Author Archives: tensor_cctvsurveillance

  1. Industries That Require CCTV Surveillance

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    Almost every industry and business across the UK can boost its site security with CCTV surveillance. It is a vital security measure that can benefit a wide range of organisations in more than one way. A CCTV system has the ability to protect employees, students and visitors on-site while acting as a deterrent to unwanted people. 

    This article is designed to determine which industries are of great benefit to CCTV surveillance and to point out the reasons why a CCTV system can benefit them so greatly. From schools to hospitals to construction sites, this article goes into depth to demonstrate the ways in which each specific industry can utilise a CCTV system.

    CCTV surveillance for schools

    CCTV surveillance in schools of all ages is a must. From nurseries to primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, CCTV systems have a vital role to play to ensure the safety of students and teachers on-site. Feeling safe and secure throughout the school day is crucial for all students and staff, and should be a requirement, which is something that a CCTV system can go a long way to providing. 

    School Holidays – Off-peak hours for schools, such as weekends, nighttime, half-terms, or other reasons a school would close such as snow, is the most common time for an intruder to target a school. By using our CCTV remote monitoring service you can, firstly, significantly reduce your school’s operational costs due to there being no requirement for on-site security guards and, secondly, improving site security. Our monitoring centre is staffed by highly trained operators who are able to take immediate action on the video footage that they see following an alert, either by using the intercom link to warn away offenders or calling the police.

    Student Safety – Student safety is the top priority for nurseries, schools and universities alike. Unfortunately, for the majority of schools up and down the country, the risk of accidents, abuse, and violence is inevitable. These events can occur internally or externally; bullying, unauthorised people on-site, or potentially vandalism or break-ins. With a CCTV surveillance system, these events are made manageable, and often preventable. 

    Hospitals can benefit from CCTV systems

    Hospitals are extremely busy places that are required to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Thousands of people pass in and out of a hospital every day, so a CCTV system has huge benefits from a safety and security point-of-view alone. Another benefit of CCTV systems in a hospital is the improvement of employee productivity.

    Increase Safety – CCTV surveillance can not physically prevent crime from happening, however, it goes a long way to deter it from happening. When people are aware that they are being watched, they are much less likely to commit a crime, trespass or steal. Not only this, but a CCTV system also aids security officers in keeping a close eye on who is on-site and to determine what happened should a crime be reported.

    Improves Employee Productivity – Hopefully, the workers are dedicated to their employment, but we all know that there will be those who aren’t working to their full potential. That’s where cameras come in handy. Employees who are aware that they are being observed and tracked are more likely to put in a little extra effort.

    CCTV for construction sites

    Project managers are often faced with the dilemma of not being able to keep an eye on construction workers throughout the day, and having to put complete trust in them that they’ll get the job done on time and to a good standard. A construction site is a place of heavy traffic throughout the day and requires expensive equipment from start to finish. 

    Monitor Construction Workers – The use of CCTV surveillance on a construction site has huge benefits, one of which is that it helps project managers to get a clear and constant view of the employees’ activities and progress. A construction site is a busy and sometimes chaotic place to work, making it a difficult job for managers to oversee the operation without the help of CCTV surveillance. 

    Evaluating Site Development – Another significant advantage of installing a CCTV system at a construction site is that it gives supervisors a clearer view of the entire site’s development – making the life of a project manager that little bit easier when it comes to assessing the stage of development. 

    Protecting Expensive Equipment – A building site requires large machinery and other hand-held equipment to aid with getting the job done. This largely has to be left on-site overnight with just a metal fence stopping passers-by from being able to steal them. Thankfully, a CCTV surveillance system acts as a deterrent for overly-interested passers-by and should equipment be stolen, the project manager has the ability to see who it was and how it happened – preventing it from happening in the future.

    If you would like more information on our CCTV surveillance systems, whatever your industry you may be, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to help improve the security of your business or organisation.

