printer friendly version

A garden under surveillance

A 20-camera Panasonic i-Pro24/7 system is helping reduce losses for one of the UK’s largest independent garden centres, Shackletons of Clitheroe. The IP camera network, supplied by CCTV Centre and installed by PTT Developments, is integrated with an intruder alarm system and monitored by the iWatch ARC in Dublin.

Using the IP system, the iWatch operators not only have a clear view of key areas, they can also warn off potential criminals using speakers around the site.

Shackletons Garden Centre is a thriving business retailing high value garden, furniture and lifestyle goods from a busy five-acre site at Clitheroe, Lancashire. The company not only attracts up to a thousand visitors a day during busy periods, it is also home to a busy online retail operation selling a wide range of home, garden and leisure products.

Inevitably, with a large site and some highly desirable goods on display, the business has been targeted by criminals, including both opportunists and professional thieves.

The challenge for installer PTT Developments was to design a security system that would deter and prevent theft, while preserving a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Of particular concern was the security of the business out-of-hours, when the threat of theft and vandalism was highest. To address this risk an effective 24/7 monitoring solution was desired, to warn of attempted intrusions as quickly as possible.

Using the client’s existing IP server, the installer designed a security system which integrates intruder alarms, access control and CCTV. Taking advantage of an exclusive partnership between Panasonic and the iWatch alarm receiving centre in Dublin, the system has been set up so that it will be monitored remotely from the moment the staff leave the site and activate the alarm system.

The CCTV system comprises 13 WV-NF284 static dome cameras, two WV-NP244 power-over-Ethernet cameras, three WV-CW974 external PTZ dome cameras and two NS202 cameras. The three external cameras are analogue models which are connected to the IP system using an encoder.

The system is set to respond automatically if an alarm condition occurs, calling up images at the ARC and giving the iWatch monitoring staff the best chance of responding effectively to an attack. The control room operators can not only verify whether an alarm is genuine, and call for a rapid response if necessary, they can talk directly to intruders to warn them off, using strategically placed horn speakers.

Cameras are strategically located to cover the most vulnerable parts of the site, including the vehicle and pedestrian entrances, the restaurant, the checkouts and the areas where higher value goods are displayed.

Images are recorded onto a Panasonic WJ-ND300A network disk recorder, which is linked via ADSL to a PC in the back office, loaded with Panasonic CCTV Management Software. This allows authorised staff to control and monitor the CCTV during business hours. They can also use the PA system to make announcements.

“Using an IP-based CCTV solution with power-over-Ethernet cameras, made it quicker and easier for us to locate the cameras,” says Nigel Fairhurst, director of PTT Developments. “We designed the system around a dedicated ADSL line, linking the hard disk recorder to the client’s nominated PC, giving them the best quality images and flexibility of use.”

He also wanted to take advantage of the ability to link analogue cameras onto the system via coaxial cable using an encoder, which allowed him to use his preferred Panasonic external domes, the WV-CW964 models, which have a field-proven track record in such applications.

With the new monitored security system up and running, the garden centre is much better protected against both shoplifting and out-of-hours intrusion, says Paul Shackleton, director of Shackletons Garden Centre. “With up to 1000 customers a day we needed a round-the-clock CCTV solution that really worked. The system provided by PTT Developments and Panasonic gives us much better protection.

“With premises spread over a wide area the fact that we were able to have cameras located all around the site is of real value to us. The system gives better control during the day and peace of mind once we have left for the night.”

Looking to the future, the i-Pro system will be easy to re-configure or expand, to meet changing requirements at the garden centre, and the system’s remote diagnostics and maintenance features will help keep running costs to a minimum.

Share this article:

Further reading: