Kent & Sussex Security Ltd.

Case Study: KSS Provide Security Solutions for Redevelopment Thefts

Work has begun on converting the former Working Men's Club premises in Station Road, Ashford, Kent. Spectrum Properties is in the process of converting this large Victorian building into A4 commercial use on the ground floor comprising of a cafe/bar/ restaurant with 11 two-storey apartments above. Part of the renovation meant that the old window units were removed, leaving gaping holes in the structure. Scaffolding was erected all over the building which - combined with the missing windows - presented a security risk to plant, tools, recyclable metals and other materials which had to be left on site.

Spectrum Properties approached Kent & Sussex Security (KSS) based in Ashford, Kent, to develop an effective electronic security system, which would cover the building both externally and internally, including access to the roof via the scaffolding. Part of the system could perhaps, after completion of the redevelopment, offer a permanent security installation for the tenants.

KSS installed long-range passive infra red movement detectors covering the internal spaces and ground and first floor levels, together with point-to-point active infra red beams on the scaffolding on all four sides of the building. In total, 11 high-resolution CCTV cameras, equipped with built-in infra red lighting provided effective surveillance 24 hours per day.

Explains Geoff Hilton, Managing Director of KSS "The cameras and detectors are linked to a local alarm system, and are recorded on site. In addition to which, the system is also monitored remotely via a digital transmission system which uses broadband connection at the site to communicate with a remote monitoring station. In the event of someone straying onto the site out of hours, the monitoring station is able to view all the cameras and, depending on what they see, call the police or local guarding/key holding service."

Mr Phillip Brake of Spectrum Properties concludes, "Since the system was installed, losses from the site have ceased. This means the progress of the conversion continues without interruptions cause by missing tools and materials. A useful by-product of the system is that I am able to remotely log onto the system from my office PC and monitor day to day progress via live and recorded CCTV."