On the Case

First class mall

Installers G Security and Surveillance Limited designed the high-performance security system at the McArthurGlen designer outlet village in Mansfield.

Shaun Ryan, Sales Director of G, designed the system using Pelco CCTV equipment for additional external requirements at the retail site. Twenty Pelco Spectra III dome cameras have been installed in the outlet village car park areas, covering over 1,200 parking spaces, as well as in the open air malls within the 160,000 sq ft retail development. The domes are linked to two DX8000 digital video recorder units, located in the village's CCTV monitoring station.

Facility Manager at McArthurGlen Mansfield, John Weller, praised the speed of the dome cameras and clarity of images. Due to the success of the system, McArthurGlen says it will be adding to it during 2006 again using Pelco equipment.

Newest for oldest

Signal Electronics was awarded the contract to install a high-performance CCTV system at two sites of the Benaki Museum Athens, the oldest museum in Greece.

A new cultural centre at a converted industrial facility at Piraeushas has 66 cameras covering the grounds and interiors with video over UTP cable via Network Video Technologies' NV-214A-M transmitters.

The second, a complex of buildings located in the historical Kerameikos area, comprises 18 dome cameras again using NVT and UTP cable for transmission as an alternative to coax.

Families eat in

Security related incidents at McDonalds restaurants have decreased and customer numbers have dramatically increased since the installation of ADPRO remote video monitoring technology by Vision Systems.

The technology has contributed to increased repeat business from young families and increased the safety and wellbeing of employees, leading to higher staff retention.

McDonalds identified 20 of its 'trouble spots' and sought a CCTV solution that could handle remote monitoring of multiple retail sites from one central location. It included audio-integration to communicate directly with offenders whilst visually monitoring their actions over a data network.

Multiple cameras cover the interior and selected exterior areas and are connected to the ADPRO FastTrace unit that transmits images to the Visual Verification monitoring stations. Each restaurant is also fitted with speakers and microphones for audio reproduction.

If monitoring staff see public disorder or if restaurant staff notify them of a problem by pressing a duress button, the operator can view live images and use audio to address the offenders directly.

This usually causes the individual to leave before an offence is committed.

Since the BS8418-compliant system has been installed, security-related incidents at McDonalds' restaurants have decreased and this has "dramatically" increased customer numbers, particularly young families, said McDonalds Regional Security Manager, Peter Bolton. It has also increased staff retention.

CCTV right on target

A new CCTV system is being rolled out by Unique Integrated Systems across new and existing depots of Target Express, a key player in the express delivery market.

Target Express maintains its own national security control centre with a national hub near Coventry airport, and a network of 42 depots around the UK.

MD of Skelmersdale-based UIS, Phil Donougher said one of the key requirements for the new CCTV system was to have efficient transmission, given the large network of depots: "When there is no-one in a depot, it can be watched from the central control room," he said.

The CCTV network is linked to intruder detection equipment, initiating a live camera feed to the Coventry control room whenever an alarm is triggered. Each depot has a Vista SmartTel (VLS-10TR) 10-way camera transmission unit with the control room running the SmartControl 4 software.

UIS and Target have identified a package of equipment, supplied by Norbain, for installation in all depots. Bosch static cameras (LTC 0455) and colour/monochrome domes (ENVD230) are used. Several brands of DVRs can be found, with models from Baxall, Videoswitch and Dedicated Micros in use.

Success at last

Of all the security technologies it has tried, FforestMill Garden Centre in Swansea gives unequivocal praise only to remotely monitored CCTV.

Explains owner Charles Price: "Over the years we have tried just about everything, with varying degrees of success. Then we were introduced to the idea of a remotely monitored CCTV system and since then we have never looked back. I would recommend it to any garden centre like ours."

Internal and external cameras at the garden centre are monitored by Remote Video Response (RVR). Further cameras are also planned in the future.

RVR has specific digitised site maps which enables operators to interact with each site, allowing them to recognise instantly where an intrusion has occurred and respond to an activation.

