Security Features - November 2008

Nottingham Security Boss Found Guilty
25 charges – guilty on all counts
October 2008 at Nottingham Magistrates Court, James William Turner, chief executive of Stealth Security pleaded guilty to offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
Turner pleaded guilty to 24 Section 5(1) offences – deploying unlicensed operatives and one Section 19(5)(b) – failing to provide information to the SIA.
Turner (48) from 51 Woodchurch Road, Arnold, Nottingham received a 12-month community punishment order during which, he will need to undertake 40 hours community service. Due to Turner’s circumstances, he was ordered to pay costs of £1000.
John Montague, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “The investigation into Stealth’s security provision has already led to the prosecution of several of Turner’s employees who were found working unlicensed so we are pleasedthat he has been convicted of the more serious crime of supplying unlicensed operatives.
“The court clearly recognised the importance of an SIA licence in helping to maintain public safety. By deploying unlicensed operatives, Turner put the public at risk and showed blatant disregard for the law.”
Unlicensed activity can be reported to the SIA anonymously through Crimestoppers or via the SIA website.
SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available 24-hours on the SIA website.
www.the-sia.org.uk

Now the clocks have gone back – time to focus on wireless security systems
Ideal for dark evenings – extra home security for peace of mind.
Now with the dark autumnal evenings, it’s the ideal time for homeowners to add security to their property. Research among burglars shows alarms, CCTV & security lighting are three of the top five things that deter them from targeting a property. Leading security specialist Micromark has a range of easy to fit wireless security systems to provide total peace of mind in these key categories.
In contrast to traditional stand alone security lighting systems, Micromark’s Sense-it gives a comprehensive range of options that wirelessly link together to provide maximum protection. Sense-it units are easy to install in convenient locations - the sensor can be placed anywhere as it is battery operated (with a 50m transmitter range). The sensor could be placed over a garden gate or a pathway and, when triggered, a light/receiver turns on - either alerting you indoors, or making it appear to a would-be trespasser that the property is occupied.
As burglars have become more savvy about house break-ins, so Micromark continues to up the ante with its new product development in CCTV systems and alarms. The new range includes panning cameras, and alarms with built-in features such as contacting up to six people by phone if triggered and a ‘panic’ button – ideal for elderly people. Many CCTV kits also have the option to automatically record CCTV footage on a video/DVD recorder and include night vision. The emphasis for the new range is: effective protection, ease of installation and being a powerful visible deterrent to the potential burglar.
Sense-it
There are three Sense-it starter kits available that feature both a sensor and floodlight or plug-in socket, but each unit in the Sense-it range can be purchased individually. Buyers/trade installers can then have the flexibility to pick and choose all the items required to customise their installation.
Sense-it Plug-In Socket Starter Kit
Kit includes Plug-In Socket (MM70269) and Movement Sensor (MM70267). See specification of products below. When anyone is detected by the movement sensor, a wireless signal is sent to the indoor mains Plug-In Socket. The socket then automatically turns on a table lamp or other appliance connected to it making it appear you are inside your home. Kit is expandable so you can add other Sense-it products:
4Movement Sensor
4Plug-In Socket
CCTV systems
4Wireless CCTV colour camera kit
Ideal for locations where cabling is undesirable:
Install in minutes - no wiring between camera and receiver unit required
See and hear from camera location
High power infra-red LED lights for improved night-time vision
Signal range – up to 100m (may reduce to 30m between brick walls)
Alarms
Easyfit 400 Wirefree Telecommunicating Burglar Alarm System

