Network CCTV manufacturer Axis Communiations and one of its integration partners Computer Network Limited (CNL) have partnered with RM, a supplier of computer software and services to UK schools.
Axis reports that it will be the preferred supplier of IP-surveillance equipment. RM speaks of an increase in enquiries about IP-surveillance from school network managers over the last 12 months.
David Mackley, senior product manager at RM, says: “School governors and teachers are now putting security further up school agendas as crime rises in many UK schools. We have seen surging demand for our Surveillance Starter Pack which is enabled by CNL and Axis. For £500 schools can trial a system which includes two AXIS 205 Network Cameras and a licence for a software system for recording, archiving, alerting and management of images. Crime hot spots including stair wells, playgrounds, corridors and IT rooms are being monitored using these kits.”
The firms quote a Department for Education research report called ‘School Security Concerns’ published in April 2003. Local education authorities questioned, described crime as an increasing problem. LEAs referred to pupil and staff safety as a very serious concern. The report also suggested that the effective use of CCTV monitoring with perimeter fencing were the most effective measures for cutting crime including vandalism, theft, arson and assaults on staff and pupils.
Dominic Bruning, managing director, Axis Communications (UK) Limited, said: “IP-surveillance has already been proven, in various return on investment studies, to cut crimes such as vandalism markedly. Individual examples such as the Newport schools project [an Axis installation, featured in Professional Security in ] show very significant savings just in terms of vandalism reductions which make capital investment an easier decision for schools today.”
James Condron, sales and marketing manager, CNL, said:
“Our joint value proposition is based upon providing, easy-to-use, entry-level IP-surveillance solutions in addition to offering expert advice, installation and support services to help tackle the substantial risks associated with the protection of pupils staff and property – an issue which is all too obvious to the Government, as well as those working in the UK education sector.”
Newport Schools
The Newport Schools Project in Newport, South Wales, which linked 27 schools in the area in a central alarm centre in the city, showed a £46,000 saving in the first year after installation to April 2003 on window glazing bills alone. That is a 35.5pc saving on the previous year and a reduction of vandalism ‘incidents’ of nearly 29pc from 725 to 516 in total. Savings in other areas such as cleaning up of graffiti and litter collection took savings over £75,000 a year across all schools that have or intend to have surveillance, according to conservative estimates by the council. By contrast those sites not involved in the project saw increases in glazing bills of 50pc from £40,500 to £60,600 over the same period, spending more than £20,000 on glazing in the year to April 2003.
