The Advantages of Using Genesis CCTV Towers

Theft of construction equipment, machinery, building material and red diesel costs the industry over £800 million every year. The problem is worsening with over 92% of participants in a recent survey of industry professionals reporting that they experienced theft on a regular basis.

Manned guarding is a costly solution, and many construction companies now invest in portable CCTV towers that can be moved around an evolving site. Such towers are also used on utility sites, vacant properties, car parks and on highway and rail security to name but a few applications.

How Genesis CCTV Towers Can Help

Genesis PIR detectors are a popular choice on many towers as they offer features that enhance the reliability and all-round performance of these surveillance units. When fitted to a tower, Genesis PIR detectors provide a robust solution with alarm and tamper relays.

Using quad pyro PIR detectors on a tower will also help with false alarms as they offer immunity to the most common triggers such as sunlight and inclement weather. Genesis integrates with several security software platforms as well as popular CCTV cameras.

Genesis 2 detectors have the added feature of a 60-metre detection range and can be used in conjunction with lighting control on sites as a further deterrent. With a new magnetic mount and with the robust wireless capability of Genesis PIR detectors, it is quick and easy to deploy them away from the tower.

Also available for this evolving market are wireless OCULi HD visual verification PIR cameras. Users can remotely select their camera resolution, arm and disarm units, adjust sensitivity and a host of other functions via the OCULi HD cloud portal.

genesis cctv towers

Article by Laura Grainger, Luminite.

For more information on Genesis, OCULi, and more Luminite products, call our sales team on 01772 336 111. QED are the main UK distributors for Luminite products.

 

Fly-Tipping: Facts, Figures And Deterrents

Fly tipping has long been a blight on society and saw a marked increase in incidents during the Covid pandemic when many councils closed their tips. Incidents rose by over 50% in some areas and whilst most Council tips have now reopened, the increase in fly tipping has continued.

Fly-tipping is defined as ‘the illegal deposit of any waste onto land that does not have a licence to accept it.’ Local authorities and the Environment Agency both have a responsibility in respect of illegally dumped waste with certain obligations set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Councils have a duty to clear fly-tipped material from relevant land in their area so subsequently deal with the vast majority of incidents. The Environment Agency is responsible for dealing with large-scale, serious and organised illegal dumping incidents which pose a threat to human health or the environment. Responsibility for fly-tipping on private land rests with private landowners and is generally not reported in Government statistics.

Fly-Tipping: The Current Picture

To tackle the problem of fly-tipping there have been two important developments. Firstly, the fixed penalty for most fly-tipping offences has risen to a maximum of £400. In serious cases, this can rise up to £50,000 with 12 months imprisonment. Secondly, the onus is on households to check that any company they use to remove their waste carries a waste carrier’s licence. If a householder cannot prove they have delivered a duty of care in arranging disposal, they are open to a fine and possible prosecution. There is a free check service on the gov.uk website or you can call the Environmental Agency on 08708 506506.

In 2019/20 councils in England issued 75,400 on the spot penalties for fly-tipping offences and this is set to rise. In addition, 43,000 warning letters were sent to households in the same period. The estimated cost to councils of clearing up this waste was over £58 million last year. There were 976,000 fly-tipping incidents, an increase of 2% reported in 2018/19. The increase in household waste being fly-tipped in 2019/20 was over 7%. Walsall Council recently highlighted the financial strain the cleaning up of fly-tipped waste has cost them over the past five years. Spending £1.75 million pounds, the Council estimates this would have paid for 40 teachers or 42 social workers or filled 8551 potholes.

The top five most frequently fly-tipped items are:

• General household rubbish such as electrical items or mattresses
• White goods such as fridges and washing machines
• Construction, demolition and home improvement waste
• Garden rubbish
• General business waste

Uncontrolled illegal waste disposal can be hazardous to the public especially if it contains toxic material or asbestos. There is also a risk to soil quality and waterways from such waste.

Farmers are particularly affected by incidents of fly-tipping with over two-thirds affected according to a recent Farmers Weekly survey. The true scale of incidents on private land is  underestimated as not all incidents are reported. The Country Land and Business Association report that their members are ‘tired of not only cleaning up other people’s rubbish but paying for the privilege of doing so’ and have asked for the Government to act.

