With so many CCTV critics saying we live in an “Orwellian” society now, I thought I’d re- read Nineteen Eighty Four.
What struck me was not the usual “Orwell was right, Big Brother is watching you” conclusion.
Rather it was the way the state seems to take us taxpaying ‘prols’ for fools, of not much more consequence than tame herds.
What is most worrying is not the surveillance but the way immediate history can apparently be re-written.
The latest example – the Home Secretary, widely reported throughout the media last week agreeing with a proposal that knife offenders visit stabbing victims in hospital – an idea truly worthy of Room 101 (the TV comedy show, rather than Orwell’s nightmare).
A day later, it having been universally condemned as knee-jerk nonsense, she denied she had said it..
Forget CCTV cameras, it’s this apparent disregard for our intelligence that’s really Orwellian.
Statistically speaking
On the same lines – how thin and reedy those ministerial/police responses are beginning to sound in the wake of this unprecedented spate of knife crimes.
“Well, actually crime is falling.”
Yes, and inflation is at 3.8per cent.
By some statistical target gathering we may very well be better off overall.
Some crime categories have decreased. You’re probably less likely to have your mail stolen than at any other time in recent history (down from 13,000 incidents in 2003 to just to 4,000 last year, according to the recorded crime statistics).
In many areas you may not be able to walk around at night, but at least you’ll get your bills delivered.
Door to new markets
As the industry keeps acknowledging, the domestic security market is largely an un-cracked nut. Could a new DNA-based security application be the nutcracker?
Yes, we’ve seen dye/DNA/marking systems before but they’ve been largely confined to the retail/commercial sector.
I’m sure many installers will be interested in this new front door security system that gives a whole new outlook to the humble door chain.
Despite the slinky dance floor walk of the lady in the virtual demo click-through, it seems to me to be an innovative way to illustrate the crime and the product (perhaps other manufacturers should consider this kind of thing). This DNA-based idea could make a significant impact in this largely untapped market.
Aerial views
Talking of doors, Google has been accused of making it easier for burglars with its proposals to record every street scene and front door at street level.
Ironic really. People are quite happy to have interior photos showing their treasured possessions plastered all over estate agents’ windows – and often identifiable houses, if you know the area – yet they quibble about showing a front door.
Google aerial views have already been blamed for encouraging party ‘raids’ on peoples’ swimming pools. Personally, I rather like the way aerial views are being used to play a giant find Wally game.
This is a boon for busy installers with young children. No longer any need to sit with them for hours trying to find Wally in a book. Just plonk them down in front of the screen and say ‘You find him’.
Word control
Harking back to the subject of securitygook from a couple of months ago, a story from a trustworthy source, (the Press Association, no less), proves truth is stranger than a cheap shot from me.
If your MD in his staff empowerment sessions suddenly stops talking about “brainstorming” this might be the reason.
We’ve already heard that the word ‘chav’ should not be used for fear of causing offence. Subsequent TV street interviews with hooded boys and girls with Croydon facelifts showed them proud to be described in this way.
So what will be the next word on the Thought Police’s forbidden list?
The cruellest cut
In my last newsletter I said I’d keep readers informed about the soily world of gardening crime and that master of marketing, Bill Seddon.
Now Bill, renowned for his uncanny ability to relate national news stories to his particular sector of the market, sends me his latest Gardien press release warning about “Tommy T-Leaf”
Apparently Mr T-Leaf, having plundered your plants and garden antiques (that’s enough about the wife) often returns to the homes that are a “soft targets”.
Bill says there are certain steps to take if your garden’s been pruned in such a way.
Ahem, this is a serious subject. On the Gardien site there’s even a “Victim Support” area.
I can see another Panorama ‘security special’ heading our way…
Scene: Darkened room overlooking garden.
BBC man: “And when did you last see your Flymo?”
Lady gardener: “It was Sunday afternoon. I took it out for a run and it seemed fine. I locked it in the shed. The next day it was gone.”
BBC man says nothing for cruel and embarrassing length of time. Tear rolls down victim’s cheek. “Now, just look at that grass”.
See you next time