  2. Wavestore Software Fully Integratable with CCTV Surveillance

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    CCTV Surveillance is now completely integrated with Wavestore’s software. Our CCTV systems now have the ability to pass access control transaction events to Wavestore.

    We have also created a new document that gives full details on this integration and is available on request. Wavestore’s Head of Marketing not only sums up the thoughts of both parties but also explains what is now possible with this integration:

    “Wavestore’s integration with Tensor combines powerful video data and advanced access control capabilities to provide a fully scalable and future-proof security solution to secure premises. Using our powerful Event Rules engine, alarms and actions can be automated whilst making access for authorised personnel easy. Furthermore, operators can review cameras from the Wavestore server and search for access control events during a forensic investigation following an access attempt or alarm trigger. The integration was a natural move for Wavestore and Tensor, with our complimentary technologies providing intelligent security solutions.”
    — Sophie Mills, Head of Marketing, Wavestore

    For more information on the Wavestore CCTV software integration and to learn how it can benefit your business specifically, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team today.

  3. How Facial Recognition CCTV Systems Work

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    how facial recognition cctv systems work

    Facial recognition systems have proven to better the security of any building or business up and down the country. With the ability to match a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces, facial recognition CCTV is the ultimate security solution. 

    The importance of facial recognition CCTV systems is clear for all to see, however, it may be less obvious as to how they work as well as being able to understand the benefits a facial recognition CCTV system can have for your business, site or building. Thankfully, this article explains everything you need to know. 

    How do facial recognition CCTV systems work?

    A facial recognition CCTV system is a camera or set of cameras that read a person’s facial features to grant or deny them access through a control point. It typically sits at the entrance to your business, or to a specific/access controlled room within your building.

    Computer algorithms are used to instantly pick out specific, distinguishing features about a person’s face. These features include the distance between the eyes or shape of the chinworks and the CCTV system works with changes of facial expressions and even works when the person is wearing glasses, scarves or caps. These algorithms are then converted into a mathematical representation and compared to data on other faces collected in a face recognition database.

    Facial recognition CCTV systems are an advanced piece of security technology that have the ability to work day or night, in any weather condition (including rain) or lighting. It includes live face detection so it is also able to differentiate between a real face and a photograph so it does not allow users to be impersonated using photographs or pictures.

    The benefits of a facial recognition CCTV system

    A facial recognition CCTV system is designed specifically for fast, discrete identification/registration of known or unknown individuals, whether in a large crowd at a stadium or festival or in public places such as airports, train stations or shopping centres. This ensures that you will receive the ultimate level of CCTV security available and have a system that can identify individuals even in the busiest of places. 

    The toughest level of CCTV security

    Facial recognition CCTV systems ensure maximum security for your business and/or building and guarantees that no unauthorised personnel are able to enter or exit your building. 

    Whilst fingerprint readers and smart card access control systems require a smart card or a fingerprint to gain access or egress to a building, the facial recognition CCTV system does not. This ensures the safest working environment possible as it guarantees that only authorised personnel are able to gain access to your site/building. Facial recognition CCTV systems do not require smart cards to identify a person, meaning there are no smart cards to be passed around, lost or stolen and then replaced. 

    Our line of facial recognition CCTV systems have the ability to create whitelists/blacklists at different entry points. People can be easily enrolled on these lists from photographs or video clips and do not have to be physically enrolled. 

    Facial recognition CCTV systems are contact-free

    It has never been more important to have a safe and hygienic place to work, socialise and be in large crowds following the COVID-19 outbreak. A facial recognition CCTV system ensures that no contact is to be made when people enter or exit a building or through a certain access point – maintaining a contactless entry system is vital and will help to stop the spread of viruses and illnesses.

    For more information on our facial recognition CCTV systems, and to inquire about a quote for your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team who is ready to help. 

  4. How CCTV Can Help Combat the Expected Post-Covid Rise in Crime

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    According to the Office of National Statistics, Police recorded theft offences decreased by 32% in the year ending March 2021 compared with the previous year. This was driven by decreases in offences such as theft from the person (56%), shoplifting (36%), burglary (30%) and vehicle offences (28%).

