McArthurGlen, Europe’s leading designer outlet developer has upgraded the CCTV system at their Ashford centre and taken the opportunity to replace the existing analogue video recorders with the latest digital recording technology from Vicon.
Located just off junction 10 of the M20 motorway, the centre, which was opened in 2000, was designed by Millennium Dome architect, Lord Richard Rogers and features the world’s largest ‘tented roof’ structure. Covering 182,000 square feet it has 80 stores including Gap Outlet, Marks & Spencer Outlet, Oasis and The Designer Room.
"With so many top retail names operating under one roof, we attract more than three million visitors each year,” said Andy Murray, McArthurGlen’s on-site Security Manager. “We consider our CCTV system to be an invaluable tool to ensure the safety of all our visitors and staff.”
The centre had for five years used analogue video recorders as part of a complete CCTV system supplied by Vicon. Catherine Burgess, Facilities Manager, and her management colleagues felt that the time was right to invest in the latest digital technology.
"The benefits became apparent from day one,” added Mr Murray.
“The Vicon digital video recorders have allowed us to continuously capture and record images in real time from all of the pan tilt and zoom (PTZ) Surveyor domes strategically located around the centre. Previously because of the limited storage capacity of video tapes, we had to record in time lapse mode.”
McArthurGlen’s decision to choose Vicon Kollector Pro DVRs was based on a recommendation from CCTV specialists, Red Alert Security Technology. “Our first priority when we decided to upgrade our CCTV system was to find a local based installer who we could rely on for maintenance and service,” said Catherine Burgess.
“Red Alert understood the high levels of service that we require and as an NSI Gold accredited installer and a recent finalist in the Security Excellence Awards, they were able to demonstrate that they have the technical skills to help us get the most out of our CCTV system.”
McArthurGlen currently has seven designer outlet centres in the UK and a total of fourteen throughout Europe.