As evidenced in the graph below (via Emu Analytics), the majority of fly-tipping incidents occurred next to a highway and involved household waste – this represents an increase of 6% on the previous year.

Fly-Tipping: What Can Be Done About The Situation?

So how do we start to eradicate illegal fly-tipping? With a general consensus that organised criminal gangs are involved in large scale fly-tipping, there is not an easy answer. However, the Keep Britain Tidy organisation advocates enforcement, education and better recycling facilities as key to combating the offence. Various council trials have shown a decrease in household fly tipping when there is a concerted and cohesive plan in place. This includes opening recycling centres for longer hours and offering free or reduced bulky collections. By encouraging and facilitating the lawful disposal of waste, it is obvious that authorities can remove some of the drivers that lead people to dispose of waste unlawfully.

In terms of waste carrier licenses, a recent Panorama programme highlighted a distinct lack of checks and balances in place on which waste carriers get a licence as well as cases of licensed firms involved in illegal dumping. Reform of the licensing laws has been laid out in the Environment Bill currently making its way through Parliament. A Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) spokesman told the Panorama team ‘We will reform the licensing system for waste carriers to ensure stricter background and competency checks which, in combination with mandatory electronic waste tracking, will increase compliance and make it harder for criminals to operate.’

The OCULi wireless HD PIR camera is now another weapon in the arsenal for councils and other organisations as well as individuals wishing to tackle this offence. OCULi is fitted with a HD  camera and can be quickly deployed to known fly-tipping hotspots.

If the PIR is triggered from up to 15m away the unit will start filming and a 7-second video clip is available to view within seconds on the OCULi portal or free app. The images are delivered as 15 stills, stitched together at 2 frames per second to achieve the video footage. End users are able to magnify parts of the footage to read a number plate for example. Users can also request more footage of an event activation. A solar conversion kit makes it viable to live stream images and manually arm or disarm a site, overriding the automatic arming schedule.

Article by Laura Grainger, Luminite Electronics

For more information on OCULi call us on 0161 336 111. QED are the main UK distributors for Luminite products.

The Impact of Red Diesel Tax on Construction Site Security

The Impact of Red Diesel Tax on Construction Site Security

Major building companies are already facing challenges with regards to site security with the theft of equipment and machinery costing the industry over £800 million each year. In 2018 it was estimated that there were 120,000 fuel theft incidents alone. The industry is about to face further challenges with the Government recently announcing that from 1st April 2022, changes to the rebate on red diesel will come into effect causing major fuel price rises and increasing the risk of theft from construction sites of this increasingly valuable commodity. Scottish Plant, an online magazine for the Scottish construction industry went so far as to declare that ‘diesel theft will be the new growth industry’.

Red diesel is illegal for on-road vehicles as it is not currently taxed and can only be used in certain classification vehicles. It is dyed red to differentiate it from normal white diesel. Red diesel currently has a rebate of 47p per litre resulting in a duty rate of 11p per litre, whilst regular white diesel receives no rebate resulting in a duty rate of 58p per litre. On construction sites red diesel bowsers are a common sight as they fuel plant machinery such as bulldozers, excavators and cranes.

The proposed five fold increase will inevitably result in many sites storing larger quantities of red diesel ahead of the change. This will make fuel-heavy sites a particularly attractive target for thieves looking for opportunities at poorly secured sites. Post April, poorly secured sites will also suffer from opportunistic thieves looking for easy targets to steal regular white diesel.

One solution is to position an OCULi HD battery powered PIR with a built in camera to points overlooking the bowser. Upon detection of movement OCULi HD will provide rapid visual verification of the event which can be viewed in seconds via a mobile app or online portal. The new 4G version is fitted with a 5 megapixel camera, providing seven seconds of HD images upon detection. Users can also request more footage of an event activation. A solar conversion kit makes it viable to live stream images and manually arm/disarm, overriding the automatic arm schedule.