    Police recorded robbery offences decreased by 34% in the year ending March 2021 compared with the previous year. This contrasts with the upwards trend seen since the year ending March 2015.

    These falls were compelled by the numerous national lockdown restrictions, with non-essential shops and the night-time economy is closed and people spending more time in their homes. However, it is expected that the upwards trend is set to return as the lockdown restrictions are lifted and life is almost back to ‘normality’. 

    Bolster security measures with CCTV Surveillance 

    It is vital that shops and businesses are properly equipped to deal with the expected post-Covid rise in crime. The most effective method of bolstering your businesses security measures is installing a top-of-the-range CCTV surveillance system that will, firstly, act as a deterrent to potential criminals and, secondly, give you eyes on your business at all times. 

    At CCTV Surveillance, we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art CCTV systems that have the capability to better your current security system, putting your mind at ease that the forthcoming rise in crime will not affect your business. 

    CCTV surveillance for all businesses 

    Our CCTV systems include an entry-level CCTV system which can include up to 8 cameras; a mid-range CCTV system which can have up to 16 cameras; high-end systems with PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) cameras along with other CCTV systems that are mentioned shortly. 

    The entry-level CCTV system is the perfect choice for SMEs in the sense that up to 8 cameras will sufficiently cover all entry points and areas of importance in your building. Additionally, for businesses with slightly larger premises or with multiple premises, our mid-range CCTV system would be the fit for you. It includes up to 16 cameras along with web-based remote viewing as well as via. a mobile app, for business owners who are on the move or for overnight peace of mind.

    Our high-end CCTV systems, equipped with PTZ, come with an unlimited number of cameras and storage capability and are the perfect solution for monitoring large sites comprising multiple buildings spread across a wider area of high-security locations where the functionality is delivered by PTZ cameras is essential. This system comes with built-in automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) which adds another dimension to your CCTV system. ANPR only allows authorised vehicles into your car parks and sites and can prevent unwanted guests from being granted access onto your site – 24 hours a day. 

    If you would like more information about our CCTV systems in order to help combat the forthcoming rise in crime, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to help. 

  5. Why You Need an ANPR System

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    anpr

    An ANPR system is one of the most effective methods of bolstering the safety and security of your car park or access road. It acts as a 24/7 security guard to ensure only authorised personnel are granted access to your site. 

    This article explains everything there is to know about an ANPR system and the reasons why they are worth the investment. 

    What is ANPR?

    Standing for ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’, ANPR is a highly accurate system that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to accurately identify the numbers and letters on a number plate. While ANPR is usually associated with law enforcement use such as speed ticketing, congestion area charging, and identification of stolen vehicles, the system also has various features that are hugely beneficial for private use.

    ANPR systems can boost car park security 

    By installing ANPR cameras at a car park’s entrance and exit, organisations can rest assured that only authorised vehicles are able to access their premises. ANPR systems can be linked to existing access control systems such as car park barriers and/or bollards. Additionally, with ANPR and automatic car park barriers, access to any car park can be greatly improved and streamlined.

    Allow limited-time access with ANPR

    After identifying the number plates on any vehicle, ANPR systems can easily log the date, time and location of the vehicle, and proceed to carry out an action based on the data (save the information in a database for retrieval at a later time, issue an alert should the plates match against a specific database, open a gate, etc.).

    ANPR is just as effective at night time 

    Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras use infrared LED lights to enable them to still be equally as effective at night time or when the daylight fades. This essentially means that they operate 24 hours of the day, ensuring the complete security of your site at all times. 

    If you would like more information on ANPR systems, or if you would like to inquire about a quote, please feel free to get in contact with a member of our sales team today.

  6. DVRs & NVRs: All You Need to Know

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    dvrs and nvrs

    It is crucial that you understand the difference between DVR and NVR security camera systems before making a decision on which one best suits you and your needs.

    This article will tell you everything you need to know so that you are in the best position possible when it comes to purchasing a CCTV system.

    The fundamentals of DVR and NVR systems

    DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, whereas NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. Both CCTV systems have one purpose and that is to record video, however, the way in which they process the video data is different.

    DVR CCTV systems are wired only, and slightly more straightforward in the sense that they process the video data at the recorder; whereas NVR (wired or wireless) systems encode and process the video data at the camera, then stream it to the NVR recorder which is used for storage and remote viewing.

    One of the most important things you must know before purchasing either a DVR or NVR CCTV system is that they each require different cameras. NVRs require IP cameras while DVRs require analog cameras.

    DVR: pros and cons

    Analogue camera

    There are pros and cons to both DVR and NVR CCTV systems. One of the biggest pros to DVRs is the price. They are considerably cheaper than NVRs which is largely due to the analog security camera that must be used with them. This basically means that there is less variety in the types of cameras you are able to use. Another advantage of a DVR security system is its simplicity. For example, the analog cameras stream an analog signal to the recorder, which then processes the images.

    System usability 

    This section gives NVRs another point on the board. While NVR systems can be either wired or wireless, DVR CCTV systems are limited to being only wired. In addition to this, DVR CCTV systems have fewer mounting options due to the routing cable requiring a power source for every camera.

    Audio and image quality 

    Essentially, DVRs fall short to the NVRs when it comes to image quality and audio options. The analogue signal sent from the camera via the cable to the recorder results in a lower quality image than that of the NVR. The analogue camera also often does not transmit audio.

    NVR: pros and cons

    IP camera

    The IP cameras, which NVR CCTV systems use, process the video data at the camera opposed to on the recorder as DVR analogue cameras do. This means that they are capable of capturing images on their own and they are able to record and send audio as well as video. They are much more advanced than the analogue cameras used by DVR CCTV systems – hence the bigger price tag.

    System usability

    Arguably, the most notable advantage of an NVR CCTV system is its wireless network feature. It does not have to be plugged into the recorder meaning, so long as each camera is connected to the same network, they can all be accessed as a complete system.

    Audio and image quality

    The video quality of the NVR IP camera is far better than that of the DVR analogue camera. It is also able to transmit audio – another reason why it is more expensive than the DVR system.

    The conclusion: DVR or NVR systems?

    It ultimately boils down to how much you are looking to spend on your CCTV surveillance. Both systems are effective and will boost the security of your company’s site tremendously. 

    NVR systems are more expensive but have better video quality, are easier to install and include audio. DVR systems are the perfect solution for customers who have a smaller budget but still want to bolster the security measures of their building.

    If you would like more information on DVR and/or NVR CCTV systems, or if you would like to inquire about a quote, please feel free to get in contact with a member of our sales team today.

  7. Sheffield Enterprise launches crowdfunding campaign following break-in

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    A Sheffield-based social enterprise, restaurant and events space has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds following a break-in four days after reopening for outdoor dining in April.

    Blend Kitchen provides opportunities to adults who face barriers when looking for employment, whether they have learning difficulties or have suffered from social injustice, offering them training and advice to receive employment in-house or across its hospitality network.

    Earlier this year, the enterprise relocated to Ecclesall Road, having had to move out from its previous home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    However, four days after opening for outdoor dining, the company was hit by a break-in during the early hours of the morning, causing damage to the restaurant from smashed windows in the main entrance and stolen items such as valuable training assets.

    The Crowdfunder campaign is aiming to raise £15,000, which will not only repair the damage caused but provide new security shutters, CCTV, improved lighting and a new secure front lobby.

    General manager Justin Rowntree said: “Blend Kitchen’s mission is to help those that have faced barriers in life, and Blend Kitchen founder Chris Hanson and I are well aware that those who broke into the restaurant are people that could probably benefit from the work we do here.”

    CCTV Surveillance – The UK’s top supplier and installation contractor of digital CCTV systems

    Having your property damaged and belongings stolen is one of the most frustrating feelings. 

