Very exciting technology!
I believe that it will improve CCTV Surveillance dramatically in the future.
This Will Revolutionise CCTV
Steven Szabo
ProtecSYS Pty. Ltd.
Tel: 1300 788 132
Happy New Year!!!
One of the most frustrating aspects of having a Monitored Intruder Alarm System are ‘false alarms’.
Or, perhaps a better way to put it would be… Not knowing if an alarm that has been activated is genuine or false. This frustration is experienced by the End User, Monitoring Staff, Members Of The Public and off course the Police.
A lot of time and money is wasted when Police and Security Guards attend and find that there hasn’t been a genuine burglary or security incident.
Technology now exists that eliminates this uncertainty. Video Verification of all Burglar Alarm activations is the way of the future.
Typically, a Burglar Alarm System that has Video Verification utlises Motion Sensors with inbuilt cameras that are effective day or night. When a burglar alarm occurs a 10 second video clip of the actual intrusion is transmitted to the Security Monitoring Centre. The Security Monitoring Centre staff then immediately know if the alarm is genuine.
Around 90% of all burglar and duress / panic alarms are false or accidental activations. Imagine if the Security Guards and Police only ever attended genuine burglaries and didn’t have to waste their time on the rest!
Security Monitoring would dramatically improve and the situation is a Win / Win for everybody, (other than the burglars).
I believe that Video Verification will probably become mandatory Australia Wide in the next few years.
This is an interesting video from YouTube that shows you how effective this type of system can be,
YouTube Video - Caught On Camera
Can the Monitored Intruder Alarm System be ‘self-monitored’ to your mobile phone?
Yes it can, but it’s not a good idea if you’re serious about your security!! Security alarm monitoring to your mobile phone is not recommended for the following reasons:
Choosing an apparently ‘cheap option’ of trying to self-monitor your alarm is likely to prove a very poor decision when you really need security. If you’re thinking that neighbours will respond to alarm sirens… Statistically most alarms are simply ignored by people not wanting to get involved. And if they did and were attacked as a result, it could easily result in a legal claim against you.
Back-to-base security alarm monitoring and response is a job for licensed security professionals…. If you’re serious about your security, then it’s the best option.
There is now an iPhone App which remotely views cameras. Up to 32 cameras can be viewed live accross multiple sites.
I have been using this remote viewing App on my iPhone for around 3 months and the clarity of the pictures and speed of access is amazing.
7 Secrets EVERY business person must know about Intruders and how they break in … Undetected
So, now that we’ve looked at appropriate security measures for most businesses, it’s time to look at the “7 secrets every business person must know about Intruders and how they break in … undetected.”
As you might have guessed by now, the ‘secrets’ aren’t secrets at all, rather they’re simply ‘sign posts’ thieves look out for when deciding whether to target a business or not. That said, what are the seven things they look out for?
1) Hidden entry points
Burglars don’t want to be caught. As a result they prefer targets that afford them access with a reduced chance of being observed.
Typically the sides and rear of buildings are more often targeted than the front. Where there is easy access from the ground (via wheelie bins, other buildings or other structures) the roof may also be vulnerable – especially where there are sky lights and windows present.
Make sure you have adequate physical barriers in place – bars, grills, fencing, locks and the like – on these more hidden entry points.
2) ‘Low traffic’ areas
Research has shown that businesses clustered together in industrial and technology parks and the like are more often targeted than those outside of such parks.
Analysts suppose this is a function of their being both a high concentration of desirable goods in one place and there being a lack of people around outside of normal business hours.
If your business is sited where there is little if any legitimate human activity after hours, you may need to take additional security measures to make your business less attractive than those around it.
3) Easily defeated physical barriers
Make sure your doors, windows, skylights and other entry points are either sufficiently strong in themselves or properly barred or grilled and have robust locks on them that are kept locked!
If it the barrier holds up to attack for more than 60 seconds, thieves will usually give up and go elsewhere.
4) Absence of an electronic alarm system/surveillance system
An electronic alarm system, especially one with back-to-base monitoring is one of the most effective burglary deterrents you can install – particularly when you advertise its presence on the exterior of the building and put motion/heat sensors where they can be seen from outside.
Similarly, camera surveillance systems placed in obvious positions with their presence well advertised helps to discourage robbery and casual thieving – especially shoplifting.
5) ‘Smash and Grab’ Opportunities
Even when your state-of-the-art alarm system is triggered by the activities of a burglar, it takes time for security guards and/or police to respond.
This ‘breathing space’ of a few minutes can give thieves all the time they need to grab a laptop or two, a cash box and/or other easily portable goods and escape.
Don’t ‘advertise’ the opportunity by leaving laptop computers and the like in plain view – especially from exterior ground-floor windows.
After hours, lock portable equipment and other valuables away in a temporary storage area – a secure storeroom or safe.
If there’s nothing of obvious value in plain view, a ‘smash and grab’ attack is less likely to occur.
