L3 CCTV Cameras

A total of £1.6 billion worth of goods are reported as ‘lost’ to in-store theft in supermarkets each year, with figures increasing steadily. The presence of self-checkout systems have increased in supermarkets, as well as other industry retailers. By 2021, we’re globally on track to have 468,000 self-checkout machines in operation, nearly double the 240,000 in existence since 2016. While this increase comes with such benefits as reduced wait times for customers and staff costs, it also comes with a risk of retail theft at self-checkouts. With the circumstances the world now finds itself in i.e. mass unemployment, financial uncertainty, the retail industry has seen an influx in these types of petty crimes, hitting retailers during an already turbulent period. While retailers are taking precautions to protect themselves and their patrons in this new era of in-person shopping, it’s important to ensure the business itself is protected. A popular method to combat these fears is to employ on-site security personnel, however, as we continue to adapt to new operating guidelines, retailers must begin thinking past the immediate future, and begin implementing long-term security solutions to prepare for life after lockdown such as strong CCTV systems with remote access. How has the security industry adapted its services to a post-lockdown world? Technological innovations like thermal recognition are key to adapting security systems for a post-lockdown world. Businesses which previously relied on facial recognition now must update their methods to account for shoppers wearing masks on-site and in-store. By 2021, we’re globally on track to have 468,000 self-checkout machines in operation, nearly double the 240,000 in existence since 2016 Biometric systems are now able to identify people with face masks, and thermal recognition such ADT’s Thermi-Scan system which can track human body temperature without the need for contact. Implementing these safe protocol procedures protect both employees and customers against virus outbreaks such as COVID-19. The need for these advances in video surveillance will reportedly increase the biometric facial recognition market by 14 per cent by 2027. Artificial intelligence has been hailed recently as the way forward for remote security needs, and whilst business-owners continue to navigate procedures of returning to work post-lockdown, having remote access to real-time security monitoring is essential now more than ever. What are the main measures stores can take to prevent or reduce theft? Strategically placing a multi-camera surveillance system to ensure clarity, eliminate blind spots, and deter thieves should be top priority. It’s equally essential to invest in a system which has an efficient playback programme, particularly in situations where reviewing important footage efficiently can offer vital information to the police force. Advances in video surveillance will reportedly increase the biometric facial recognition market by 14 per cent by 2027 As business-owners continue operating at reduced hours and with limited on-site staff, being able to access camera footage quickly and remotely is a key factor to consider. Whether owners opt to receive an alert on a mobile device allowing them to review notifications, or if their system is monitored by a remote security centre, it’s important to be able to access footage quickly for added efficiency and ease. Facial recognition and AI have been popular points of discussion in relation to security cameras and CCTV. While careful considerations must be taken prior to utilising any sort of facial recognition technology, including conducting a Privacy Impact Assessment, the benefits include being provided with real-time tracking of repeat offenders which immensely helps the prevention of in-store theft. Here are some key points to consider when choosing in-store surveillance: Assess your needs – To get the best out of your security system, it is essential to analyse what your requirements are for your business as they might have changed to adapt to a post-lockdown world Camera setup – With store layouts shifting to accommodate social distancing guidelines, it’s important to re-evaluate the current set-up of any security cameras. Depending on any layout updates, it might be important to consider operating multiple cameras in one area to ensure a peripheral view and eliminate any blind spots Camera positioning – For optimal performance, check that light sources are not obstructing your view such as glare from the sun. It is also worth considering the height at which cameras are installed to maximise surveillance Check the focus – It is worth testing camera lenses bi-monthly to ensure that lighting or weather hasn’t affected the focus of the lens, resulting in a blurry visual Remote access – As guidelines continue to evolve, ensure you’re able to access any necessary camera footage quickly and safely in case of emergency Will we begin to see a reduction of theft as new technology is implemented? We’re beginning to see incidents of shoplifting and theft being taken more seriously by law enforcement. In the coming months, for the first time in Britain nearly twenty shoplifters who were either caught red-handed or identified on CCTV will be appearing before magistrates. While currently these court cases are being pursued by a private police force, these actions come after a Government plea to high-level police to prosecute shoplifters stealing under £200. Retailers have long voiced concerns that forces have abandoned low-level thefts and these steps are small but show that businesses are being heard. As innovations in surveillance security continue, we’ll be seeing a move away from human involvement which will create a more reliable and efficient system able to rely on machine learning and analytics. While there have been wider strides made in utilising AI for surveillance, these are largely being used currently by local governments to alert police forces to threats of criminal activity. It’s not unreasonable to think that in the near future, these types of smart technology will be employed by private businesses to analyse suspicious behaviour or possible theft. However, as we see an increase in the advancement of security technology, we anticipate that those inclined to commit in-store theft will adapt their methods, therefore retailers should look to regularly evaluate their security needs to keep risks at bay.

