4 Dec 2008

 
Westcountry Security, a part of Chubb, assist Tally Ho! Coaches with protecting the company's assets
A sophisticated IP-based CCTV system from, has curbed the theft of expensive diesel from the yard of Devon-based coach and bus company Tally Ho! Coaches.

A spate of thefts of fuel and other expensive commodities from transport depots and yards, often in remote locations, prompted Tally Ho! Coaches to take action.

The company had been experiencing fuel theft sporadically for almost two years, with thieves siphoning the diesel from the vehicles, making it therefore difficult to detect.  With the recent hike in fuel prices, however, the break-ins were becoming more blatant and costly.

Tally Ho! Coaches contacted Westcountry Security, with whom managing director, Don McIntosh, had worked previously. "I felt they had the right credentials," he says.  "As part of Chubb they have the internationally recognised name behind them, while remaining local specialists, with good knowledge of the local area and people."

Westcountry proposed an IP-based CCTV solution with long-range infrared external detection where images from the cameras can be monitored remotely via the customer's laptop or PC, anywhere in the world.

"When an intruder is detected, the yard is lit up like Wembley Stadium," Don continues.  "The cameras incorporate high quality lenses that can determine car number plates and intruders' faces for use in subsequent investigations or court cases."

Prior to the installation, Don would notify the police of the thefts but without CCTV evidence it was almost impossible to find the culprits. "We have not had any fuel thefts since the new system was installed," Don concludes.  "The only incident that has occurred was when a man already known to the police broke in to sleep on one of the coaches!"

Tally Ho! Coaches is one of the largest independent bus and coach operators in South West England with over 75 years experience of coach hire.