NSI Gold Companies Take Six Awards
Five National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Gold approved companies won six of the awards at the 2008 Security Excellence Awards recently held in London at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel.
Pride of place goes to Northampton based Guarding Gold approved Vision Security Group who took two awards, being voted the Security Guarding Company of the Year and were also awarded the Security Training Specialist of the Year with the Bank of America Security Specialists Training Programme.
Two other Guarding Gold companies were also successful. Business Watch Guarding Ltd of Telford won the newly introduced SIA ACS Champion Award, with Liverpool based Carlisle Security Services Ltd winning the Security Partnering Initiative of the Year, with the Merseyrail Transport Security Project.
Honours also went to two NACOSS Gold approved companies. The category of Large Security Installer of the Year was awarded to Universal Security Systems based in East London, with Siemens Building Technologies Security Systems of Sunbury on Thames’ Service Team, receiving the award for Customer Care Initiative of the Year.
NSI’s Chief Executive, Andrew White, commented, “I congratulate the companies on their success. This is yet another year when NSI approved companies have been high achievers at the Security Excellence Awards. Each company should be proud of its success and I would hope working to the high standards demanded by NSI has helped them in their achievement. I also congratulate the many other NSI approved companies who were finalists and encourage others to work towards the standards that could help them raise their profile further through winning these awards.”

Is your Fire Protection System Up to Scratch?
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is calling on all organisations who have a fire detection and alarm system to ensure they have adequate third party certification following a re-launch of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association’s (CFOA) policy for reducing false fire alarms. CFOA’s more stringent policy now focuses on all fire detection and alarm systems, instead of alarms only received through alarm receiving centres.
CFOA endorses the use of UKAS accredited third party certificated companies for fire protection products and related services stating that “…third party quality assurance can provide confidence, both as a means of satisfying you that the goods and services you have purchased are fit for purpose, and as a means of demonstrating that you have complied with the law…”
The policy takes into account the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), which applies to virtually every type of building, structure and outdoor space, with the exception of single occupancy domestic dwellings. A consequence of the RRO is that fire brigades no longer issue fire certificates, placing increased responsibility on the ‘responsible person’ at every premises.
Julian Stanton, NSI Marketing Manager, comments: “Organisations are legally obliged to have evidence to show that systems are fit for purpose and correctly installed and maintained in accordance to British Standards. Furthermore, CFOA has also endorsed the use of UKAS accredited third party certificated companies, such as those approved through NSI’s Fire Gold and Silver schemes for fire detection and alarm systems.”
For further information visit: www.nsi-fire.org.uk or call 0845 006 3003.

REMAS Ltd provide electronic manned guard solution
REMAS Ltd, the West Midlands based security installation company, has successfully used CCTV with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to replace manned guarding at The Business Village, an industrial park in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire (www.businessvillage.co.uk) whose tenants include the Porsche owners club.
The ANPR system recognises and records the registrations of all vehicles entering or leaving the site, flashing the registration up on a large LED display above the on-site gate house. CCTV dome cameras record all other site activity, which can be viewed and controlled from the gate house and from The Corps remote monitoring station, a BS8418 compliant service giving 24/7 operator coverage.
Site access is constantly monitored and any unwanted visitors are identified and asked to leave via speaker. Video evidence can also be provided for prosecution purposes. Should intruders remain on-site after a verbal warning, or if a key-holder response is required, The Corp instigate a site visit from Phoenix Security, a local patrol service – alternatively the police can be asked to provide the initial response
REMAS director, Mike Paul explained, “The system has proven to be more effective than a manned guard and at a far less cost. Theft, vandalism, trespass, intrusion and false alarms are now rare and the lone worker and health and safety issues that can face manned guards are avoided. The Business Village is also able to offer improved services to its tenants including using ANPR data for monitoring staff and visitor time keeping.”
For more information contact: REMAS Ltd, Mike Paul:
tel: 0121 585 8687 or 0844 984 9645

Easyprox compact keypad: Access Control in a Door Handle
Paxton Access Ltd (www.paxton.co.uk) has recently launched the Easyprox compact keypad, a standalone system that offers the same installation convenience as its proximity counterpart. This all-in-one, battery powered, keypad, lock and access control system is perfect for internal security. With its control electronics housed within the keypad, and the battery power source replacing mains wiring, it’s incredibly easy to install.
Easyprox compact keypad therefore provides an economical answer to doors once deemed ‘too insignificant or ‘too difficult’ to secure due to inaccessible power supplies. The system’s understated appearance of brushed steel and black plastic makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications.
“I think that Easyprox keypad is well suited to a number of different environments. For example in a retail outlet it’s a great way to prevent customers from entering ‘staff only’ areas and stockrooms. Additional applications could include classrooms, sports halls, cleaning cupboards and university halls of residence,” Adam Stroud, Sales and Marketing Director, Paxton Access.
Adam continues, “In theory it’s even better value than its proximity forerunner because users don’t require tokens. I can’t think of a more convenient way of implementing internal access control. The system can be installed, and in use in under two hours.”

iWatch CCTV security tower folds out of a car trailer
Specialist CCTV monitoring company, iWatch, has launched its trailer mounted CCTV tower, iGuard. Simply towed into position by car and set-up in minutes, the iGuard links to iWatch’s own CCTV monitoring station for round the clock surveillance by trained CCTV operators. The iGuard system offers almost instant visual protection of vulnerable areas and can help secure sites requiring a temporary security solution. iGuard is only available on a monthly rental basis through selected security installation companies. The rental fee includes delivery of the iGuard to site within 24 hours, set-up, monitoring for the duration of its deployment and its eventual removal from the site.
iGuard uses advanced 3G mobile phone based CCTV video transmission technology for a wireless network connection, enabling its remote monitoring and control. The trained operators react instantly to unwanted site activity. They can ask intruders to leave the site via iGuards’ built-in speakers or even request a police response to more severe incidents. A battery back-up and optional LPG generator mean that an entirely stand-alone solution is also available.
iGuard has already been successfully used in the construction industry, by manned guarding companies, local authorities, police forces and the organizers of public events.

Efficient security floodlights from Marl
New LED-based security floodlights from Marl offer exceptionally powerful downward illumination – but draw just 30W and can last for over ten years.
Marl 742 series high brightness security lights use four efficient LED light engines in a ruggedized, vandal-resistant, IP65 rated enclosure to deliver a low energy, low maintenance solution for perimeter, path, driveway, industrial and other security lighting applications. The lights can last for over ten years, based on a rated life of 50,000 hours, and twelve hours continuous use per day, and draw just 30W when in use.
The 742 series enclosure has been design to minimise light pollution, casting its beam downwards to provide a wide area of clear white illumination below. This feature further helps improve the efficiency of the unit. The lamps have a number of 20mm conduit entry points on the back and sides allowing maximum flexibility when mounting the unit. Mounting brackets for internal and external corners, as well as a pole mounting bracket are optionally available if required.
The rugged case is sealed against moisture and dust ingress to IP65, and features die-cast aluminium construction with a prismatic polycarbonate lens to protect the lamp against accidental damage and deliberate attack. The Marl 742 series is manufactured in the UK at the company’s ISO9001 approved site in Ulverston, England.

Northern Ireland businesses warned: act now for security regulation
Get ready for regulation. That was the firm message to Northern Ireland’s private security industry and its customers from David Cave, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Project Manager leading the industry’s transition in Northern Ireland, at a Reliance Security Services conference of security buyers in Belfast on 14th October.
Mr Cave said the regulation of the private security market must not suffer the problems that were experienced in the rest of the UK, which underwent licensing between 2006 and 2007, when many security personnel left it to the last minute to undergo the necessary checks and training. The result was a backlog of applications to the Government regulator, the Security Industry Authority, and a shortage of licensed security staff.
“Preparation is everything,” said Mr Cave. “Whether you are a buyer of security services or a supplier, now is the time to begin planning how the licensing process will affect your business.”
Northern Ireland’s private security industry is due to begin regulation in December 2009 when it will become an offence to work in the sector without a licence. It will cover all those involved in contract guarding duties, including door staff at clubs, CCTV operators in public places and those involved in vehicle clamping.
Mr Cave emphasised that it was the responsibility of the individuals concerned to apply to the SIA for a licence, rather than the companies themselves. They would then undergo a 4-day training course and a criminal record check.
Richard Rowlands, security consultant for global operations at HBOS, said the benefits of regulation in the rest of the UK were already being felt with contracted security staff being better trained, motivated and more professional. “I am a passionate believer in regulation,” he told the audience.
David Donnelly, Quality Improvement Director for Reliance Security Services, said that even though there were 14 months to go before regulation came into force in Northern Ireland, businesses should not be complacent.
“Security buyers should talk to their suppliers and vice versa. Get a plan together and talk to the SIA sooner rather than later.” He added that although it was up to individual staff to apply for licensing, Reliance had taken the decision to pay for and support its 10,000 staff through regulation in the rest of the UK.

