In April 2001, we reported how DIY retailer B&Q uses a loss prevention database as part of its profit protection work. In our November 2002 print magazine, we look at a new build.
B&Q outsourced the security systems and operations of all its premises to Security Support Services. That firm became involved in planning the security for the new B&Q Warehouse in Sutton, Surrey, as soon as the building plans were being drawn up. Mike Cox, Contracts Manager at Security Support Services (SSS) described how he set about the project. "It’s always helpful when the security system is a consideration from the very start of new building planning. There are fewer constraints on the final implementation if we can get involved at this stage, so that we can concentrate on the security issues without distractions. We like to consider the design of the building and the client requirements, and then look at the key security issues of the particular store. From this, we can develop the full system design."
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Security at the new B&Q Warehouse includes alarm systems and CCTV. The alarm side features motion detectors (PIRs), an IDS (Intrusion Detection System) alarm, voice alarm, personal attack buttons, and alarm panels for the fire doors. There is also a fire alert system, plus plant alarms to monitor equipment activity. The opening and closing of the store is monitored, so that SSS know the times when the building is occupied. On the CCTV side, 50 cameras feed into a central digital recording control room. The cameras were chosen after a testing and selection exercise by SSS. Day/night performance, resolution, and speed were all evaluated for the different requirements of the applications within and outside the store. The best performers were selected for the equipment list.
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Like many modern installations, the two systems, alarms and CCTV, are linked. If the alarm system registers an incident, then the cameras will react with higher level recording in that area. This ability to link to other systems, various alarm and access control systems, is one benefits of a digital CCTV system, the contractors say. Another benefit comes in operation. Digital equipment in the control room is very user friendly, resulting in lower training requirements for staff, and fewer operational mistakes.
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One of the main risks throughout retail stores that a CCTV system is designed to minimise is ‘shrinkage’ ‘ theft of stock at every stage of the storage and display cycle, and also damage to stock. CCTV scrutiny of all the storage areas, plus close observation of the till areas and the EAS gates (Electronic Article Surveillance), works with the alarm systems to cover the risk areas. All these security devices work together as a deterrent, and in the event of an incident, the cameras are of high enough resolution to capture admissible evidence of the event ‘ proved during the evaluation exercise. When security alerts occur, SSS are equipped to handle them in a formal and structured manner. Their Alarm Receiving Centre (accredited to BS EN ISO 9002 1994) receives the alarm calls, and takes responsibility for the dialogue with the police, in accordance with the ACPO regulations.
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Mike Cox said: ‘It was very helpful to be able to carry out independent tests to select the best cameras. We established early on that we wanted Norbain as our supplier, and they supplied us with a range of cameras for thorough comparisons. This way we could be sure that the equipment was the best available for each application, and our customer was therefore getting the very best system." Mike summed up: ‘As project managers, it’s our job to build a consortium ‘ a partnership of installers, equipment suppliers, and ourselves, all working to meet the client’s needs. We chose Norbain as our ongoing equipment suppliers for the project because – as well as being competitive on price – in our experience they do what they say they will do, with the minimum of problems. That means a lot in our business.’