Working with current security patrols or as a standalone system, alarm events can be viewed within seconds and the appropriate response made including an audible warning via a horn speaker. OCULi HD units are also fitted with a powerful IR providing an extra deterrent at night. Costs can be saved by ascertaining the cause of the alarm and filtering out non-events meaning personnel do not have to attend unnecessarily. Units can be wall mounted or affixed to scaffolding or CCTV towers.
Sites where red diesel will be exempt from the tax increase include land used for agriculture, fish farming and forestry. It is likely that these sites could be more prone to theft as a result of the duty changes. Also exempt will be non-commercial sites where red diesel is used in generators for heat and electricity and these include places of worship, hospitals and town halls.

For more product information on OCULi HD go here or call our team on 01772 336 111.

Our Brands and Partners

Partnering with brands that offer the highest quality products and follow the same core values as us is at the heart of our business.

Luminite

Luminite Electronics

Luminite Electronics remain our longest standing partners since our establishment back in 1997. Luminite are specialists in PIR detection and wireless alert systems: designing and manufacturing products from their factory in North London for over 37 years. Luminite possess extensive experience in both the security and home automation markets.

Shop Luminite

Uniview

Uniview

Back in 2019, partnering with one of the global leaders in the security industry was a proud moment for us. Uniview products have a really high-quality look and feel. Image quality is incredible, and the product has the competitive ability to be able to compete in terms of cost with other leading brands, without compromising functionality or build quality.

Shop Uniview

Tenda

Tenda

Back in 2020, we became the sole distributor of Tenda products for the IPCCTV market in the UK. We made a decision to partner with Tenda as they are recognised as a leading supplier of networking devices. More importantly, we believe you will reap the biggest benefit as we will offer a range of high-performance networking solutions at a very competitive price.

Shop Tenda

IndigoVision

IndigoVision

We chose to partner with IndigoVision back in 2018 because they provide a unique product range and withhold the same core value as us: putting the customer first. IndigoVision provide open, end-to-end video security systems. With no single point of failure, the ability to add any number of products to your installation and a system that’s incredibly network friendly, you can be reassured your security system’s performance is top-notch.

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Nexus School Lockdown

TEACH Multi-Academy Trust Installs Nexus Lockdown System

TEACH is a Multi-Academy Trust of primary schools comprising two infant schools, two junior schools and an Initial Teacher Training Centre. The academy trains up to 30 primary school teachers per year in Canford Heath, a suburban area of Poole, Dorset. Almost 1500 pupils, ages 4yrs to 11yrs, attend the four schools.

Problem & Solution

The Trust’s Health and Safety Coordinator faced a challenging task to provide an effective lockdown alert system for each school. Luminite’s Nexus critical alert range was chosen to provide a wireless solution, negating the need for a hard-wired system which would be costly in terms of resources and installation.

Luminite supplied a mixture of internal and external units meaning that no matter where the initial alert point was triggered and due to ‘flood technology’, all pupils and staff both inside and out would hear the voice alert and see the flashing blue beacons. Nexus lockdown units are deliberately blue in colour to differentiate them from fire beacons and there are 32 sounds to choose from to further differentiate them from fire alarms. The fact that the Nexus system could be installed by the Trust’s own Site Managers was a significant advantage, as their installation was quick and easy requiring no specialist or technical skills.

The TEACH Trust H&S Coordinator said:

“The Nexus system was installed without any disruption to the school day by the Site teams, following simple instructions supplied by Luminite who were available throughout for back-up support. After fully preparing our pupils for the event, we successfully completed lockdown drills without causing any distress to pupils or staff. There are no ongoing maintenance costs, other than a 3-yearly change of batteries and we would recommend the system to other educational establishments.”

Laura Grainger from Luminite commented: ‘We are conscious that especially in the current climate, school budgets must be spent wisely and we were happy to supply advance demo units to the school in order for them to test thoroughly. A consideration for the TEACH Trust was that they could easily add units to the system if needed and Nexus allows them to do this.’

View the product range here

Or call our friendly and professional team on 01772 336 111.

Luminite PIR vs Analytics

PIR vs Analytics

With the advance of deep learning analytics in the industry is the death bell tolling for traditional PIR motion detectors?

