Farming sector bites back at organised crime
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National Farmer: 
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The farming sector is hitting back at the wave of organised crime which is now estimated to be costing UK agriculture as much as £50million per year*.
With a recent survey by the NFU*2 suggesting that more than one third of farm businesses in the East of England suffered crime in the last year, with theft of farm machinery, tools and metal the common targets for organised criminals, more farms are demanding high tech security solutions, which are being adapted from commercial situations.
A recognised authority in security technology speaking on the trend has said it’s forcing security suppliers to think outside the box to manage the different threats found on the farm.
Neil Jackson, who has been involved in a number of advisory panels for the industry regulator, the British Security Association (BSIA), explained: “It’s a big challenge, but with the level of losses being suffered by the agricultural sector, the security industry has got to find the right solutions. Figures suggest that many crimes are going unreported, because farmers think the police do not have the resources, but having the right sort of system installed to an industry-standard means you’re guaranteed a police response.“
Some of the examples given include arable farmers C F Hardy in Lincolnshire. They are using a state of the art control system to combine security with production control. The control system incorporates intruder protection, cctv and heat detection. The cctv is remotely monitored by a 24-hour control room and together with infra red lighting, it gives the farm assured police call-out as the system complies with the BS8418 standard. As well as monitoring for intruders, the heat detectors in each of the eleven ambient stores are designed to trigger cctv cameras for visual verification by the control room if temperatures change.
Another sophisticated security solution has been designed to deliver both internal and external protection for Lincolnshire horticulture business R Fountain and Sons. With cctv cameras and remote monitoring, the system also includes infra red lighting together with an integrated intruder alarm and is protecting two solar fields as well as extensive glass houses on site. Integrated access control operates in all the areas, with live monitoring of doors to ensure they remain closed and keep out animals and pests, and temperatures inside glasshouses are also being continually monitored.
Neil Jackson, who is well known in the agri-sector through his work in the East of England as sales director of GB Security Group, added: “The system at Fountains is an example of what can be done if you stretch the boundaries. Here the extent of remote control and checks is being achieved by exploiting video receiving capabilities.”
Solutions are also being adapted for smaller farm security issues, such as false alarming due to vermin chewing cables, which has been overcome for Casswells Farmers in Donington. If an intruder enters the site, external infra red beams will detect movement and activate an ultra loud masterblaster siren. At the same time as the beam goes off and the blaster sounds, a cctv camera is activated, linked to a screen in the nearby farmhouse.
ENDS
*NFU Mutual annual Rural Crime Survey – figures published 2011 related to 2010 statistics and showed a cost of £49.6million.
*2 NFU survey amongst members – published June 2012
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
Neil’s security advice creates euro zone interest
French security professionals and police chiefs have been learning the benefits of sophisticated remotely monitored CCTV systems from a British specialist.
There are more than 45 million CCTV cameras operating in the UK but just 6 million in France and very little remote monitoring.
Expert Neil Jackson was invited to address the meeting in Paris because he has developed a leading edge remote control monitoring centre at Lincolnshire-based GB Security Group, where he is a director. The monitoring centre has been recently updated through an association with French technology company ESI to create a very sophisticated video receiving solution that works alongside the alarm monitoring and CCTV.
A recognised authority in security technology, Neil has been involved in a number of advisory panels for the industry regulator, the British Security Association (BSIA). His presentation in Paris highlighted the need for effective industry standards to ensure systems are adequate and reliable. In the UK, the major standard is BS 8418: 2010, which deals with minimum standards that will enable the police to offer a level one response, a standard to which Neil Jackson has contributed as part of the BSIA panel.
Following the product development made with GB Security at their Lincolnshire site in Donington near Spalding, ESI France is keen to push the system throughout Europe. And as a result of Neil’s presentation, there’s a new entente cordiale in the making, with a return visit made to GB Security Group by a group of French and Swiss security specialists.
“We had a very useful exchange of experience during my initial visit to Paris. It’s interesting that France has not undertaken any amount of remote monitoring, nor Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain. But the market is wide open now and we’re looking at how we can share our knowledge to help future developments across Europe,” said Neil Jackson.
He added: “France currently makes most use of video verification, where any intrusion activates recording and opens a telephone line enabling the capture of a clip showing what is happening to be relayed to a remote monitoring centre.”
The latest developments within the GB monitoring centre will enable seamless integration between video receiving, telephony and other messaging systems.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
From: Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Gelston House, Gelston, Grantham, Lincs, NG32 2AE
Tel: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767 602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk Web: www.primapr.co.uk
Company VAT Reg No: 598 3614 90
Business Briefing: How secure is your business?
