Renault Trucks puts brakes on out of hours trespassers

The company had been experiencing a few problems with unauthorised access to the site, in turn leading to the theft of parts and vehicles along with damage to the yard itself.

“We wanted a security 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,” explained Paul Ayer, the company’s dealer point manager.

Another purpose for the new system would be 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,” stated Ayer, “and removes a lot of the emotion from the process.”

Installer 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,” enthused 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,” explained Ayers. “Not only does it help occupy their time, but it also shows our professionalism behind the scenes.”

CCTV as part of the skills set

LG Networks has a long-standing relationship with Renault Trucks Essex having previously installed its telecoms system.

“CCTV is coming far more into our skills set these days thanks to the move towards IP,” commented Smallcombe. “We build IP networks, and a camera is simply a device that sits on the end of these networks. While 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 completed some very extensive IP installations that have allowed us to really hone our skills.”

Two Samsung screens are located in the manager’s office and in the reception area at the Essex site. All 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,” said Smallcombe. “We also include an iPad in the package with the Sony App installed to allow for remote access of live and recorded images.”

One company covering all aspects

“LG Networks has always offered us a great service, and they were the logical choice to add CCTV to our networks,” explained Paul Ayer. “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 covering all of these aspects.”

In truth, 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 installation at a major London hotel,” said Smallcombe. “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. As the whole area was new to us, we had a huge number of questions, from very simple to really quite complex, but Norbain answered them all and have been an invaluable resource for us.”

Interestingly, representatives from LG Networks also attended one of Norbain’s recent IP open days which gave them a lot of valuable information about the industry and the technology involved.

Deterrent effect already in action

Certainly, Paul Ayer of Renault Trucks Essex is delighted with the security system that has been installed and commissioned.

“We’ve been using the cameras for about four months now and they’ve already provided us with the criminal deterrent we were hoping for,” he said. “We’ve caught a couple of potential thefts and sent photos of the perpetrators to the police. The cameras are so good, in fact, that 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 in general, it seems. “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. We’ve been able to intuitively discover the best way for us to use it.”

In conclusion, Ayer commented: “The new CCTV system sends out the right message to all involved. For would-be trespassers, it clearly advertises the fact that the property is protected and that their movements are being monitored. For customers, it shows them that we value their business and are deadly serious about protecting their property.”