CCTV-based security has a solid future in the protection of industrial, commercial and public buildings, says Secom plc Managing Director Minoru Takezawa.
Despite recent reports that video surveillance in public areas is failing to cut crime rates, Secom says CCTV remains one of the most effective tools for safeguarding valuable assets. The electronic security solutions provider says it is experiencing strong demand for CCTV systems, especially its monitored service, Vision, which is for crime prevention at unattended facilities, including buildings and storage yards.
Minoru Takezawa says both government and police have pledged support for CCTV in urban areas, with police now working to make better use of existing and new technology.
"There is a vast difference between CCTV monitoring for law enforcement in an urban centre and commercial asset protection," he says. "The police are trying to curb anti-social behaviour, while our job is to guard business or public facilities against possible intrusion, theft or vandalism. Because anti-social behaviour is often alcohol related, such as when pubs and clubs close, city centre CCTV may be less of a deterrent than in asset protection. Many of the sites where we have installed Vision see an immediate improvement, with attempted incidents virtually eliminated."
Secom’s Vision system provides sensor-activated CCTV coverage for remote or unattended sites. When activity is detected, a CCTV signal is instantly routed to Secom’s Alarm Receiving Centre, where trained operators assess the situation, issuing a warning via loudspeakers or calling for police intervention if necessary. The system also allows digital recording of images, which may assist in securing a prosecution, and on-site monitoring, for example by reception or daytime security staff.
"Vision is an extremely cost-effective solution, providing ‘guarding’ without the expense of employing and managing guards. This makes 24/7 security a viable option for small to medium sites in all sectors," says Minoru Takezawa. "We have already installed Vision for customers’ sites including health centres, local authorities, schools, factories, warehouses, shops and railway stations. The potential for this service is immense."