We all know that having CCTV around your home can help to protect you and your family. Without CCTV, you could end up in danger and an intruder could get away with breaking into your house, hurting your loved ones and stealing your possessions. Similarly, without CCTV in the office, you’ll be leaving yourself open to all kinds of damage and could lose a lot of equipment in the process. In short, making sure you have CCTV is important for both home and business security. However, it can be improved to become a more effective system so that you’re better protected, and can even deter a potential intruder without having to panic. In our world of ever-changing technology, we’re able to upgrade and enhance our CCTV systems so they can become a monitored system. Remote CCTV monitoring is an ideal way to protect everyone and everything whether you’re at home or at a workplace. What is remote CCTV monitoring? For a long time, CCTV was one of the best ways to keep your home, the office and people safe. But people started to notice that it would only deter people so much of the time and often the cameras were ignored by intruders. They would just cover their faces and hope for the best as they steal from a home, office or any other premises. Remote CCTV monitoring is a system that can loop into your existing CCTV, or come preinstalled with a new system. This technology sends a feed to a control room full of trained operators that are on call 24/7. Within this control room, operators are able to respond to any sort of distress call or unauthorised movement on the property line.  How does it work? Remote CCTV monitoring works by attaching to a live feed of your CCTV system, existing or new, so that the signal and images can be passed to a team of operators. These operators are on hand 24/7 so that if there is a problem, you know that you're safe in the hands of a specialist team. The specialist team has been trained to mitigate the chances of somebody breaking into your home when the system is triggered; similarly they call the local authorities instantly so that the potential intruder has less time to flee the scene. This is especially important if an intruder is already inside your property because they have less time to steal your items and leave. Without CCTV in the office, you’ll be leaving yourself open to all kinds of damage and could lose a lot of equipment in the process One of the biggest questions that revolve around remote CCTV monitoring is the idea of operators watching the CCTV at all times. Luckily most remote CCTV monitoring systems will incorporate a motion detection system to accompany your CCTV. Motion detection offers the ability to alert a control room if there is an unauthorised entry to the property line. These motion detection systems are state-of-the-art and so, depending on the system that you choose, they can watch over your property from a number of angles. Once the motion detection system has been triggered and the alert has been sent to the control room, then and only then will the operators get involved. This means that until the motion detection system has been triggered, nobody will watch your live CCTV feed. After one of the systems has been triggered, one of the specialist operators will instantly jump into action. This means that they can take different measures to deter any potential intruder and make sure that they do everything in their power to stop any damage or theft from the premises. In addition to the motion detection system and CCTV, you are able to opt for a public address (PA) system too. This means that an operator is able to shout commands through the PA system and potentially scare away any intruder. The intruder will also be warned about the fact that local authorities have already been called to the location.  Remote monitoring versus traditional CCTV Motion detection offers the ability to alert a control room if there is an unauthorised entry to the property line Having a monitored CCTV system means that you're able to better protect yourself, your business, employees and even your loved ones. Whether you're at home or in the office, having someone looking over your shoulder protecting your every move is something that can be appreciated by everybody. The biggest problem with just having traditional CCTV, is that it is a reactive system. This means that rather than stopping crime, a CCTV system just records it. While the thought is that having a CCTV camera visible can deter some intruders, there's no real evidence to suggest that it stops anybody; anyone can simply cover their face and carry on breaking into your home, office or even your car. As mentioned, remote CCTV monitoring is going to tackle that problem and make sure that someone is on hand to protect you at all times.

