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CCTV by microwave

Tough terrain for surveillance.

The latest CCTV technology from CBC – and a microwave link across 500 m of open water – is helping to protect a regeneration area in Rochester, Kent, following a series of high-value thefts last summer.

Ganz Infra-red illuminators and rugged C-Allview speed-domes are playing a key part in an upgraded surveillance system, which has been deployed at key points around the 32-acre Rochester Riverside site. Images from one PTZ camera with Ganz IR lighting, mounted on an historic crane, are being transmitted across the River Medway via microwave, and from there carried back to the council’s 24-hour monitoring centre in Strood.

Other points along the riverside are being kept under surveillance with C-Allview cameras because they can cope with both adverse weather and tough operating conditions. The installations, follow two separate attacks last summer during which thieves stripped away more than 140 m of newly-installed stainless steel handrails and posts.

The thefts not only cost more than ·200 000 but caused the closure of the area to the public because of safety fears. However, with the improved protective measures, including more robust post fixings as well as the 24-hour CCTV monitoring, the council has been able to re-open the popular walkway and cycling area.

“Although the site is less than a mile from Rochester town centre it proved attractive to thieves because it is relatively quiet and not overlooked by buildings or traffic, so CCTV was really needed,” says Steve Craddock, project manager for TJW Electrical. “This is an exposed area with no other infrastructure so to overcome the challenge of installing the system the most economical solution was to set up the microwave link to carry the video data across the river.”

The Ganz IR500 illuminator allows superior night-time surveillance. With a range of up to 300 m it is ideal for perimeter protection applications and open areas such as Riverside. As a new generation LED unit it is also much more economical to run than traditional lamps, as it offers low energy consumption, low maintenance and a 10-year lifespan.

Meanwhile, the C-Allview ruggedised speed domes, with their IP67 rating, are ideal for challenging coastal and riverside environments. Each C-Allview unit has a built-in wiper to clear away dirt and water, and features a replaceable front glass window which is toughened to resist substantial impacts.

The Rochester Riverside site is one of the most ambitious developments in the Thames Gateway, with 2000 new homes expected to be built there.

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