Security Oxford

The full range of Optex detectors has been installed at 70 Ford Direct forecourts across the country, resulting in a 60% reduction in false alarms. Brian Sims investigates.

For many years, the showrooms had been blighted by the nuisance of false alarm activations .

“When the Optex detectors replaced the lower performing equipment, our monitoring station logged at least a 60% reduction in false alarms.”

 Problems with the legacy systems

 Configuration problems had been identified in some of the legacy systems where multiple detectors had been connected to single cameras.

BS 8418 (the British Standard for detector-activated, remotely-monitored CCTV systems) calls for all detectors to be individually connected in order to be independently isolated if there are any problems. However, to bring these systems into line with current standards would have resulted in a costly re-cabling exercise.

P&R found the solution with the new Optex Redwall V Wirefree detectors, using the new Optex wireless transmission system which is fully compatible with the Luminite Wireless receivers already installed at many of the Ford Direct sites. This significantly reduced the installation costs on site with no compromise in performance, but with the added benefit of BS 8418 compliance.

Bromley continued: “The Redwall V SIP units are fairly new to us, but our engineers are very impressed with how easy they are to set up and the support from Optex has been second to none. The extensive Optex range allows us to design solutions to meet the complete security demands of the customer’s site. Without the versatility and reliability of these detectors we would not be able to do this.”

 Potential for many false alarms

 Due to the large nature of the sites, and in some cases the close proximity to busy public areas, there’s potential for a large number of false alarms. However, the detectors’ improved electronics along with thermo and light sensors significantly reduce false alarms, with no loss in capture rate.

In turn, this improves efficiency at P&R Fire and Security, as well as reducing the costs associated with false alarms.

The design of the Redwall V detectors includes improved mounting height options of 4 metres down to 2.3 metres, a three axis-accelerometer to warn of reorientation and an intelligent detection system that monitors the temperature and luminance of the environment and automatically adjusts the sensitivity.

Any attempt to tamper with or mask the detectors will be instantly notified to P&R’s Monitoring Centre, at which point the appropriate response can be taken to ensure the continued security of the site.

Nigel Hackett, the sales director for Optex Europe, concluded: “Redwall V detectors are one of the best ways to protect forecourts and exposed sites from crime. Security at all car showrooms is paramount, with theft and vandalism the major concerns. Our detectors are working effectively to prevent costly damage to the vehicles at Ford Direct.”