11 Dec 2015

The success of a security installation using OPTEX detectors to protect against the theft of expensive machinery and equipment at an arable farm in the North West of the UK has led to a similar system being deployed to protect turbines at a neighbouring windfarm.

Edward Fowler and his brother run the arable farm in the same region and had experienced a number of break-ins, with diesel being stolen and damage caused to farmyard machinery.

Comprehensive and advanced system

They approached local installer Eyewatch Security who specified a system that includes 15 wireless VX outdoor intrusion detectors linked to two PTZ cameras, which are remotely monitored by Eyewatch. Should any alarms be received, a rapid response vehicle is dispatched to investigate.

Managing Director of Eyewatch Security, Dean Bolton, specified a similar system to protect two sets of turbines that are also on Edward’s land; 10 VX 12m PIRs have been installed along the perimeter of each of the fields that are also remotely monitored.

Edward says the system gives everyone peace of mind that the machinery in the farmyard and the turbines on the windfarm are protected: “We had some issues previously that we did not feel our security system was suitable to deal with, so we wanted something more comprehensive and more advanced,” he says.

“The new solution not only protects all the equipment, but also has a health and safety element to it as well; when workers on the farm arrive and leave, we have a record of who is on site.”

Monitors intrusion detection in remote or isolated sites

Ricky Miwa, Managing Director of OPTEX Europe says outdoor 12m PIR sensors provide a great solution to monitor intrusion detection in remote or isolated sites: “The VX series is one of our bestselling sensors and has sold in excess of one million worldwide,” he says.

“One of the main reasons is its reliability and that the presence sensor features small animal immunity which drastically reduces unwanted alarms triggered by wildlife, which is an important feature when protecting a farmyard and windfarm.

“Ideal for event-driven CCTV applications, the VX, which can be hard-wired or wire-free has three models in the range, each with a detection pattern of 12 metres x 12 metres. The detection pattern of 90 degrees with 12m range can be rotated through 180 degrees allowing flexible mounting of the unit,” Ricky concludes.