printer friendly version

Crime fighting with technology

It is evident that crime in South Africa is not being adequately addressed if one reviews the recent statistics posted by Stats SA. The crimes most feared by communities are housebreaking/burglary, followed by home robbery and street robbery. In light of this, it is critical that businesses and individuals accept that much of the responsibility for mitigating crime rests in their domain and institute suitable security measures.

This is according to Jack Edery, CEO of Elvey, who believes that in order to maximise the efficiency of security systems, a balance between technology, remote access and physical security is required. In essence, both business and homeowners need to take whatever precautions are necessary to secure their assets.

Elements that need to be considered are the applicability of the equipment itself, the speed at which the third-party response services or the system owner is alerted to an event (a factor that is dependent on the communication system used to relay the event alert), and the cost effectiveness of the security system.

Technology drivers

Each of these elements should be considered on an individual basis that factors in the specific needs of the user. These needs could be driven by the location of the facility or building, the number of hours each day that the building is occupied, the number of people entering and leaving the building, and the nature of the assets being protected.

In instances where the building is vacant for longer periods, the technology deployed may differ from scenarios where there is a physical presence in the building for the majority of time. Remote monitoring of intruder detection equipment is advised where buildings are not occupied around the clock, whereas the deployment of basic proximity sensors, glass-breakage sensors, and a direct line to the emergency and rescue and police could suffice for occupied premises.

Placement of the alarm control panel is also a decision that needs to be carefully considered. The panel should be easily accessible to users, but not in plain view of criminals. Practicalities aside, aesthetics often play a role in which alarm panel is selected, with the profile and overall design of the unit sometimes dictating the purchasing decision.

The ability to receive text messages and e-mails related to security events is becoming an increasing driver when selecting an appropriate intruder detection system. Linking your alarm system to surveillance cameras provides the benefit of video and audio footage.

The Agility 3 is a two-way wireless alarm system designed for the residential and small business markets. It supports visual verification with a self-monitoring smartphone app (also available via a web browser) which enables users to control their alarm systems remotely as well as view real-time images taken inside their premises with the eyeWave wireless PIR camera detector, which communicates with the RISCO Cloud server. Agility 3 is easy to install, can be managed remotely and gives peace of mind.

The LightSYS 2 professional hybrid security system supports RISCO Group’s live video verification solution, VUpoint, a cloud-based platform that uses IP cameras to provide real-time video streaming in response to alarm triggers or on demand.

DSC’s PowerSeries Neo has four different control panels ranging in capacity from 8 to 128 zones that fully integrate with the extensive selection of PowerG-enabled devices. These devices include PowerG-enabled motion detectors, contacts, wireless keys and various safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Designed with a scalable approach to cater for future needs, the vast selection of available devices and peripherals available for PowerSeries Neo is seamlessly integrated with an exceptionally comprehensive remote service software suite to support edge features such as alarm verification and remote diagnostics.

PowerSeries Neo offers optional cellular and/or IP communication methods, with cellular and/or IP network as a primary or backup communication to ensure high-speed, reliable and secure alarm communications.

DSC has created a powerful combination of software featuring WebSA System Administrator, a comprehensive system administration software package, and remote diagnostics, a robust set of issue resolution tools which offers remote diagnostic, inspection and maintenance capabilities, for a wide range of industry needs.

Interlogix’s comprehensive range of NetworX intrusion protection solutions is complemented by a large selection of sensor and peripheral components that include wireless and hard-wired door and window sensors, motion detectors, magnetic contacts, wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, keypads and keyfobs, glassbreak and shock sensors, wireless quick-bridge receivers and repeaters, cellular-based communication modules, and proximity card readers/door control modules. The GSM capability allows users to monitor and control their security system from a web browser and be notified of system events by e-mail, PDA or phone.

Share this article:

Further reading: