Optex's intruder detectors optimise detection at forecourts

Optex's detectors comply with the British Standard for Detector Activated Remotely Monitored CCTV systems

The full range of Optex detectors has been installed at 70 Ford Direct forecourts across the country, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in false alarms.

The showrooms have been blighted by the nuisance of false alarm activations for many years, until Andy Bromley, Operations Director at P&R Fire and Security, was approached to investigate the problem.

Having worked successfully with Optex detectors since their inception in 1995, Andy believed they could be the solution to the ongoing difficulties, while maintaining the level one police response. "I have been specifying Optex detectors for more than 15 years as they are seen by many as the industry standard and my product of choice," Andy explains. "When the Optex detectors have replaced the lower performing equipment, our monitoring station logged at least a 60 percent reduction in false alarms."

P&R found the solution with the new Optex Redwall V wire-free detectors

Configuration problems had been identified in some of the legacy systems where multiple detectors had been connected to single cameras. BS8418, the British Standard for Detector Activated Remotely Monitored CCTV systems, calls for all detectors to be individually connected in order to be independently isolated if there are any problems. However to bring these systems in line with current standards would have resulted in a costly re-cabling exercise.

P&R found the solution with the new Optex Redwall V wire-free detectors, using the new Optex wireless transmission system which is fully compatible with the Luminite wireless receivers already installed on many of the Ford sites. This significantly reduced the installation costs on site with no compromise in performance, but with the added benefit of BS8418 compliance.

Andy Bromley adds: "The Redwall V SIP units are fairly new to us, but our engineers are very impressed with how easy they are to set up and the support from Optex has been second to none. The extensive Optex range allows us to design solutions to meet the complete security demands of the customer's site. Without the versatility and reliability of the detectors, we would not be able to do this."

Redwall V detectors includes improved mounting height, a 3 axis-accelerometer to warn of reorientation, an intelligent detection system

Due to the large nature of the sites, and in some cases the close proximity to busy public areas there is potential for a large number of false alarms.

However, the detector's improved electronics along with thermo and light sensors significantly reduce false alarms with no loss in capture rate. This in turn improves efficiency at P&R Fire and Security, as well as reducing the costs associated with false alarms.

The design of the Redwall V detectors includes improved mounting height options of 4m down to 2.3m, a 3 axis-accelerometer to warn of reorientation, an intelligent detection system that monitors the temperature and luminance of the environment and automatically adjusts the sensitivity.

Any attempt to tamper with or mask the detectors will be instantly notified to P&R's monitoring centre and the appropriate response can be taken to ensure the continued security of the site.

Nigel Hackett, Sales Director for Optex Europe concludes: "Redwall V detectors are one of the best ways to protect forecourts and exposed sites from crime. Security at all car showrooms is paramount, with theft and vandalism the major concerns. Our detectors are working effectively to prevent costly damage to the vehicles and the impact it would have on their business whilst limiting unwanted or false alarms."