Luminite has designed and manufactured a wide range of external PIRs – for over 30 years. In this time, the company has produced a range of wireless detectors with a transmission range that is unrivalled in the industry. With the advance of deep learning analytics in the industry, is the death bell tolling for traditional PIR motion detectors? A loaded question as therein lies the problem – what is a typical PIR? With so many variants including lens type, detection patterns hard-wired and wireless, it is very difficult to make a definitive comparison.

Perhaps the question shouldn’t be PIR versus Analytics. As the two can create a robust perimeter security solution when used together. Both technologies benefit the client: the medium to long-range sensor for the initial detection and the onboard analytics for verification. Therefore, PIRs give a layered approach to a perimeter security solution. If for any reason software is compromised, a site still has a functioning line of defence in their surveillance.

Delivering high detection with low false alarms

A well-positioned PIR working in conjunction with CCTV offers the best solution: with different systems trading off one another’s strengths to create a more powerful end solution, delivering high detection with low false alarms. False alarms are, of course, the main bug bear for any security installer. Law enforcement studies consistently report that over 90% of alarms resulting in a police response prove to be false. The research and development at Luminite place the installer at the centre of everything it does – what best solution can we offer given various constraints? These may be due to budget, power supply, environment – any number of factors.

Luminite Genesis PIR

What causes false alarm tiggers?

Sunlight is one of the main triggers for false alarms, meaning we can never fully eradicate false alarms. However, Genesis 2 detectors offer the best defence, with the optics coated in black indium to specifically guard against reflections from the sun.

Experienced installers want the ability to adjust settings for optimum detections. Genesis 2 detectors employ quad pyro sensors; and triggering body heat in each quadrant activates a detection. PIRs generally perform better against video analytics at night. This is due to their ability to accurately capture infrared wavelengths emitted by the human body, and distinguishing that from other visual ‘noise’. Whereas analytic detection is adversely affected by shadows and low-lit areas. Weather related false alarms can also prove to be a huge headache for CCTV operators and traditional PIRs generally perform very well in heavy rain and fog.

Using Analytics

‘Post-incident forensics’ are a major driver for using analytics. Security analytics tools can provide insights into where an intrusion/attack originated, a detailed timeline of the incident; as well as compromised resources. This ability to reconstruct and analyse an incident can improve organisational defences to guard against future potential breaches. However, these features are generally only found in top end model. Most standard video analytics are still pretty basic, analysing a two-dimensional screen and individual pixels.

Cost is a driving force

Cost, of course is a huge deciding factor. Whilst top end video analytics may perform better than traditional PIRs on some sites, cost is a driving force. Generally, the most cost-effective solution is PIRs alongside analytics. Using analytics software relies heavily on the installer’s expertise. If incorrectly configured, there is a serious danger that the software can ignore the activities and events that should be detected.

To conclude, of course analytics wins if the client requires advanced scrutiny of the movements on a site. However, for robust intrusion detection, analytics alongside traditional PIR technology offers an effective and cost saving combination.

The Top 10 Reasons to buy OCULi

TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY OCULi

  1. OCULi is completely wireless – it requires no cabling, WiFi or alarm panel. Simply insert batteries, activate the SIM and you are ready to receive images.
  2. This makes OCULi highly cost effective as there is no other equipment to purchase or installation costs to consider.
  3. The video of the event starts filming within 500 milliseconds of detection and uploads to the portal over 3G within seconds.
  4. OCULi is supported by a unique user friendly portal. This allows users to self monitor sites without having to use a monitoring service. As well as viewing events, users can change the arming schedule, adjust sensitivity settings, assign a hierarchy of users and check battery and data usage amongst a host of other functions.
  5. The free mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Video images are received by PUSH notification within seconds of detection, aiding a rapid response.
  6. Improved SIM packages mean there is a tariff for everyone. You can even use your own SIM (cloud server fee applies)
  7. Adding a speaker for voice challenge is quick and easy. The speaker is already supplied with connectors for the OCULi unit and enabling voice on SIMs is a simple process.
  8. Images are captured at full VGA (640 x 480) – four times greater resolution than the closest competitor to OCULi.
  9. A unique time-lapse feature enables users to see a snapshot of the detection zone every hour to show a 24 hour timeline of the site.
  10. If users are using a monitoring service, OCULi integrates with both IMMIX and SENTINEL software platforms.

