Renault Trucks Essex installs Sony IP cameras to protect its property and vehicles

Background

Renault Trucks Essex has had an entire IP CCTV system installed onto its current network to protect its property and the vehicles the company services on site. The system has proved to be a great deterrent to potential trespassers and has provided them with a useful management tool, scalable security solution as well underpinning its operations.

Challenge

Renault Trucks Essex had been experiencing problems with unauthorised access to its site, resulting in theft of parts and vehicles, along with damage to the yard itself. “We wanted a system that would be a good deterrent to would-be trespassers and would provide the image quality required for prosecution should it be necessary,” explains Paul Ayer, Dealer Point Manager at Renault. “Another important purpose for the system was to check and verify the condition of vehicles when they entered the yard.” He concludes: “having this clear proof of condition quickly solves any potential disputes with clients as to when any damage may have occurred to a vehicle and removes a lot of the emotion from the process”.

The Sony solution

Installers LG Networks recommended Sony IP cameras to underpin the project at Renault Trucks Essex. The fully integrated CCTV solution features six Sony CH160 cameras that are installed externally around the perimeter of the building to cover parking areas and the access gates. Stuart Smallcombe, Operations Director for LG Networks explains: “The Sony cameras have excellent night vision and we haven’t needed to install any additional lighting to achieve the images we needed, despite the yard not being well lit at night. Internally, Sony CH120 cameras view the reception area and service bays. It’s great having cameras covering the bays for asset protection, but also to allow clients waiting in reception to see their vehicles being worked on,” says Paul, “not only does it help occupy their time, but it also shows our professionalism behind the scenes.”

LG Networks has a long-standing relationship with Renault Trucks Essex having installed their business telephone system and so its installation of Renault’s IP security solution was a natural step forward “IP CCTV is coming far more into our skill set these days thanks to the move towards IP,” explains Stuart. “We build IP networks, and a camera is simply a device that sits on the end of these networks. Whilst our main background is in VOIP telephone systems, an IP camera isn’t really that different. We needed to learn how cameras fit into the recording side of things, plus positioning, angles of view and so on; fortunately Sony offered us training courses to help build our knowledge. We’ve already done some very extensive IP CCTV installations that have allowed us to really hone our skills, and pride ourselves on providing the skills and expertise our clients need.” At the Essex site, recordings are held on a Windows-based server Stuart comments: “For larger installs, we tend to use a Sony NSR 500 as it offers a better cost solution for the cameras and amount of storage required, there is also additional technology, which makes the experience more user friendly. We also include a free iPad in the package with the Sony App installed to allow for remote access of live and recorded images. Customers love being able to view their sites from anywhere in the world.”

Commenting on the installation and the companies’ long standing relationship, Paul Avery says: “LG Networks has always offered us a great service, and they were the logical choice to add CCTV to our networks. They’re a local company and are very quick to respond to any issues we may have, not just for CCTV, but also for our phones and networks. It certainly makes sense for us to have one company cover all of these aspects.”

The result

The model has been so successful it has been emulated at Renault Trucks Sites in London, Felixstowe, Northampton & Exeter, with further sites in the pipeline.

Paul is delighted with the system. “The cameras have provided us with exactly the deterrent we were hoping for. We’ve caught a couple of potential thefts and have been able to send the photos of the perpetrators to the police which has resulted in a far more secure operation. The cameras are so good we’ve even helped our neighbours with a break in on their property – we captured everything on the system and sent the footage to the police.”  The cameras are also being used to help manage the business. “We can easily see when vehicles are arriving and if there are any congestion spots developing – all from a single point. It helps that the system is so easy to use and we’ve been able to intuitively discover the best way for us to use it.”

“The new CCTV system sends out the right message to all involved” concludes Paul “For would be trespassers, it clearly advertises that the property is protected and that their movements are being monitored. For customers, it shows that we value their business and are serious about protecting their property.”