the VDC-9 has a built-in CD writer, so the recording of any incidents can be easily transferred onto a CD if required and passed onto the police as evidence."

Jewellery secured

When Cork-based Keanes Jewellers opened its newest store in Limerick, Gerard Keane needed a high security yet aesthetically pleasing locking solution to protect the new display cases and provide effective key control throughout the store.

Keanes chose Abloy Protec cam locks and door cylinders supplied by Abloy Centre Maclock in Ireland.

A Protec master key system offered a new solution as in the past the firm had used a variety of locks from a wide selection of suppliers, necessitating a large collection of different keys.

Keane was so impressed with the system that he specified Abloy locks again when the Cork branch was renovated. A complete locking system was provided, from external and internal doors to the jewellery display cases. In total, over 120 Abloy Protec cam locks were installed throughout the store, again provided by Abloy Centre Maclock.

Cams on nags

Over 700 of Bosch's DinionXT cameras are being installed for The Jockey Club at racecourse stables across Britain to provide surveillance to protect racehorses from tampering or interference.

The cameras were chosen for their low light NightSense capability and accurate colour rendition, which allows them to provide high quality video evidence for legal use.

By the end of the installation programme, all 59 major racecourse stables across Britain will be equipped with advanced CCTV facilities. Atkins Telecoms was appointed as the consultant to design and manage the installations, and the main installation contractor was ESS in Darlington.

The system is designed to provide reliable identification of anyone entering the stable yards, as well as monitoring all people and livestock within the yard, both during the day and at night. DVRS will store up to 850GB of footage at each racecourse, providing an archive that can be easily interrogated up to 60 days after an event.

Advertising monitoring

Taylor Technology has installed a new CCTV and security system for leading UK advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather.

The system featured 32 TK-C920E (A) 1/3-inch CCD colour/mono cameras from JVC.

Dave Goulding, director of facilities at Ogilvy & Mather, says: "Since installing the CCTV system in our building we have virtually eliminated reported theft. In addition we use the security set-up to safeguard our systems. Staff, visitors and contractors are monitored whilst on the premises to protect equipment and confidential material. Any incidents can be thoroughly investigated using CCTV footage. Furthermore, security has been instrumental in the case of potential health and safety claims."

Security at Basepoint

CSS Total Security Ltd has completed a comprehensive new security system for one of the UK's leading business centre providers, Basepoint Plc.

CSS has completed the job at Basepoint's latest business centre in Swindon, featuring a fully integrated access control, CCTV and alarm system. External monitoring consists of static cameras on time lapse, as well as a 360 degree dome camera assisted by four Redwall external detectors. Interior CCTV consists of static cameras on 24/7 prime motion detection, with all cameras controlled by a Cieffe Digital Video Management System.

Sensor Access software was installed to provide fully programmable access control at each of the site's entry points. With both card and key pad entry, access can also be authorised, managed and monitored remotely through the software. Each of the 17 business units will be served by individual alarm systems, with the additional option of remote monitoring.

Roberto Fiorentino, managing director of CSS, said: "This large-scale project required a design which combined advanced technology with ease of use. An integral part of our service is to ensure the client's staff are fully trained in how to use and manage their system. This ensures reprogramming can be carried out internally, giving Basepoint complete user-control."

Forecourts covered

SDA Protec has undertaken an innovative installation of its ANPR technology at Sainsbury's and Esso petrol stations in West Yorkshire and the Midlands.

One of SDA Protec's pilot schemes in Bradford was installed on a forecourt for Sainsbury's with the specific objective of stopping 'bilking' or drive-offs. In trials, the system produced on average six alerts per day, with the associated savings in cost.

The number plates of all the cars entering the forecourt are captured and the computer identifies the registration number from the picture, checking it against a police database. If there is a match, an alarm sounds at the kiosk, and the screen on the monitor freezes showing the picture, the registration in the database, and the incident the vehicle is known for. This happens within two seconds, before the vehicle has stopped at a pump. The attendant can either not authorise the pump without pre-payment, and/or call the police.

Chief Superintendent behind the scheme, Geoff Dodd, said: "The forecourt scheme is primarily a crime reduction tool designed to limit forecourt crime and in particular prevent drivers making off without payment. The knock-on effect is that it will also help in the detection of such crimes, and be a valuable source of intelligence to the police."

System upgraded

Anglia Electrial & Security Ltd of Lowestoft has installed a complete CCTV security solution for Atco Qualcast, the leading manufacturer of lawn and garden equipment.

The system was comprised of Bosch products including five DinionXF colour cameras, five Envirodome cameras, a 16-channel Divar digital recorder with 600GB of internal disk storage plus DVD writer, an Allegiant BiLinx data interface for remote camera configuration, a NetCam-2 two channel network camera for monitoring the main reception area monitors, plus lenses, mountings and control room equipment.

Steve Gooding, facilities manager for Atco Qualcast, said: "The system has greatly improved the way security officers carry out their work and has already proved its worth in terms of improved picture quality, greater ease of use and fast search facilities. With such a large site and over 500 employees, it is essential that any incident can be instantly replayed and investigated, so security staff can work much more effectively and quickly."

Monitoring the fleet

Remote Video Response has utilised the existing IP infrastructure to provide a remote monitoring service for more than 50 vehicles at Nottinghamshire-based Silverdale Tours Limited.

Silverdale needed to protect its fleet, including coaches sometimes valued in excess of £300,000, at its new headquarters in Colwick, Nottingham.

There had been a history of vandalism and break-ins at neighbouring sites.

The new depot has both static cameras and VCL domes. The cameras are integrated with access control to see and record who enters and leaves the site and to control access out of hours.

Images are transmitted using Fast Vu technology over IP to the RVR monitoring station in Gloucester.

Silverdale did not have an ISDN line, so the CCTV could only be installed using the existing IT infrastructure.

RVR says this saved money and also saved significantly on installation time.

JVC on gaming

Rank Group Gaming Division, which owns the Mecca Bingo, Grosvenor Casinos and Hard Rock Casino brands, has an eight-year relationship with JVC and its CCTV cameras, installed mainly by ID Vision and OCS.

Both dome and static cameras have been installed in over 160 casino and bingo premises during this time.

The Division's director of security, John Butler, said the JVC cameras have had a history of longevity.

"Some of the installed cameras have been functioning without a hitch for up to ten years," he said.