Have you taken advantage of the extra 10% off the OCULi Wireless PIR Camera? The offer is available until Monday 14th October – so make the most of it whilst it’s around!

Email Us: sales@qedgroup.co.uk
Call Us: 01772 336 111

Luminite OCULi

 

Knives in the Classroom – the Importance of Lockdown Systems in Learning Environments

The latest BBC Panorama programme aired on 9th September 2019 and featured ‘Knives in the Classroom’. The programme was presented by Chanell Wallace whose brother was stabbed to death when she was 11.

The programme highlighted some horrific statistics, perhaps the most worrying of which was that 17,000 children between the ages of 10 and 15 have carried a knife in the last year.

Panorama canvassed the views of the Teachers’ Union, the NASUWT which has 300,000 members. Of those that responded over half said knives had been found on children in their schools in the last year.  48% said that knife crime was having a damaging effect on educational performance and 65% believed that knife crime was damaging the mental health of pupils.

The Panorama programme concentrated on Leyton Sixth Form College in East London which regularly carries out searches on children and has 6 to 8 security officers on duty at any one time during the school day. Just under half of all colleges and schools in London are using knife wands to search pupils and the Mayor of London has stipulated that he wants to roll this out. Of the Teachers’ Union representatives that responded to the Panorama programme, 43% said that security had been stepped up at their school or college in the last 12 months.

As part of any Ofsted inspection, schools and colleges will be asked to produce a Lockdown Policy – at present they do not need to have a Lockdown system in place. However, Ofsted now advocate a dedicated lockdown alarm be in place, distinctive in sound to the fire alarm.

The Nexus Lockdown system has been designed as a simple, rapidly deployable range of call and alert points aimed at alerting staff and pupils to an event requiring lockdown. A Lockdown system may be activated in response to any number of situations including a student or intruder spotted on site with a potential weapon. The aim of any Lockdown procedure is to protect children and staff from harm until police arrive to take control of the situation. Nexus units are battery powered so no expensive and time-consuming wiring is required. A system can be installed and tested in a matter of hours and will come in at a fraction of the cost of a wired PA system.

Leyton Sixth Form College is spending £200,000 per year on security. Whilst the Government have recently announced extra funding for schools, nothing has been allocated specifically for security.  However, according to the programme, the Government is considering new security guidance on school safety and headteachers must look more closely at what procedures they already have in place.

Knives and weapons in schools is not a problem that is going away. In the three years leading up to 2018, it is estimated that 28,000 children in England and Wales have become gang members. Answers to these worrying statistics may come in the form of positive role models and mentors for students, but in the meantime schools must strive to be seen as a safe haven for children and staff. Chanell ended the programme by saying “Knives are changing childhood and changing schools. Today teachers are not only responsible for getting pupils through exams, they have to teach them how to stay safe and away from knives.”Luminite Nexus Wireless Alert – call us on 01772 336 111 for a demonstration and talk about who we can help you introduce a school lockdown system.

Nexus School Lockdown

Wireless Innovations for Construction Site Security and Critical Alert

oculi wireless camera

Did you know, theft of construction equipment and machinery costs the construction industry over £800 million a year? Most sites have restricted power supply; therefore making the installation of a full CCTV system impossible.

The OCULi Wireless PIR Camera

OCULi wireless PIR cameras work with security guards to alert them of an event via PUSH notifications to their mobile phone. Superior VGA 640 x 480 colour video starts filming in just a few milliseconds after detection. Therefore, guards can decide on the required response. Improved monochrome night-time clarity is achieved using powerful IR LED lighting.

Two lithium D cells power the OCULi units, with an average life span of around 9-12 months. They are supplied with a non-network specific, EU roaming SIM. Tariffs start at £5.00 per month. Also, you can use your own SIM if required (cloud server fee applies).

Furthermore, OCULi units can be self-monitored or integrated with monitoring centres using the Immix, Sentinel or Webeye platforms.