The safeguarding of premises through the monitoring of entrance and exit points has traditionally been a very manual aspect of security. Human operators have been relied on to make decisions about who to admit and deny based on levels of authorisation and the appropriate credentials. But the access control business, like many industries before it, is undergoing its own digital transformation; one where the protection of premises, assets and people is increasingly delivered by interconnected systems utilising IoT devices and cloud infrastructure to offer greater levels of security and protection. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. These systems, connected through the cloud, can be customised and scaled to meet the precise requirements of today’s customer. And it’s the ease of cloud integration, combined with open technologies and platforms that is encouraging increasing collaboration and exciting developments while rendering legacy systems largely unfit for purpose. Remote management and advanced diagnostics Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution.Cloud technology and IoT connectivity means remote management and advanced diagnostics form an integral part of every security solution. For example, as the world faces an unprecedented challenge and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruption, the ability to monitor and manage access to sites remotely is a welcome advantage for security teams who might otherwise have to check premises in person and risk breaking social distancing regulations. The benefits of not physically having to be on site extend to the locations within which these technologies can be utilised. As an example, within a critical infrastructure energy project, access can be granted remotely for maintenance on hard to reach locations. Advanced diagnostics can also play a part in such a scenario. When access control is integrated with video surveillance and IP audio, real-time monitoring of access points can identify possible trespassers with automated audio messages used to deter illegal access and making any dangers clear. And with video surveillance in the mix, high quality footage can be provided to authorities with real-time evidence of a crime in progress. Comprehensive protection in retail Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity The use of connected technologies for advanced protection extends to many forward-looking applications. Within the retail industry, autonomous, cashier-less stores are already growing in popularity. Customers are able to use mobile technology to self-scan their chosen products and make payments, all from using a dedicated app. From an access control and security perspective, connected doors can be controlled to protect staff and monitor shopper movement. Remote management includes tasks such as rolling out firmware updates or restarting door controllers, with push notifications sent immediately to security personnel in the event of a breach or a door left open. Remote monitoring access control in storage In the storage facility space, this too can now be entirely run through the cloud with remote monitoring of access control and surveillance providing a secure and streamlined service. There is much to gain from automating the customer journey, where storage lockers are selected online and, following payment, customers are granted access. Through an app the customer can share their access with others, check event logs, and activate notifications. With traditional padlocks the sharing of access is not as practical, and it’s not easy for managers to keep a record of storage locker access. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers. The elimination of manual tasks, in both scenarios, represents cost savings. When doors are connected to the cloud, their geographical location is rendered largely irrelevant. Online doors and locks enable monitoring capabilities and heightened security for both operators and customers They become IoT devices which are fully integrated and remotely programmable from anywhere, at any time. This creates a powerful advantage for the managers of these environments, making it possible to report on the status of a whole chain of stores, or to monitor access to numerous storage facilities, using the intelligence that the technology provides from the data it collects. Open platforms power continuous innovation All of these examples rely on open technology to make it possible, allowing developers and technology providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with the use of proprietary systems. The limitations of such systems have meant that the ideas, designs and concepts of the few have stifled the creativity and potential of the many, holding back innovation and letting the solutions become tired and their application predictable. Proprietary systems have meant that solution providers have been unable to meet their customers’ requirements until the latest upgrade becomes available or a new solution is rolled out. This use of open technology enables a system that allows for collaboration, the sharing of ideas and for the creation of partnerships to produce ground-breaking new applications of technology. Open systems demonstrate a confidence in a vendor’s own solutions and a willingness to share and encourage others to innovate and to facilitate joint learning. An example of the dynamic use of open technology is Axis’ physical access control hardware, which enables partners to develop their own cloud-based software for control and analysis of access points, all the while building and expanding on Axis’ technology platform. Modern access control solutions range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification Opportunities for growth Open hardware, systems and platforms create opportunities for smaller and younger companies to participate and compete, giving them a good starting point, and some leverage within the industry when building and improving upon existing, proven technologies. This is important for the evolution and continual relevance of the physical security industry in a digitally enabled world. Through increased collaboration across technology platforms, and utilising the full range of possibilities afforded by the cloud environment, the manufacturers, vendors and installers of today’s IP enabled access control systems can continue to create smart solutions to meet the ever-changing demands and requirements of their customers across industry.

The exhibition will host a number of leading international companies showcasing the very latest technologies For governments, security services, law enforcement agencies and CNI operators, the need to police borders, protect perimeters and control site entry is becoming an ever increasing challenge. To help meet that challenge, Counter Terror Expo 2014 will be taking an international perspective – both within its free-to-attend exhibition and through one of its seminar workshops, the International Security for an Evolving World Theatre. The exhibition will host a number of leading international companies showcasing the very latest technologies, products and services in the area of border security and access control. As Steve Roberts, Marketing Manager of Zaun Ltd, one of the Counter Terror Expo premium exhibitors, commented: “Counter Terror Expo brings together the foremost experts … to share real-life experience, debate strategies, brainstorm issues, shape policy and define effective counter-measures. We see ourselves as part of that debate and innovation to mount a robust defence against international terrorism in an age when the threat is both dynamic and continually evolving”. Zaun Ltd, manufacturers and suppliers of high quality steel fencing, fence products and fencing systems, will be exhibiting their MultiFence, RDS and SecureGuard systems as well as their range of PAS 68 blockers and bollards. Also participating as a premium exhibitor will be Dynasystems Ltd whose CEO, Claire Hemmings, said: “Dynasystems has been exhibiting at Counter Terror Expo for 5 years”. The company will be launching “a truly innovative, expeditionary, scalable retrofit solution to protect against high levels of Blast and Ballistics; its modularity of design provides the ability to protect even multi-storey structures, both temporary and permanent”. For Dr Edward Klinger, CEO of CNIguard, the exhibition will offer the company the opportunity to showcase “its infrastructure and environmental monitoring systems for pipelines, overhead lines, pylons, tunnels, tanks, generators, masts, substations and other assets. Visitors can see our products, including our unmanned aerial systems, whilst discussing their requirements with our team. We will have continuous physical demos of our intrusion detection systems as well as videos.” From the latest in infrastructure protection to state-of-the-art biometrics, screening and scanning technology, the Counter Terror Expo 2014 exhibition will cover the whole spectrum of new developments in this highly important area. “Counter Terror Expo has been instrumental in the development of the security market" A key player in the application of some of the most advanced technologies is L-3 Security & Detection Systems, another exhibitor. In the words of William Frain, the company’s Senior Vice President: “Counter Terror Expo has been instrumental in the development of the security market. It has a reputation of being the most focused trade show for security screening in the UK”. In this year’s exhibition, L-3 SDS will be demonstrating its people screening product, the ProVision 2, and its explosives trace detection system, the OptEX. In addition, there will be “animations showcasing a selection of other products that L-3 SDS offers the market, such as air cargo screening and checked baggage screening solutions, which will be presented via a plasma screen”. Alongside the exhibition will be the International Security for an Evolving World Theatre featuring a range of exclusive presentations, including: “Border Security & Contraband Detection: Cars, Trucks, Boats & more”, “How to Utilise Global Supply Chains and Black Markets to Finance and Fuel Terrorist Activity” and “Combating International Terrorism: The Proposed use of the International Criminal Court in Response to the Jurisdictional Shortcomings of International and Domestic Law”. Damaune Y. Journey, Director, Global Business Development for CSECO, worldwide leaders in portable contraband detection equipment, will be one of the speakers at International Security for an Evolving World Theatre. As he commented: “Terrorism requires funding and addressing the funding is one of the best ways to attack the problem. Our tools hit at the heart of this important, often overlooked, component in the terror continuum”. CSECO will also be taking a stand within the exhibition where the company will be demonstrating its CT-40 Kit, specifically the Buster Contraband Detector and the new Perfect Vision V20 Videoscope. There will be videos of the equipment in use by law enforcement officers around the globe and visitors will have the opportunity to use the equipment themselves to detect hidden items at the display. David Thompson, Event Manager, Clarion Defence & Security, commented: “Border Security and Access Control are critical components of the counter-terrorism and security portfolio. Through the exhibition and the seminar workshop sessions, Counter Terror Expo 2014 will provide a unique insight into the very latest protective solutions to a truly international threat as well as an opportunity to engage in the debate about how we should continue to meet that threat into the future.” 

 The funds raised by Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run will be channelised to benefit the needy childrenThe second Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run in Las Vegas on the second day of ISC West raised more than $80,000 to benefit Mission 500, a charitable organisation engaging security professionals to sponsor children in need through the World Vision organisation. Proceeds from the April 7th event will sponsor 240 children for a full year - providing food, water, education, healthcare and most importantly, hope. Event proceeds increased the number of sponsored children to more than 360 total. The first-ever Security 5K event also kindled many colourful stories and highlighted the great sense of community and generosity of the security industry.As in the case of the 2010 event, the organisers were overwhelmed by support from across all facets of the security industry. More than 470 runners registered for the event, and about 370 ran. Registrants included 116 female runners, and participants hailed from 13 countries and 37 states. The youngest runner was 13 and the oldest was 65. Over 30% of the runners were over 50 as well. First place overall female runner was Theresa Campbell of Reed Exhibitions (21:59), and first place overall male runner was John Donegan of L3 Communications (19:13).Many runners had positive things to report on the race: It was