Crime busters

Managing the security needs of a large and high profile retailer such as Tesco involves many challenges for the installer, including the management of successful relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.

For the past 11 years Gratte Brothers Security Management Ltd have had the contract for the supply and installation of CCTV systems for Tesco Stores Ltd throughout the UK and Ireland.

The contract for the NACOSS Gold company means providing a comprehensive range of services in approximately 450 stores nationwide with additional new stores and store refits coming on-line each month.

Through a strategic long term partnership approach with Tesco, Gratte Brothers has brought many benefits to the retailer, and Tesco now has one of the most comprehensive retail CCTV systems in use today.

This has meant that profits for Tesco are now increasing through the protection of assets which has had the knock-on effect of allowing Tesco to pass these savings on to their customers – the core purpose being to create value for customers and earn lifetime loyalty.

The Sentinel CCTV system, developed by Gratte Brothers and Tesco, is linked to the in-store electronic point of sale (EPOS) system and can provide reporting functions to many levels. This has increased the detection capabilities of the system and driven unwanted elements away from Tesco stores.

Tesco continually challenges Gratte Brothers on whether they are receiving value for money. A key task for Gratte Brothers is to provide a quality product whilst taking into account the need to drive down costs and improve detection capabilities. At the same time maintenance and reliability has to be kept at the highest possible levels.

To keep competitive in the market place the installer has to be adaptable and flexible, ensuring it has the right structure in place with strategic development, R&D and training included in its service offering.

These efforts have been an integral part of Tesco's Shrinkage Reduction Strategy and have gone a long way towards reducing stock shrinkage or loss of store goods to an all time low.

Gratte Brothers make it a priority to train both their own and Tesco's staff. This ensures key staff are able to get the most from the system in each store.

It is imperative that Sentinel (Tesco development staff) and the Gratte staff involved are kept abreast of the technology and industry developments as they evolve. Gratte Brothers are constantly working with suppliers like JVC to sustain the ability to meet the deadlines and to keep abreast of the latest advancements.

Real-time security detection

Gratte Brothers built the Tigris2000 Graphical User Software Platform which provides functionality for all cameras installed in a store. Cameras are linked to monitors and DVRs using the software GUI.

The system has been in use for over eight years, going through various revisions, with Gratte providing technical support and a help desk over the phone or internet.

The company is one of a few able to provide such real-time security detection for retailers. In addition to the CCTV system, in some stores there are as many as 50 tills or more being monitored, all utilising the Tigris2000 database with POS (point of sale) fraud detection. Incidents can be monitored and the database can filter any relevant data of ID images within seconds.

The system in use today has evolved from a great deal of development work and consultation between the installer and the client. Not only have the possible technical developments been considered over the years, but also there has been a conscious effort to ensure that they are aligned with Tesco Security Corporate Strategy. The result is that Tesco can see a direct return for their investment.

Gratte Brothers use a partnership strategy giving Tesco guidance and advice on the best technology available.

At its R&D division in Warrington it specifically looks at current and new products, including networking and software developments for Tesco. The developers work with an array of manufacturers. A major requirement was that the indoor dome cameras fit into a 'plug & play' concept allowing store managers and unskilled staff the flexibility to move camera coverage based on changing risk and also to respond to store layout changes when needed. The cameras themselves have been modified with a smoked dome cover to avoiding detection.

Tesco have used JVC dome cameras for surveillance for over ten years. Literally thousands of cameras have been installed. The manufacturer developed bespoke cameras using a specific protocol for the automated Tigris2000 building management software platform. JVC was selected because of its long standing history of service and quality of products. The presets are a key feature of the cameras and can be set to a specific macro which has given Gratte Brothers complete flexibility. The speed of the camera is also an added benefit.

Yash Patel, Executive Director – CCTV Europe at JVC Professional Europe said the company had for many years been actively involved with Gratte Brothers as a key partner in the design and development of security products.

"When considering investment, Gratte Brothers and JVC will hold in-depth discussions to ensure that the products are the best solution for Tesco. On many occasions this has involved liaison with our factory in Japan. Not only do we actively get involved with product development, we are actively involved with the training of our customers on new technologies. By doing this, the installer and end user will benefit because they are up to date and can see the advantages of their investment."

The cameras have a deterrent value and in a few stores have the benefit of making criminals wary, resulting in a reduction in stock losses and in-store crime.

To combat theft, cheque and credit fraud the cameras work alongside POS monitoring and all images are digitally recorded.

With the changing environment in which Tesco operates, customers are much more security conscious and want to feel secure when shopping. This is reflected in a more overt approach whereas in the past security would have been more covert. Lecterns create the flexibility of a secondary control point whilst posing an obvious visible deterrent to the potential thief.

A vision of the future

Gratte Brothers are diligent in complying with legislation such as RoHS (Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and WEEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment). Compliance for the future is integrated into the strategy. JVC is also up to speed with the RoHS and WEEE standards and is planning to be fully compliant with the European directives.

The security systems now in use have been an evolutionary process and, taking into account network technology developments, the future partnership between the installer and client looks positive. Working with the manufacturing partners and suppliers will help to achieve the key security objectives.