6) An absence of security ‘awareness’
Some businesses, either by the state of the grounds and building or by the habits of employees, telegraph to the switched-on observer that security isn’t a high priority.
The more you can do to communicate to the outside world that you are security conscious and that your premises are active and ‘owned’, the less likely you are to suffer a burglary or robbery.
7) Extended operating hours
Businesses that operate for extended hours – especially after 9pm – are more prone to attack (robbery) than those that operate within more ‘normal’ times.
Service stations, convenience stores, pharmacies and the like are all frequent targets as they handle a lot of cash and/or stock items of high street value – drugs and cigarettes for example.
Strategies need to be employed to limit the amount of cash on hand after hours and to ensure staff are not unnecessarily vulnerable. Also ensure windows opening to the street are not obscured by posters and the like and that public areas outside the premises are well-lit so that staff can see who is approaching from outside.
More to follow next week…
2.3.2 Access Control
To stop intruders slipping past the reception area, entrances and exits leading to and from it should all be fitted with mechanical or electronic access control locks/systems. These can be operated by code numbers, swipe cards or even, for the more important areas, Biometric technology (such as iris recognition systems).
Or if your business is small, lock the access doors to private areas and issue keys to staff – making sure you keep an accurate register of who has what keys. (Check regularly to make sure keys haven’t been lost or misplaced.)
2.3.3 Card Access & Tags
The use of smart cards or electronic fobs is much easier to control than keys. Lost cards can simply be deleted, visitors can be given access on a given day only, and employees can be given access only to the part of the building where their work requires them to be.
Card and tag systems may be used in conjunction with keypad code systems to ensure that both card and holder are properly identified. Stolen or misplaced cards can be automatically wiped (voided) if unauthorised use is attempted.
Card access allows individual entry to carriers of identity cards or tags, which can be read by a computer operated system. It is possible to use this system to limit access to different parts of the same building - each individual card carrier’s code allowing a freedom of movement but only in specified areas.
2.3.4 Office Structure
Office walls are typically simply insulated partitioning and it’s quite possible a thief will break through them rather than try to force a locked door. Rooms that need protection should be caged if their wall structure is weak.
Internal Doors
Generally speaking, most internal doors should be closed to stop the spread of fire, however, they should not necessarily be locked. Burglars can cause a great deal of damage to doors and frames just to check whether a room contains property worth stealing.
For those rooms requiring high security (server rooms, IT offices, and storage rooms for sensitive materials) it is advisable to fit robust doors and locks as well as caging.
Internal Locks
There are a wide variety of locks on the market. Professional advice should be sought as to the correct type to reflect your particular needs.
In areas of low security, a good lock allows access to chosen key holders, but the more personnel and points of access there are, the more inadequate this system becomes.
Digital mechanical locks (with push buttons to enter a combination code) are very useful to restrict free movement within buildings, there are no keys to lose, and security is fair. But care must be taken to change the codes regularly so that they do not become known to would-be thieves.
Key Security
Where keys are used, they should be allocated to registered key holders and regular checks made to ensure that none has been mislaid. For special secure areas it is advisable to use key-registered locks whereby keys can only be obtained against authenticated authorisation or locks which require codes and magnetic cards to obtain entry.
Key cabinets are vital. They should be of steel construction and securely bolted to the wall. They should be lockable and the keys kept inside should NOT be labeled.
2.3.5 Staff
All staff members have to play a role in keeping the company secure. They should all be instructed to challenge anyone that they don’t recognise or is not wearing correct identification. Where appropriate the ‘visitor’ should be accompanied back to reception for budging-up or collection by the person they are visiting.
More to follow, next week…
2.2.2 Camera Surveillance Systems
Camera surveillance systems can either be monitored or recorded on-site.
How and whether you choose to operate a visual surveillance system really comes down to the risk at hand.
Highly visible cameras are a significant deterrent to would-be thieves – especially shoplifters and other ‘casual’ thieves – plus the recordings can provide useful evidence in the event of prosecution of an offender.
The main things to remember if you are going to use a camera surveillance system are that, firstly, someone is actually watching the activity under surveillance, and secondly, that you change the recording tapes frequently to maintain image quality (or have ample hard disk space on digital systems to ensure a reasonable back-up period).
It’s best to call on a security professional to advise you on both the electronic alarm and camera surveillance system that will best suit your needs.
2.3 Controlling access once someone is inside your premises
Intruders do not necessarily enter your building outside of business hours.
It is not uncommon for thieves to simply walk into an office on the off chance no one will see them – or sometimes they may pose as a technician or just look like they ‘should be there’. (In retail/wholesale environments, install a buzzer or similar device on the entry door to warn staff when someone has entered the shop.)
Irrespective of whether you’re open for business or not, you need to restrict the movement of intruders in your premises.
2.3.1 Reception area
Your reception area is and should be your first line of defense against intruders during normal business hours. It is one of the most important parts of company security and it should always be the first point of contact when anyone enters the building.
This means that the reception area must ideally never be left unattended, every visitor entering the building should be signed in and out and should be issued with identification against a signature.