    One of the most effective methods of reducing the chances of this happening to your business is to install a top-of-the-range, yet affordable, CCTV system. 

    CCTV Surveillance is the Number one UK installer and maintenance service provider of digital CCTV cameras and recording surveillance systems. We install, maintain and perennially look after large industrial and commercial CCTV installations on sites across the UK. We provide cost-effective evidence quality CCTV surveillance systems tailor-made to meet your requirements. We install systems using the right equipment for your requirements. 

    CCTV cameras can be overt or covert, indoor or outdoor, stationary or moving, and all have their own individual characteristics enabling you to choose a tailor-made solution for your particular circumstances. Not only this, CCTV Surveillance offers you high quality DVR recording systems, which can be networked together across multiple sites.

    In addition to this, we also offer facial recognition CCTV and number plate recognition. 

    If you would like more information on our affordable CCTV surveillance equipment, or if you would like a quote, please get in touch with a member of our sales team today. 

  8. Measures to tackle crime in St Michael’s ward in Workington

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    Revamped street lighting, CCTV cameras at a school, and a focus on homes previously targeted by criminals will be part of a £300,000 crackdown in a Workington crime hotspot.

    Cumbria has been allocated £311,358 to bolster security measures in St Michael’s ward in Workington.

    It has been revealed that ‘safer homes packs’ to protect 1,300 homes will be delivered by two safer street officers, based in the Allerdale Local Focus Hub.

    Street lighting will also be updated in areas including Lonsdale Street, Clay Street, Milburn Street, Harcourt Street, Fletcher Street, York Street and Gladstone Street.

    And there will also be a focus on protecting 150 homes across the area previously targeted or with vulnerabilities.

    A public realm lighting scheme will be introduced in Vulcan Park and CCTV will also be set up at St Michael’s Nursery and Infant School.

    County police and crime commissioner Peter McCall said: “I hope the residents will feel safer in their community and notice a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

    “I look forward to working with Cumbria Constabulary, Allerdale Local Focus Hub, the West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership, Allerdale Council and Cumbria County Council to make Cumbria an even safer place to live.”

    Workington MP Mark Jenkinson lived in the ward until 2015 and described it as a “hotspot” which would benefit from the cash.

    Inspector for Cumbria Constabulary, Rachel Gale, said: “Crime has a lasting impact on victims and the communities they occur in.

    “By working together effectively we will be able to prevent crime before it happens.”

    CCTV SURVEILLANCE – THE UK’S TOP SUPPLIER AND INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR OF DIGITAL CCTV SYSTEMS

    One of the most effective methods of improving security measures in crime hotspots is to have the latest CCTV surveillance system in place. 

    At CCTV Surveillance, we can offer you this service. Our highly trained operators monitor the cameras 24/7, all year round year, and can take immediate action on the video footage that they are alerted to. This is done either by using the intercom link to warn away offenders or calling the police and specified keyholders.

    Our top-range systems use the latest digital technology to provide real time viewing and control of cameras via a broadband connection. For further security and information gathering we can provide you with facial recognition CCTV software (including a revolutionary rapid deployment kit) and automatic number-plate recognition, and even facial recognition access control systems if required.

    We provide several other security services as well as remote monitoring, such as our System Takeover, where we can take on the time and responsibility of running and maintaining your existing security system for you. All of our CCTV systems can also integrate with our access control systems. For example, this could allow the automatic opening or barring of doors if a certain person is picked up on the cameras.

    For more information on our security products, please get in touch with a member of our sales team today. 

  9. How CCTV Can Help Businesses With COVID Safety Protocols

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    cctv covid safety protocols

    As businesses across the country return to working as normal, CCTV systems can aid in providing workers with a contactless and safer post-COVID routine.

