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| Sony security camera models used for the Golden Temple includes the SNC-RZ25 Network PTZ Camera |
Background
The Golden Temple in Amritsar which is located in Northern Punjab, India has been known to the world to be a frequent target of terrorist attacks and bomb threats. With its history of more than 400 years, the temple has long hoped for better safety and security.
Thus, when it decides to step up its security following a series of attacks and threats to blow up the religious compound, Vantage Integrated Security Solutions, Sony’s one of authorised integrator, was entrusted with the task. They were to devise a reliable plan to enhance the security infrastructure of this world’s holiest Sikh shrine.
Challenges
With the temple built on delicate structure, Vantage Integrated Security Solutions was presented with a series of challenges. This includes having to reroute the wiring after they have drawn up their plan, evaluating its overall efficiency and executing their network plan without damaging the temple’s structure.
Vantage Integrated Security Solutions revealed that a network set up within such a religious place need to be aesthetic and yet still work. To accomplish this, they divided the cameras into 8 different zones which are controlled through one centralised control room within the temple’s compounds.
Solution
The integrator successfully completed this assignment by integrating the project with a network of highly reliable Sony security monitoring equipment. Under their careful project management, a total of 140 Sony cameras were installed in the entire complex to monitor the area for suspicious activities in the area. These are usually cases of pickpocketing, garment thefts as well as missing children within the temple. To ensure the security of the compound, a total of 109 units of Sony fixed lenses cameras and 18 units of Sony Pan Tilt Zoom cameras with a high zoom ratio were used. These were installed to cover the entire area around the temple.
Outdoor applications of Sony cameras include the high speed PTZ camera Rapid Dome Camera, SNC-RX570 in UNI-ONL7C2, which is a pendant mount outdoor dome. The SSC-E433 which features a 1/3-type Super HAD CCD II image sensor that provides high resolution of 540TV lines with day/night operation was also deployed outdoor with the usage of camera housing.
Other Sony security camera models used for the Golden Temple includes the SNC-RZ25 Network PTZ Camera with 18X optical zoom and bi-directional audio apability, the SSC-CD13 which is a compact and discreet Mini Dome camera and the SNT-EX104 Network Encoder which can be used to convert analog signals to IP.
Results
Since the implementation of this new security installation and enhancement, the network system has successfully helped the shrine authorities expose and capture eight thieves in a month-long demonstration run.
In one instance, real-time monitoring captured the live footage of a thief sneaking upon a devotee who was relaxing in the verandah of the Parikrama and stole his cell phone. The security team picked up this theft activity immediately with this system. The devotee, who happened to be an army personnel, expressed his gratitude to the security team after the incident for taking quick action.
The vast network of Sony surveillance cameras also proved to be useful in capturing a pick-pocket who stole from clothes left near the Amrit Sarovar before the holy dip. Despite the high human traffic at the temple, the security personnel was able to accurately identify the pickpocket through the high quality footage captured using the Sony cameras when he returned to the temple with his parents two days later. The footage capturing the pickpocket’s act was also shown to his parents as evidence that it is not a case of mistaken identity and their son indeed committed the offence. Success cases such as the ones mentioned above increased the shrine authorities’ confidence that the improved infrastructure could significantly strengthen the security and provide a stronger surveillance over the shrine.