Niscayah Becomes ATM Industry Association Member Sponsor’s role at London security conference
Security systems specialist Niscayah has announced its membership of the international ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), along with concurrent sponsorship participation of the ATMIA’s ATM Security 2008 Conference in London (27-28 Oct 2008).
As the leading provider of security systems support to the UK’s retail banking sector, Niscayah has a 20-plus year history of involvement with ATM security. “Increasing diversification of ATM operation, away from the purely bank-operated model, has indicated to us the importance of the ATMIA in moving forward with this industry,” explained Peter Romanov, Niscayah’s Business Development Director.
Graham McKay, Executive Director of ATMIA Europe/Middle East commented: “I am very pleased to welcome a security specialist such as Niscayah to the ranks of our membership and delighted at the sponsorship opportunity they have taken up so early on.”
Visit: www.niscayah.co.uk, www.atmia.com/europe
For further information: Niscayah Limited , Tim Harris, Corporate Communications Manager, tim.harris@niscayah.co.uk, Tel: 020 8553 5932
For further information on Niscayah Group visit: www.niscayah.com

First Cyber Security warns on poisoned DNS caching issue
First Cyber Security, the IP authentication and validation specialist, is warning companies to watch out for a rapidly increasing internet security threat known as poisoned DNS caches.
"The problem", says David Holman, the firm's director, "came to prominence in July when CERT - the Computer Emergency Response Team - issued an advisory on DNS cache poisoning, noting that it can fool users into inadvertently giving away personal details on the internet and can also trigger malware infections and email problems."
"Every user on the Internet, from tier one ISPs down to the simple home user, relies on domain name lookup tables, which translate a given domain name into the relevant numeric IP address", he said.
"With DNS cache poisoning, DNS lookup tables are corrupted and the numeric IP addresses of fake web pages are inserted in place of the real addresses for popular sites. Then, when a user types in a correct URL they are routed to the false page, instead of the real one" he added. "From then on, any details they enter such as usernames and passwords can be captured by third parties and used as part of internet fraud including identity theft."
"Solving the problem is not going to be easy for the IT security industry," says Holman, "as conventional IT security systems and software can find it difficult to protect against the problem effectively."
“The average computer user is not an IT specialist, and shouldn’t need to be to use the internet safely” added Holman. First Cyber Security provides consumer facing independent web site validation designed specifically to protect against this threat.

Minister to speak at Skills conference
Skills for Security has announced that the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Goggins MP, whose responsibilities include security and policing in the six counties, will speak at the Skills for Security conference in Belfast on 11th November.
In accepting the invitation the minister wrote “As we continue to prepare for the introduction of SIA regulation in Northern Ireland ensuring that all those working within the private security industry are trained to the proper industry standards is essential. Skills for Security play a vital role in that and I am glad to support you at your conference.”
The event will take place at the La Mon Hotel on 11th November. Other speakers include SIA Chief Executive Mike Wilson and Siofra O’Reilly of the Federation of Licensed Retailers in Northern Ireland. Full details and booking facilities can be found at www.events.skillsforsecurity.org.uk
Skills for Security is the Skills and Standards Setting Body for the Security Business Sector and is leading the way in raising standards to meet the demand for a more professional, highly trained and skilled workforce. Skills for Security works with employers to raise skills levels and provide a workforce that is fit for purpose.
Skills for Security works with employer consultation groups that represent England, Northern Ireland Scotland and Wales. It is also engages with government, devolved administrations and key stakeholders across the UK.
For more information see www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk, email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk or telephone 08450 750111