Security systems have never been as effective, reliable and cost effective as they are today

11 January 2010

Technology means that security systems have never been as effective, reliable and cost effective as they are today, providing of course that systems tailored to the specific needs of the area, buildings, or enterprise covered have been professionally devised, are properly installed and subsequently monitored in line with appropriate standards.

This is the view expounded by Mark Tibbenham, the MD of Lancashire based GJD: "Examples abound of instances where the installation of a relatively simple yet highly effective security system have yielded outstanding results, but perhaps one will serve to demonstrate the point. This involves a large business park in the north of England where the original security system involved a team of guards patrolling on twelve hour shifts. Despite all due diligence they simply could not be in all places at all times and intrusions remained on ongoing problem."

"A 24/7 system providing CCTV image site coverage using a sophisticated combination of equipment including detectors, cameras and horn speakers completely reversed this situation. A high speed information link to a sophisticated control centre that in turn provides data to the Police now enables an immediate response to actual incidents and any form of suspicious behaviour around the perimeter of the secured area."

"A classic case of prevention being better than cure to use a medical analogy. The word has clearly gone out to the local villains on the considerable difficulties they are likely to encounter and intrusions are now extremely rare and combated most effectively on the odd occasion when they arise."

Continuing Tibbenham added, "Linking together various technological abilities in the manner described above can be incorporated either as a design feature or retro-fit into any establishment, building, office or open space, no matter how large or small. Wireless technology also enables this to be accomplished swiftly and at minimum cost as there are no lengthy wiring runs to install or maintain."

Commenting on the positive effects of a robust security system in any professional or personal environment Tibbenham stated, "The Home Office statistics offer proof that the presence of any form of security system, even the most basic, has a profound effect. As an example, a property equipped with any one form of security, be it lighting, CCTV camera's or door alarms is 14 times less likely to be burgled than a property without any form of security."

Concluding Tibbenham commented, "Security systems have never been as good, as easily available and as effective as they are today. All organizations owe it to themselves to fit a system suitable for their needs to protect buildings, equipment, customers and staff. They will, of course, also acquire peace of mind and most probably a reduction in their insurance policy premiums as a direct result, the latter often paying for the system installed. More and more businesses and individuals are appreciating this fact and taking care to protect what is theirs, leaving those without some form of security at the mercy of the criminal classes. Harsh, but the reality of the situation."