RVR recently responded to an alarm activation and could clearly see an intruder in a secure area at the rear of the site, attempting to remove a large potted plant. RVR called the police, giving a perfect description of the intruder and what he was wearing, and maintained visual contact until the police arrived and the suspect was detained.

Telling images

Project consultant and installer ITS Services supplied a digital recording system which tested the accuracy of tellers at branches of foreign currency provider, FX Currency Services.

The High Wickham based installer used a pair of colour cameras operating at 16 frames per second at each telling desk. While one camera focuses on teller, currency and counting machine, the other shows an image of the written instructions that accompany the transaction. It avoids the protracted enquiries that result when a docket does not match the currency type and amount dispensed. Rainbow's 5-50mm varifocal auto-iris lenses are part of the solution

Dave Sweetland of ITS said: "We tested the lenses extensively in conjunction with Chimera cameras and DVRs from Dowshu. The Rainbow varifocals are giving us the functionality and high quality of image that we require in this demanding application where in the rare event of a problem the evidential trail is crucial."

The FX Currency Services locations can be highly populated with offices often having 50 cameras in an area of 200 square feet.

System rocks

Blue Rock Security Solutions has made the UK offices of business intelligence provider SAS as safe as houses.

Previously, maintaining security of the buildings had been left to individual companies with differing equipment and maintenance standards. However, when SAS moved into its third office, based in Salford Quays, Manchester, Karen Chisman, facilities manager, decided that a more consistent approach was required.

Blue Rock Security Solutions was called in to install CCTV and access control equipment into the newly built offices.

The installation included a Dedicated Micros digital recorder to cater for two cameras that cover the reception areas, four door Northern Computers access control system with Photo ID, and a Menvier Intruder Alarm system.

The access control system and the hard disk recorder were then connected to the company's computer network and can be viewed and programmed by authorised personnel on any PC on the SAS network.

The access control system in Manchester now also controls the SAS system in their Glasgow offices via their computer network.

The successful installation led to a security overhaul at SAS UK's Marlow Headquarters and Blue Rock is now responsible for all three sites.

Blue Rock re-wired the external alarm system from the previous supplier to ensure that it was not activated every few minutes as it had been and new cameras were installed to cover blind spots in the car park.

Anthony Penny, director at Blue Rock said: "The short lead times on installation and commissioning at SAS UK's Salford Quays offices meant that we hit the ground running".

Louts outed

Littleport Parish Council in Cambridgeshire believes it is winning the war on crime and disorder with the installation of a new CCTV system by Chris Lewis Security.

Like the majority of towns and cities throughout the UK, Littleport was experiencing problems with antisocial behaviour and crimes such as drug use, drunkenness, harassment, theft and disorderly behaviour.

Now, with a grant from the Eastern Region Development Fund, six CCTV cameras are positioned throughout the town centre.

The wireless linked system that consists of static and fully functional cameras has proved its worth as a deterrent of criminal and antisocial activity and in the detection of law breakers.

The images captured have helped local police in their investigations of a number of incidents including a traffic accident, burglary, an assault and numerous antisocial activities.

Justin Rhodes, IT Director at Chris Lewis Security Services comments: "Digital systems of this nature are a perfect fit for town centre surveillance systems. They're incredibly flexible and can be expanded upon if and when required".

Paul Cox Chairman of Littleport Parish Council comments, "I would recommend CCTV surveillance undoubtedly to other town and parish councils, as it has improved lawlessness in Littleport significantly and helped our police investigate a number of crimes since it has been installed."

Doing it in stile

HBoS, the UK's largest mortgage and savings provider, has upgraded security at its sites in Halifax and Chester with the installation of access control and turnstile systems by Frontline Security Solutions.

The installers used Fastlane plus R400 MA units from Integrated Design Ltd. These were specified by architects, Building Design Partnership who were impressed by the unit's aesthetics and slim pedestal design.

They were supplied with integrated swipe card readers.

Fastlane plus uses optical technology to monitor the passage of individuals and the fast acting barrier arms physically deter unauthorised access such as tailgating and pass-back.

Inside knowledge

A new CCTV installation on the M42 in the Midlands will enable the Highways Agency to open up the hard shoulder of the motorway for an inside lane in times of heavy demand.

Before the hard shoulder is opened up, cameras - on a mix of bespoke CCTV columns, gantries and cantilever columns - will first make a visual sweep of the motorway to check that there are no stranded cars or debris.

Auto-iris lenses from Rainbow CCTV, with focal lengths of 7.5, 16, 50 and 75mm, are being deployed between junctions 3a and 7.

Artful protection

Sotheby's Institute of Art has invested in an electronic article tagging system from Intrepid Security Solutions to protect its growing collection. The institute in Bedford Square, London, holds a collection of more than 17,000 art publications plus an expanding collection of students' MA dissertations.

Intrepid's 2020 Ellipse electronic tagging system has been installed to protect it. The installation was part of a project by the Cambridge Information Group - which recently bought Sotheby's Institute of Art from Sotheby's auction house - to update the library. It now boasts an electronic management system, Softlink Liberty 3, which allows students to check records and browse the collections online.

An Intrepid electronic article surveillance system controls borrowing of books and other material. Intrepid's Ellispse 2020 library protection system uses the latest electromagnetic technology, as well as a wide variety of strips and labels.

Tranquillity maintained

Internal and external fixed and dome cameras have been protecting Europe's largest traditional Hindu temple for five years, resulting in a marked decrease in local crime.

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, North West London was opened in 1995 and was built with 26,300 pieces of stone on a property which covers 1.5 acres. On a weekly basis, many thousands attend the Mandir from all over the world and on Diwali some 40,000 people attend throughout the day. More than 20 schools also visit each week.

CCTV surveillance covers The Swaminarayan School, the first Hindu school in Europe, visitor car park, SAYA retail shop and restaurant and the central bus station.

Raj Patel, Security Manager said:

"Since the installation five years ago, the comments from the local police have been very positive, as the recordings have helped them in their work. We have noticed a marked decrease in crime in the area."

The system uses 22 internal and external cameras including JVC TK-C676EB PTZ dome (day/night) cameras and the TK-C1480BE cameras. Digital images are monitored in the control room using JVC 10 inch TM-A101G colour monitors and TM-A210G 21 inch monitors.

Yash Patel, Executive Director at JVC Professional Europe Ltd said: "This is a spiritual place where peace and tranquillity must be maintained at all times.

"We are delighted to have our cameras and monitors help to secure this famous Mandir which has been completely handcarved."

Hotel IP-rotected

When Viocen Inc implemented a new security installation at a property registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Massachusetts USA they were presented with some unique challenges.

The Hotel Northampton is an elegant establishment with 106 guest rooms registered as one of the valuable Historic Hotels of America. But its historic charm also brought a unique challenge when it came to deciding on a new security system, installed by the Milestone Certified Partner and expert systems integrator, Viocen Inc.

It was impossible to run coax lines for a traditional analog surveillance installation, so wireless IP cameras were the only solution. Viocen installed a wireless IP video surveillance system using Milestone XProtect Professional software managing a mix of cameras from Axis Communications and Toshiba.

Milestone software's open platform allows partners like Viocen to integrate with other devices. Viocen are implementing wireless door sensors that interface with the surveillance system, triggered to record on activation.

Reflex is an asset

A networked digital CCTV surveillance system and site-wide intruder alarm system has been designed and installed by Reflex at a new Daisy Chain Inns venue in Huddersfield.

The new £2.5m venue is The Cotton Factory, a converted Grade II listed building that includes four bars, a members' lounge and a late night bar.

Clive Davison, MD of Daisy Chain Group, said: "Part of the re-development was to ensure that we properly covered our commitments in terms of health and safety and asset protection, and Reflex have not let us down."

John Pye, Group Managing Director, Reflex, said: "Asset protection solutions for late licensed bar and leisure environments is a specialist area which requires close liaison with a number of authorities and a deep understanding of the prevailing legal and regulatory frameworks."

Discretion assured

Balancing safety and aesthetic considerations were of paramount importance when Defensor Fire Detection installed fire detection systems at Blickling Hall and Felbrigg Hall, two National Trust buildings in East Anglia.

Both properties near Norwich are country houses dating from the 17th Century, and a particular requirement of the National Trust's territorial fire officer was for discreet, low-profile detectors with a proven track record for error-free performance.

Both buildings are protected by BS5839-1-compliant fire detection and alarm systems.

The systems comprise over 600 Hochiki ESP analogue addressable devices, including over 400 Hochiki ALG-E photoelectric smoke sensors.

These sensors feature 'High Performance Optical Technology' which allows the sensor threshold level to be increased, extending sensitivity to a much wider range of combustible materials.

DeView from the top

Vale of York bus operator, Reliance Motor Services, has installed CCTV to their newly introduced double decker buses.

Reliance, voted "Bus Operator of the Year" at the 2005 RouteONE Excellence Awards, decided on deView Mobile Digital Video after contacting supplier Sewell of Leeds six months ago.

Sewell arranged to demonstrate the deView DV-M8 manufactured by Security Manufacturing Ltd (SML) and gave them the option of a range of deView cameras and driver screens.

Reliance owner John Duff said " We have been looking for a modern unit for the school contracts and local bus services but wanted to avoid cooling fans and keep moving parts to a minimum.

"The DV-M8 enabled us to download footage quickly and the capacity of the recorder was large enough to add extra camera functions such as forward view."

He said image quality from the cameras was better than expected, the additional use of a forward view camera, would help eliminate fraudulent insurance claims from any road incidents and continuous rear view recording could help in claiming any damages to the rear of the vehicles.

Ten crimeless years

After ten years of operation, the analogue CCTV system at Calleva Park, a business park at Aldermaston, Berkshire, needed to be replaced.

Although property management company Country Estates were proud of the fact that a wide range of security measures have prevented any incidents of burglary, theft or damage for the last 11 years, the CCTV required replacement to maintain this record.

Country Estates invested in a state of the art IPCCTV system, purchased from and installed by specialist company Reading-based Trellisworks Limited, in close partnership with Cybertronix, a specialist CCTV software company.

The system uses digital camera technology with a mixture of colour day/night static and network controllable (PTZ) cameras covering the entire park which houses more than 130 businesses.

A total of 19 cameras are spread across the site connected by wireless technology or armoured network cables through ducting in the ground. They are monitored in a security facility at the entrance to the park.

Brian Horton, Country Estate's Estates Manager said: "We looked at a number of available solutions for our needs, but none came close to the one proposed by Trellisworks. They had all the necessary skills and the complete solution, both in terms of technology and support and we are extremely pleased with our choice.

"They installed the promised solution within the budget and to time. In addition to covering this business park, we can now add cameras in other parks and manage them centrally from our control suite based at Calleva.

"I am also able to monitor this site - and other sites where we want Trellis to install CCTV - from my computer at Head Office many miles away."

Fit for purpose

Johannesburg-based Spidereye are exploiting audio channels on their own brand of DVRs to offer sound recording to their client, Planet Fitness, the leading fitness chain in South Africa.

Spidereye is a consultancy and integrator covering high-end industrial, leisure and infrastructure projects with particular strength in GSM usage.

The company is using vari-focal lenses from Rainbow CCTV at the gymnasium and leisure complexes. Lenses are the 3-8mm and 5-50mm models being used with internal cameras, predominantly high-resolution colour units.

Planet Fitness employs 800 staff and has 135,000 members in health centres across South Africa.