The NEXUS Lockdown Systemnexus lockdown

HSE Fire Safety guidelines (HSG168) require construction sites to have a VISUAL and AUDIBLE alert to fire.

Nexus battery operated units can be quickly installed on a construction site whilst building is in progress and can be deployed as the site evolves.

Activating one NEXUS unit triggers all units within range to sound an audible alert / announcement along with a flashing beacon.

You can site the units 1km apart and external units are weatherproof to IP66.

Magna Alert Amplifiers

There’s a new Amp on The Block!

Quality Essential Distribution’s new Magna Alert Amplifiers are very special in their own way. The one, big difference that makes these amplifiers so much more efficient is the programmable alarm trigger. Alert Amplifiers consist of all the same features as a regular 100V line amplifier. However, Magna Alert has the alarm input feature; thus, triggering any MP3 file downloaded to its internal memory.

Magna Alert Amplifiers

Magna Alert Amplifiers: the details you need to know

QED’s Magna Alert Amplifiers are available in three different models. A 30w, 60w and 120w unit. Each have a speaker output of 100v or 70v, as well as 4, 8 and 16 Ohms to suit most applications. Alert 30 is a small, compact unit for desktop use. Whereas the 60w and 120w units are rack mountable.

With the addition of a pressure pad, PIR, door access or gate control, (basically any product that has an opening or closing pair) you can detect the intruders and then deter them with the Magna Alert audio warning message. The alarm trigger is ideal for anywhere in which audio warning may be needed in a single zone broadcast. So, let’s think of an example to put our new amplifiers into perspective…

Example: You own a piece of private land / property. Every so often, you find yourself dealing with trespassers. When your PIR system detects intruders, the Magna Alert audio warning message is triggered. Furthermore, the audio states “warning, you are trespassing on private property. Leave immediately or you will be prosecuted.” This way, the intruder is directly addressed and they know they are trespassing.

Furthermore, our Alert Amplifiers have a built in MP3 player, SD card and USB input on the front panel for your files. With the infrared remote, you can easily control the FM Radio, Bluetooth and MP3. Lastly, you can operate the amplifier from AC mains supply, or 24vdc for low voltage applications.

Magna Alert Amplifier Video

Do you want to find out more about our Amplifiers? Then we suggest you watch our new YouTube video below. Olivia explains the amplifier as she points out the main key features for you to be aware of. You can subscribe to our channel for future product videos by clicking our little logo in the bottom right corner of the video! Or simply visit our channel here.

Shop our Magna Alert Amplifier Range.

security-training

Technical Product Training Day

We believe that having well trained staff is absolutely crucial to your business. With a wide range of free training courses to choose from, we will leave you feeling happy, confident and knowledgeable.

Our popular Luminite Approved Installer Programme; as well as Cabling, Magna Public Address, Access Control, Fibre Optics, Networking, IP CCTV and bespoke training are all courses we can offer you.

QED have recently attended a technical product training day in Birmingham with one of their customers. Soon after, the two teams took off to relax and socialise at the Pushkar Indian Restaurant for a bite to eat and a few drinks.

Do you believe your staff need to be trained in any of the above areas? If so, don’t hestitate to enquire now. All courses can take place at our offices in Preston. However, we can accommodate a more convenient location if required.

A Productive Day:

security-training
The Meeting Room
security-training
QED ready!
security-training
Pushkar Indian Restaurant, Birmingham

 

Exclusive Distributor – Politec Beams

We are delighted to announce the signing of an exclusive agreement with Politec, PIR Beam manufacturers. Politec are an Italian company committed to developing advanced point to point beam technology. The Politec beams sets are a fantastic addition to the range and have been an instant hit with our customers.

The range integrates perfectly with the Luminite range of Genesis detectors, alongside having a number of options to suit all needs. There are ranges suited to simple window protection, through to large scale commercial applications, for example airports or army bases.

Ian Smith (Sales Director), stated, “Speed was the main reason we partnered with Politec, the Single Man Set up is a massive selling point, the fact that they can be ordered as a simple single part number, makes a massive difference to the customer. Alongside time on site being such an important factor nowadays and is easily forgotten at point of order. All these factors where answered by the Politec range”

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