photo credit: minkymonkeymoo

An alarm bell should have a 20 minute cut-off timer installed.

What can you do to make sure you don’t fall foul of the law?

1. Check the equipment specified by your alarm installer includes an automatic cut-off.
2. Register your alarm with your Local Environment Health Authority.

Your alarm installer can provide a form for you to to fill out and send to your Local Authority- you can find the address for your area in your phone book.

If you live in the High Peak you can register your alarm on-line here.

Rob took some time this week to do some refresher training with our two new engineers Ian & Wes.
Here they are working on the Texecom Premier alarm panel, our panel of choice.

Wes joins us with extensive experience, most recently in the High Security sector.

    Great to have you on-board Wes!

Photo Credit: edmundv

• Make it look like you’re in… burglars prefer empty houses. Leave the radio on or use a light with an automatic timer.
• If you go away remember to cancel the milk and the papers. Ask a neighbour if they will remove your post and offer your drive as extra parking space for them whilst you are away.
• On the same note if you are going away don’t advertise it on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter… save that for sharing your news when you get home!
• Don’t leave gifts on display, if you go out draw the curtains or put gifts out of sight, even if you’re only going out to walk off that turkey on Christmas day!
• Lock up! It sounds obvious but it’s surprising how many people leave their doors open. Unlocked doors are the easiest way for burglars to get in.
• If you don’t have a burglar alarm look at getting one fitted, if you do have one make sure it has been serviced (and remember to set it when you go out and when you go to bed). A professional bell box on your wall will make potential intruders think twice.
• Consider fitting a security light, and if you already have one make sure it is working (don’t put off replacing that blown bulb) – don’t give intruders cover to hide!

photo credit: glass desk

2 Easy ways to update your keyholder details:

1. Send an email to esi@esi.uk.com

2. Use the new Forms section on our website. Call us on 01663 719520 or 0800 082 5500 for a password to access this service.

Claire or Carol will action your requests during normal office hours. We will send you an email or give you a call to let you know when your changes have been actioned.

Did you know that you can use this service to make temporary changes to your keyholders too? Maybe you are going on holiday and you want to add someone onto the list for a couple of weeks, or you might want to change the order in which keyholders are called.

Christmas 2011.  Please let us know any keyholder changes by lunchtime on Thursday 22nd December.

We will close the office at lunchtime on Friday 23rd December, and re-open on Tuesday 3rd January. Please note that we won’t be able to make any changes whilst the office is closed.

Picture Credit: Ryan Franklin

IP-CCTV is often specified as the most up-to-date option, but is it all it’s cracked up to be?

The latest architect’s tender document on our desk today got us talking again about IP-CCTV*;the latest buzz phrase in the world of CCTV. *internet-protocol CCTV

In the UK less than 5% of CCTV is IP based, compared to around 20% in Central Europe. This is often cited as proof that the UK is lagging behind. However, as with all statistics, dig a little deeper and it is clear that this figure is distorted by the huge number of legacy systems in the UK. The truth is that the UK has been ahead of the field for many years in the world of CCTV.

The theoretical advantage of IP-CCTV is that it uses the existing infrastructure (i.e. it plugs into the existing network) thereby removing the need for separate cabling. This theoretical cost saving is supposed to more than off-set the increased cost of the IP cameras (which are 3 or 4 times the price). The reality however, is a huge amount of data being constantly passed through the network causing problems with the operating speed of the clients’ computer systems. The solution is back to separate cabling which negates all cost savings and ultimately results in a very expensive system.

Another possible solution is to specify de-centralised IP-CCTV using Edge Technology. This involves installing an SD card in every camera. These cameras record at Hi-Resolution, but on the down-side only send the lower quality observational grade images to the central point, resulting is a less impressive solution. On the plus side, the cameras will continue to record for around 2 days if the network fails.

Another consideration is choice. Digital CCTV is a saturated market; there are 100’s of cameras to choose from, meaning that all applications are covered. In addition Digital CCTV is open-protocol meaning that equipment from different manufacturers can be combined to design a truly bespoke system. Open-Protocol means that digital systems are easily upgraded at a later date and can take advantage of any advances in camera technology.

Whilst some IP-CCTV suppliers are currently open-protocol, the large manufactures such as Samsung are producing closed protocol IP-CCTV. This means that clients are tied to one manufacturer, which limits choice. In addition, whilst some suppliers are still offering the software licences free of charge, not all are. There are no assurances that protocols will not be further closed.

In summary… IP-CCTV might not be the ideal solution after-all. We are currently recommending a “watch and see” approach!

Photo credit: A. Drauglis

It has always been harder to secure valuable property which is kept outside – for example diesel tanks stored in a yard or livestock in a field.
The BBC reported on one farmer in Devon who had more than 1000 turkeys stolen last year, and was faced with a bill of £18,000 after being targeted more than 20 times.
Clearly this type of property cannot be protected by lock and key or a burglar alarm.

The good news is there is now a highly effective way of protecting property in exterior areas – wireless remote monitored CCTV.

The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility. Because it is wireless, Electronic Security Installations can offer it on a temporary month by month rental basis making it a cost effective solution to protect against more temporary security threats. With prices from £300+vat pm it is a very attractive alternative to employing temporary manned guarding.

Find out more here