Visitors should always be picked up from, and escorted back to, the reception by an authorised member of staff.
If reception staff are used to control access from a public reception area into more secure parts of the building, care should be taken to ensure that they cannot be threatened or placed under duress to allow unauthorised entry. The reception area should always be equipped with a personal attack/emergency button.
Bear in mind that intruders sometimes enter the building and hide themselves until it is closed and empty. You should carefully search the premises before locking up and ensure your alarm system will pick up movement inside the building – not just at the entry/exit points.
2.2 Electronic Alarm and Surveillance Systems
2.2.1 Intruder Alarm Systems
There are many good quality alarm systems available on the market – but make sure you purchase one that complies with Australian Standards (AS-2201).
Commercial alarm systems typically use motion or infrared detectors – or a combination of both.
The detectors need to be placed carefully to ensure they pick up intruders at all possible entry points - including from public spaces via suspended ceilings. And it’s best to place the detectors in prominent positions visible through windows and doors as their very presence will deter intruders. (Make sure that desks and partitions will not shield intruders from the detectors.)
By law, alarm systems must stop sounding after a period of time, so it’s a good idea to select a system that incorporates an external flashing light to warn early starters or mobile guards and police that the alarm has been triggered and intruders may still be on the premises.
Back-to-base or monitored alarm systems provide the best level of protection, as there is no guarantee anyone will respond to a sounding alarm only.
Also, make sure your system has adequate battery back-up in case thieves cut the power or there is a black-out, and it can be worthwhile having a GSM cellular back-up unit installed for monitored systems in case the telephone lines are compromised.
Make sure you change the PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) regularly, especially when staff turnover is frequent.
2.1.2 Fire Doors and Emergency Exits
Fire escape doors are often kept open for the benefit of smokers or to improve ventilation. This makes them vulnerable to casual intrusion. They should be kept closed at all times – making sure that your security measures cannot prevent escape in the event of a fire.
Ideally all external doors should be covered by the building alarm and have a ‘door open’ warning, even when the alarm is not set.
2.1.3 Letterboxes
Letterboxes can be a point of weakness. Letter cages should be used. If you are at risk of arson or mail-borne threats such as letter bombs, fire suppressing and blast-containing letterboxes must be considered.
2.1.4 Windows
Windows are often the most vulnerable part of any building especially those on the ground floor and particularly those at the rear of the building.
To minimize the risk of entry via windows, keep the number of opening panes to a minimum and ensure all ground floor windows have substantial window locks.
Consider fitting security film to prevent breakage (and for safety reasons) or window bars or security grills or shutters can be fitted (only where emergency exit in the case of fire would not be affected).
It can also be beneficial to fit blinds or use tinting to obscure the visibility of items inside the premises.
1.1 Natural Surveillance
Again, this is a matter of designing or configuring the space – inside and outside a building – such that it feels like an individual can be easily observed, thereby increasing the perceived risk of being caught.
Strategies include keeping outdoor public spaces open, well-lit and uncluttered, using obvious surveillance systems including cameras and guards, keeping floor plans in retail outlets open and exposed and, again in retail/wholesale environments, keeping exterior windows clear of posters and other paraphernalia that can block the view of outside observers.
The idea is to create the impression, if not the reality, that someone is watching.
1.2 Territorial Reinforcement
This is a function of making it clear that an area is “owned” and “cared for”. Neglected premises, whether they’re occupied or not, attract more crime – especially vandalism.
Making sure that you keep your premises free of rubbish, keep lawns and gardens well tended and quickly remove graffiti and replacing damaged glass and the like will indicate to a would-be thief that your business is in active use and receives a lot of attention – thereby increasing the risk of being observed and caught.
2.0 Security Barriers
Security barriers don’t just include bars, grills and the like. You also need to consider the construction of the building itself and its perimeter fencing (if applicable). Bear in mind, if the perceived gain is high enough, thieves will attack your premises via unconventional means if needs be – through exterior walls, via the roof and ceiling and possibly from underneath via utilities tunnels, garages and basements.
If the contents of your building are very valuable and easily disposed of (sold), then you need to consider the construction of the building and all possible access points.
Buildings with flat roofs and skylights, buildings with single thickness brick walls or timber walls are more vulnerable than those of more robust construction.
2.1 Primary Entry Points
2.1.1 Doors
Generally speaking, doors should be flush with the outside line of the building, that is, there shouldn’t be any recesses in which thieves can hide while they attack the door.
The door itself needs to fit closely so that wrecking bars and the like are difficult to use. And the frame must be as secure as the door itself.
The hinges must be constructed so that the pins can’t be removed.
Timber doors should be at least 44mm thick and all glass in doors should be of laminated glass or fitted with security film to prevent entry.
All external doors should be fitted with automatic closers, and if yours is not a retail or wholesale business, doors should be kept locked at all times, unless reception is staffed at all times. (Even then you may be well served to install an intercom system so that people cannot walk in unannounced.)
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