    One of the biggest concerns for workers returning to work after over a year of remote working is that of the safety measures taken in order to ensure the Coronavirus is tackled efficiently and no one is at risk whilst performing their daily duties. By that, we mean desks maintaining a distance of two metres, a limited number of bodies in each room, and above all else, the disinfection and sanitisation of commonly used items.

    From keypads and common room kettles to door handles, there is a lot on a businesses’ premises that are handled by many. Whilst companies cannot police (or even monitor) workers washing their hands for more than 20 seconds every time they return from the toilet or using hand sanitiser upon re-entering a room, they can limit the time key items can be touched, and much more…

    Utilising CCTV with automatic doors

    Access control comes in many different forms — one of the most basic is that of using automatic doors in heavily populated areas, removing the need to use door handles. Linked up with a smart CCTV or sensor system, doors can open when necessary to allow entry; potentially assisting with lowering heating bills in the colder months too.

    With this, the use of facial recognition CCTV can come into play and play a huge difference in improving your security.

    How facial recognition CCTV can help

    A key advantage to using facial recognition CCTV post-COVID is businesses can use their database to grant or deny employees access to specific rooms — whether they contain sensitive material, whether they do or do not have permission to be in a specific room, or simply if there are already the maximum number of people in a room based off government guidance. Think of it as an invisible ID that can be updated and operate in real-time.

    What it means for your business

    Integrated CCTV solutions increase both your business’ safety and security, whilst allowing you to work fast and adapt to any quick changes. The systems fully support runtime alarm management and even allow the databases to be exported to common formats (PDF, Excel) ensuring you are in control of your operations.

    For more information about the range of CCTV solutions we can provide your business or to book a demo, feel free to contact us or drop us a line in our live chat below.

  10. New CCTV camera system goes live in Turriff

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    A new CCTV surveillance system worth £34,000 has gone live in Turriff town centre, covering the main business and footfall areas, a recent news report in the local media has been able to suggest.

    The Chair of Turriff Business Association Marj Chalmers confirmed that new CCTV cameras are now ‘live’ with the necessary signage installed and will be “beneficial to the safety and security of all members of the public.”

    The installation of the CCTV project was initiated by Turriff Business Association and funded by Aberdeenshire Council through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Grant Fund.

    Turriff has well over 100 businesses situated in the town of which Turriff Business Association has a membership of approximately 65 businesses who pay an annual subscription to help pay towards this type of project.

    CCTV coverage has been an item highlighted by both the local businesses and the community through public consultations via Planning for Real some years ago, and, again in the Turriff Local Action Plan 2019 initiated through Turriff and District Community Council’s Place Standard Conversation consultations.

    CCTV SURVEILLANCE – TOP UK SUPPLIER AND INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR OF DIGITAL CCTV SYSTEMS

    One of the key elements enabling Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reduce security costs was remote monitoring.

    At CCTV Surveillance, we can offer you this service. We have seen it save countless customers money just like the council due to less staff being needed on patrol and lower insurance costs.

    The CCTV Surveillance monitoring centre is staffed 24/7 all year round by highly trained operators, all of whom share a passion for security. They can take immediate action on the video footage that they are alerted to, either by using the intercom link to warn away offenders or calling the police and specified keyholders.

    Our top-range systems use the latest digital technology to provide real time viewing and control of cameras via a broadband connection. For further security and information gathering we can provide you with facial recognition CCTV software (including a revolutionary rapid deployment kit) and automatic number-plate recognition, and even facial recognition access control systems if required.

    We provide several other security services as well as remote monitoring, such as our System Takeover, where we can take on the time and responsibility of running and maintaining your existing security system for you. All of our CCTV systems can also integrate with our access control systems. For example, this could allow the automatic opening or barring of doors if a certain person is picked up on the cameras.

    If you are worried about the security of your premises, we can perform an in-depth assessment with a full spectrum penetration test which replicates real-life threats – everything from social engineering to lock picking and getting past alarms. We can also provide a smaller physical penetration-only test. If you want to reduce security costs today, please contact us on enquiries@cctv-surveillance.co.uk or ring 01480 223955.