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An eye on the streets

Epping City Improvement District cleans up with IP-video surveillance.

Epping, a bustling industrial centre in the Western Cape, is home to more than 700 businesses employing roughly 20 000 people. Far removed from the golden beaches and verdant vineyards synonymous with the Cape, Epping is a gritty, hard-working industrial zone. In an attempt to reverse the ravages of urban decay, a Section 21 company was founded by community members to supplement the basic services offered by the local municipality. Predictably, the alleviation of crime is one of the crucial objectives of this company.

Axis Solution Silver Partner, Myertal Tactical Security, appreciated the shortcomings of relying solely on the physical presence of patrol cars in such a vast area. These reaction vehicles require direction and are only able to respond to incidents that are immediately visible to security personnel. An Axis IP-surveillance solution was identified as the most effective method of co-ordinating the movements of armed response and law enforcement, thereby providing a safer environment for the inhabitants of Epping City Improvement District (ECID).

Myertal Tactical Security (MTS) is a specialised security company committed to offering IP-surveillance solutions tailored to initiate zero tolerance crime prevention measures on the streets. Their proactive approach to security includes a state-of-the-art control room, its own private wireless infrastructure and trained controllers, centrally monitoring over 100 000 square metres of commercial, retail and industrial client space.

The faster response time, coupled with the capability of monitoring numerous zones simultaneously, has resulted in a significant increase in the arrest rate. Footage is also being used for perpetrator identification and positive prosecution. Business owners are able to concentrate on their individual endeavours, uninhibited by the constant threat of the devastating economic and psychological consequences of crime.

Maintaining business as usual

One of the scourges of industrialised areas worldwide is the continuous struggle to sustain and improve existing infrastructure. As these service demands outstrip incoming revenue, it becomes necessary for property owners to dip into their own pockets to ensure the survival of their businesses. The establishment of Epping City Improvement District allows the 273 properties within its limits to work in unison with the local authorities to promote economic growth, facilitate investment and to generally enhance and uplift their environment. With a property base of more than R1,5 billion, it is of utmost importance to safeguard against the degeneration of the area.

MTS takes a proactive hands-on stance when providing a security solution, from advising on product selection, installing the chosen solution and the 24/7 off-site monitoring of live footage gleaned from the network cameras. Control room operators radio roaming patrol vehicles when suspicious behaviour is observed and armed response are immediately dispatched to the scene. This proactive monitoring technique allows for early detection and intervention before serious crimes are committed, effectively executed from their secure off-site security control room.

Tracking with precision

The considerable size of the ECID, harsh climatic conditions and the limited manpower available necessitated the installation of a versatile, robust product.

“We chose the Axis Q6032-E PTZ Dome Network Camera for its superior coverage and first-class optical zoom,” remarks Myertal’s CEO, Warren Myers. “The Axis Q6032-E also functions well in low-light conditions. This was a vital feature as lighting is poor in many of the surveillance areas. Dust, water and extreme temperature fluctuations also pose no danger to these cameras.”

One of the most important aspects of ECID surveillance is the ability to track suspicious behaviour; these activities can be the actions of an individual, groups of individuals or even vehicles. The Axis Q6032-E’s high-speed pan/tilt response, 220° tilt range and powerful 35x zoom permits controllers to maintain an eagle-eye view regardless of terrain or movement. A further attribute of the Axis Q6032-E is the legibility of licence plates from a distance of up to 160 metres.

The security solution is run wirelessly to simplify installation and reduce cost and the H.264 video stream keeps bandwidth requirements to a minimum. Recordings, managed by Visec Platinum Edition software, are kept for a 14 day period or stored indefinitely if an incident is detected.

“In any surveillance situation, image quality is imperative. The ECID comprises more than just business premises, high activity areas such as the railway tracks and the informal market increase the challenge of providing sufficient monitoring capacity. Axis network cameras cover our needs and provide high resolution footage that never lets us down,” explains Myers. “A secure Epping inspires business confidence which equates to an increase in property prices and a productive working environment.”

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