This business briefing seminar is being organised by Prima for GB Security Group; Duncan & Toplis; Thompson & Richardson; Datcom
Wednesday 16th November 2011: 4.00pm for 4.30pm start prompt
Join our team of four experts to learn about the latest developments, issues and legislation that affect risk management and security across your business.
Our speakers come from four key sectors - accountancy, IT, commercial insurance and security technology - to give you the bigger picture, whether it's complying with the requirements of HMRC or the Information Commissioner, satisfying current fire regulations, keeping your internet activity safe and your cloud computing secure, or protecting personnel and keeping intruders out.
This far-ranging briefing will show you how the different security issues of your business link together and help you to identify where your policies and processes need updating for both virtual and physical risks.
Learn new technologies and guidelines to help you protect confidential information, manage health and safety risks with staff, and protect property. Discover the risk management tips that will keep the lid on insurance costs and protect your profit margins.
There will be an opportunity to quiz each of our speakers and time for informal networking with speakers and other delegates before and after the presentations.
To book your seat at the event go to: http://howsecureisyourbusiness.eventbrite.com
Putting the froth on fundraising for young people
- Dave Simpson and the Relate team
A unique new fundraising venture has been launched in Lincoln by the charity Relate to support their counselling work with children and teens, and it’s got off the ground thanks to the support of a local security company.
The Re-latte café bar at 137 High Street Lincoln is now being protected round the clock with a sophisticated intruder alarm system that’s been donated and fitted free of charge by Lincolnshire based GB Security Group, who have also installed other equipment at cost in Relate’s adjoining offices.
Security is a major concern for the charity. As well as protecting against shop theft, they now have a secure electronic door system which is keeping clients safe when they visit the main Relate offices alongside the new café bar.
“We needed the security system for our insurance as well, and without this support we would certainly have struggled to get this new venture off the ground,” explained Becky Wright of Relate.
“Now we’re hoping to give a big boost to our income, which will mean we can respond to more young people who need our support.”
The café bar is also home to a dress agency, offering customers a 50% return on selling their unwanted clothes, as well as a traditional charity shop. But it’s the local produce and cooking that is drawing in customers.
GB Security director Dave Simpson added: “As a family company, with a long standing heritage in our local Lincolnshire community, this was something that really matched our ethos, and we were very happy to be able to help when Relate made the approach.”
ENDS
www.relate-lincs.co.uk
www.gbsg.co.uk
Online coverage:
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
About relate:
For over 40 years relate Lincolnshire has been providing a wide range of counselling services for the people of Lincolnshire. relate nationally, has over 60 years experience of recruitment, training and supervision. Over 150,000 people are seen by relate counsellors each year. As well as the much publicised problems of relationship difficulties, separation and divorce, the counselors also deal with problems such as sexual abuse, domestic violence as well as problems that arise from extended families and step parenting issues. They also offer support to young people who are having difficulties coming to terms with the breakdown of their parents’ relationship or other .
About GB Security Group:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
From: Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Gelston House, Gelston, Grantham, Lincs, NG32 2AE
Tel: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767 602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk Web: www.primapr.co.uk
Company VAT Reg No: 598 3614 90
New BS 8418 Code of Practice will improve detection standards
A new code of practice for remotely monitored CCTV systems designed to increase detection standards is expected to put pressure on non compliant operators.
GB Security has been a longstanding contributor to the development of industry standards and the company’s NSI ARC Gold remote video response centre was one of the first NSI ARCs to gain BS 8418 approval.
BS 8418 is the Code of Practice used for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. It has recently undergone a review and the 2003 version will be replaced by the 2010 version.
There will be a “dual running” period of one year, which expires on 31st July 2011. This allows installers to use either version of the Code of Practice and is subject to availability of compliant manufactured equipment.
New requirements covered in BS 8418:2010 include:
- Drawings should show the extent of the secure area (area which unauthorised access is intended to be detected) and location of vehicles / other moveable objects that could compromise the effectiveness of the system.
- Ensure PIRs facing east or west are not affected by the sun or from reflection and shadows.
- BS 8418 Annex B provides onsite related factors to consider for the correct location and operation of detectors. These include preferred use of multiple short range detectors over long range detection.
- Ensure detectors are uniquely identifiable to the system. Note: multiple detectors should not be identified as a single entity but each individual detector must have its own ID.
- IR illumination should not surround the camera lens on external cameras.
- Agreement should be in place between the system owner and the RVRC when it is acceptable to isolate a detector. Such instances might be where a change to site operation (builders working on site) would mean the detector would send unwanted alarms to the RVRC.
- Housings containing power suppliers to detectors should be equipped with tamper detection to detect opening through its usual method of opening.
- Two transmission paths are required, both being capable of transmitting images to the RVRC.
- A back-up UPS is required (where mains power is not supplemented by a stand by generator) to supply control and communications equipment for a minimum of 4 hours. Power supplies to detectors should also have 4 hour battery back-up.
GB Director Neil Jackson, who is a regular contributor to BSIA developments including this updated BS 8418 Code of Practice, commented: “I welcome the new standard as it will certainly improve detection standards.
“It will also increase the divide between those working to BS 8418 and non compliant remote monitoring providers. There are too many unreliable remote monitoring systems out there and the aim of the standard is to bring CCTV monitoring up to the mark. It’s a similar situation to the intruder alarm market 25 years ago, and the insurance companies are pushing to get compliance to a measurable standard.”
He added: “We are already implementing the new Code of Practice and so all our up and coming installations will be compliant irrespective of completion date during this year. It’s an important set of changes and demonstrates once again the high standards that are needed to secure a police response to any activation.”
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
About remotely monitored CCTV:
Remotely monitored CCTV is a cost-effective method of providing live on-the-ground site protection around the clock, without the huge costs associated with providing 24 hour manned cover. It works by connecting motion detectors to cameras, linked to a 24 hour remote monitoring control centre, and is increasingly used on commercial, public sector and even domestic sites. Using high speed broadband and wireless 3G connections, the integrated cameras and motion sensors detect any movement on site. If an alarm/detector is triggered, images from an associated camera are transmitted to a specialised Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC), 24 hours a day.
About GB Security Group:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
From: Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Gelston House, Gelston, Grantham, Lincs, NG32 2AE
Tel: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767 602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk Web: www.primapr.co.uk
Company VAT Reg No: 598 3614 90
Protecting pupils and staff round the clock at super-school
A super-school in Lincoln is being protected from vandalism and burglary by round the clock remotely monitored cctv cameras designed and installed by Lincolnshire-based GB Security Group.
The Chad Varah Primary School was formed from the merger of the former Myle Cross Junior School and St Giles Infant School.
And before the cctv system had even been commissioned, there was a break in, but operators spotted the intruders and responded to the event through the tannoy system that was in place ready for commissioning. The system has continued to prove its worth, with no problems with vandalism or break ins at the school.
Major extensions were added to the former St Giles site to create the new school and all the pupils and staff moved to Myle Cross as a temporary home for 12 months whilst the £2m facelift was carried out.
And with the schools being in an area that has experienced problems with vandalism in the past, project staff were concerned about how best to protect the site whilst it was under development.
The team at Mouchel – the outsourcing company which provides the building maintenance consultancy services to Lincolnshire County Council – undertook a feasibility study into security options.
And the most effective solution they identified was a remotely monitored cctv system, operating to the exacting BS8418 standard, which was specially configured, designed and installed by Lincolnshire-based GB Security Group.
“We had a rather unique situation with the development of Chad Varah Primary School because we had to protect two sites but intended to be able to re-use security equipment from the temporary site once work was complete,” explained Rob Martin, lead consultant at Mouchel.
“Remote monitoring was the most effective solution to the problem of site security at this school, which is located in what can be a rather challenging area. As well as protecting the building, it also provided security for the contractors’ compound during building works. It helped to stop crime before it took place, unlike stand-alone cctv which simply records an event and leaves little likelihood of prosecution.”
When the cctv system was installed at Myle Cross, but before it had been commissioned, there was a break in. But operators spotted the intruders and responded to the event through the tannoy system that was in place ready for commissioning. “It stopped them in their tracks, and has continued to do so. We have had no problems at all with vandalism or break ins,” added Rob.
Tannoy plays a key role in remotely monitored cctv, with the remote operators using it to alert intruders to the fact that they are under surveillance and that the police will be called.
Following the completion of the building redevelopment work , a BS8418 remotely monitored system with wrap around package was installed to protect the newly completed site from intrusion out of hours.
The new school facilities, described by headmistress Julie Harrison as the perfect space in which pupils can learn, provide the 440 pupils with a new sports hall, an IT suite and state-of-the-art classrooms.
BS 8418 is a Code of Practice for the installation and remote monitoring of detector activated CCTV systems. It set outs recommendations on best practice for the design, installation, commissioning and operation of detector activated CCTV systems. Official Police policy is to only issue Unique Reference Numbers to CCTV systems which comply with BS 8418, to overcome the problems with false alarms.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
About remotely monitored CCTV:
Remotely monitored CCTV is a cost-effective method of providing live on-the-ground site protection around the clock, without the huge costs associated with providing 24 hour manned cover. It works by connecting motion detectors to cameras, linked to a 24 hour remote monitoring control centre, and is increasingly used on commercial, public sector and even domestic sites. Using high speed broadband and wireless 3G connections, the integrated cameras and motion sensors detect any movement on site. If an alarm/detector is triggered, images from an associated camera are transmitted to a specialised Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC), 24 hours a day.
About GB Security Group:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.