a great event, well done and well organised; I will look forward to running next year.Hayden Burr - Integrated Control TechnologyAnother incredible race! Great work organising the event, and most importantly a significant thank you, for bringing together a group of people in the security industry to make a difference in this world, while enjoying team camaraderie and an active lifestyle.Elizabeth Cohen - AnixterThanks so much, I had a fantastic time. Again great run and for a great cause!Kevin Kaiser - IS&T ConsultingThis was a great event. Organised, and well put together. Had lots of fun. I'm looking forward to next year. Andy Grewal - Anacon SolutionsI really enjoyed the run yesterday morning and will make sure some of my colleagues join in next time! Russ Singleton - Coretrol Limited The second "Mission 500 Humanitarian Award" to Barbara Holliday, Director of Dealer Services, Monitronics Security Freeman, contractor of services to ISC West and its exhibitors, waived staff costs and fees for using audio-visual equipment during the 5K race and the awards ceremony, and Starbucks generously donated coffee to complement the post-race refreshments and food.At the Reception and Awards Ceremony for Security 5K runners, Mission 500 awarded its second "Mission 500 Humanitarian Award" to Barbara Holliday, Director of Dealer Services at Monitronics Security. The award honours individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need. Pelco by Schneider Electric was the first recipient of Mission 500's Corporate Social Responsibility Award as well. More than 100 of the runners also set up fundraising web pages and added more donations to help the cause: Caleb Simonyi-Gindele was top fundraiser with $1,230, followed by Mark Pickett with $1,087 and Shane Geringer with $766.The Security 5K / Mission 500 Race at the 2011 ISC West Expo in Las Vegas is a collaboration between United Publications, publishers of Security Systems News and Security Director News; Reed Exhibitions, producers of ISC Expos; and Mission 500. Sponsors in 2011 were Alarm.com, Altronix Corporation, AXIS Communications, Bolide Technology Group, Deister Electronics, HID, Honeywell, LRG Marketing Communications, Panasonic System Networks Company, Pelco (by Schneider Electric) and Safety Technology International, Inc. Tee-shirt sponsor DMP, bracelets from Ditek and the cocktail raffle sponsor was Pivot 3. Other race winners in various age categories included:Male Age Group:                20 - 30: Joshua Koopferstock in 20:10Female Age Group:           20 - 30: Kate Olson in 22:15Male Age Group:                31 - 40: Brian Ordway in 19:38Female Age Group:           31 - 40: Brooke Hafen in 22:55Male Age Group:                41 - 50: Doug Johnson in 19:51Female Age Group:           41 - 50: Martha Entwistle in 24:23Male Age Group:                51 - 99: Alejandro Loera Harfus in 20:59Female Age Group:           51 - 99: Charlene Foglio in 26:23

 The event was dominated by high level conferences focusing on the travails in the aviation and maritime sectorsTransport Security Expo saw a significant upswing in visitor numbers during its first outing in the capital, over 2000 attendees visited the exhibition and conference across the 2 days. The visitor hike reflected a heightened level of concern over high profile actual and attempted strikes against the system during the course of the year and emphasised the need to do more, often times with less, as austerity measures begin to bite, to protect the travelling public and international commerce.With transport security industry news for the year to date having been dominated with terrorist strikes against the air sector and the marked increase in acts of piracy on the high seas, inevitably the event was dominated by high level conferences focusing on the travails in the aviation and maritime sectors. The operational failures that led to the attempted bombing of a Northwest airlines flight late last year have exposed the fact that the aviation world is still wide-open to the machinations of those with intent to harm. A shift in tactics by pirates has demonstrated that a naval show of force alone is insufficient to prevent the seizure of vessels in the vast swathe of ocean where they maraud with apparent impunity.A sense emerged during the course of the Transport Security Expo conference programme that the need for a step change in how the protection offered to the travelling public and international commerce is delivered has become much more acute and demands careful consideration in currently austere times. A tour de force of the world's leading security solution vendors marked the Transport Security Expo exhibition out as best in class and ensured that almost all aspects of security relevant to the transportation sector were covered. Transport Security Expo will next be held 13-14 September 2011Vendors such as Smith, Rapiscan, L3 and AS&E had substantial presence, but so to did a number of the emerging technology companies such as Kromek and others. A paradigm shift of sorts has been ongoing in the marketplace. With traditional hardware having reached the limits of capability, the shift is toward squeezing more out of the available data stream through high end, software driven, digital signal processing techniques. In a very real sense, the future in the security world lies within the software code on a disc.The high number of visitors to the exhibition also reflected change afoot in the regulatory framework controlling delivery of security in the aviation sector. European Union (EU) regulation published in April of this year sets the ground rules on multiple aspects of the process from the public facing screening for liquid threats through to behind the scenes screening of belly-hold cargo. Many of the deadlines contained within the regulation are tight, a question remains whether they will be met, but it does seem likely they could drive a sales spike in the short term to medium term.Standing room only left available during the open theatre technology workshop sessions, emphasised the eagerness amongst delegates and visitors to learn more about each of the solutions showcased and how they could be harnessed to enhance security across the board.Transport Security Expo is one of the only such events to work closely with the leading industry bodies, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and many others, to deliver a thought provoking conference and extensive workshop programme supported by one of the best exhibitions of its kind annually.Transport Security Expo will next be held 13-14 September 2011.