In partnership with integration and managed services provider, Synetrix, and CCTV consultancy, Redbridge CCTV, ADT has helped design and install enhanced movement-detection video surveillance at two London schools on behalf of the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) – the London schools’ information and broadband network. Both schools are now linked to the Bromley Council control centre and the new technology enables participating schools to be monitored from a central point for the first time.
By making use of existing high-capacity broadband connections from Synetrix, video data can be transmitted in real time. This enables a quicker response to an incident, as well as improving image quality, which can help with criminal convictions. The upgraded system also provides live alarm monitoring to help reduce false alarms.
By using the broadband network when it is not being used for school work, schools that participate in the scheme will have the reassurance of a system that works when it is really needed – at night, on weekends and during holidays. Intruders can be ‘followed’ on screen, warned over a loudspeaker that they are being watched, and be reported to the police.
“Metropolitan Police figures show that London’s schools reported 7500 burglaries and 7300 incidents of criminal damage between 2000 and 2004,” explained John Harris, general manager of ADT’s Loughton branch. “With each incident costing GB pound 15,000 on average to rectify, having measures in place to help prevent crime of this sort has never been more important.”
