Renault Trucks Essex has had an entirely IP CCTV system installed onto their current network to protect their property and the vehicles they service on site. The system has already proved to be a great deterrent to would-be trespassers and has provided them with a useful management tool.
Renault Trucks Essex had been experiencing a few problems with unauthorised access to the site with resulting theft of parts and vehicles, along with damage to the yard itself. “We wanted a system that would be a good deterrent to would-be trespassers and one that would provide the image quality required for prosecution should it be necessary,” explains Paul Ayer, Dealer Point Manager. Another purpose for the system was to check the condition of vehicles when they entered the yard. “Having this clear proof of condition quickly solves any potential disputes with clients as to when any damage occurred to a vehicle and removes a lot of the emotion from the process.”
Installers LG Networks suggested Sony IP cameras for the project. Six CH160 cameras have been installed externally around the perimeter of the building to cover parking areas and the access gates. “These cameras have excellent night vision and we haven’t needed to install any additional lighting to achieve the images we needed, despite the yard not being well lit at night,” explains Stuart Smallcombe, Operations Director for LG Networks. Internally, CH120 cameras view the reception area and service bays. “It’s great having cameras covering the bays for asset protection, but also to allow clients waiting in reception to see their vehicles being worked on,” says Paul. “Not only does it help occupy their time, but it also shows our professionalism behind the scenes.”
LG Networks has a long-standing relationship with Renault Trucks Essex having installed their telecoms system. “CCTV is coming far more into our skill set these days thanks to the move towards IP,” explains Stuart. “We build IP networks, and a camera is simply a device that sits on the end of these networks. Whilst our main background is in VoIP, an IP camera isn’t really that different. We needed to learn how cameras fit into the recording side of things, plus positioning, angles of view and so on. Fortunately, Sony offered us training courses to help build our knowledge and we’ve already done some very extensive IP installations that have allowed us to really hone our skills.”
Two Samsung screens are located in the Managers office and in reception respectively. At the Essex site, recordings are held on a Windows-based server. “For larger installs, we tend to use a Sony NSR as it offers a better cost solution for the cameras and amount of storage required,” says Stuart. “We also include an iPad in the package with the Sony App installed to allow for remote access of live and recorded images.
“LG Networks has always offered us a great service, and they were the logical choice to add CCTV to our networks,” says Paul. “They’re a local company and are very quick to respond to any issues we may have, not just for CCTV, but also for our phones and networks. It certainly makes sense for us to have one company cover all of these aspects.”
Norbain’s help and support has been instrumental to LG Networks moving into the CCTV arena. “We found out about Norbain during our first CCTV install at a major London hotel,” says Stuart. “We’ve been well looked after by them and they have helped us on our learning journey, advising us on key aspects of how the security industry works. Because the whole area was new to us, we had a huge number of questions, from very simple to really quite complex, but they answered them all and have been an invaluable resource for us.” He continues, “We also attended one of their IP open days recently which gave us a lot of valuable information about the industry and the technology.”
Paul is delighted with the system. “We’ve been using the cameras for about four months now and they’ve already provided us with the deterrent we were hoping for. We’ve caught a couple of potential thefts and sent photos of the perpetrators to the police. The cameras are so good, we’ve even helped our neighbours with a break in on their property – we captured everything on the system and sent the footage to the police.” The cameras are also being used to help manage the business. “We can easily see when vehicles are arriving and if there are any congestion spots developing – all from a single point. It helps that the system is so easy to use and we’ve been able to intuitively discover the best way for us to use it.”
“The new CCTV system sends out the right message to all involved,” concludes Paul. “For would-be trespassers, it clearly advertises that the property is protected and that their movements are being monitored. For customers, it shows that we value their business and are serious about protecting their property.”
