Installer IMLAP Ltd installed the system. Director David Knapp said: “Store management wanted to concentrate the majority of the security budget on the synchronisation of the CCTV system. This meant we needed to supply a total control solution, including recording, that would interface with the mix of third party manufacturers’ equipment already present at the store.
“We specified a Synectics solution that included their SynergyPro control software and Modular Digital Recording System.”
The Fortnum & Mason security team can now constantly monitor their network of over 80 cameras using SynergyPro’s touch screen interface, navigating their way around the system via detailed floor-by-floor maps, showing all camera positions.
This function allows operators to easily follow a target around the store, by quickly and easily switching to the next available surveillance point. For operators more comfortable with a ‘traditional’ control method, camera switching and PTZ control can also be achieved via the Synectics stand-alone ‘Navigator’ joystick.
High value stock
Frank Feltham, facilities manager at Fortnum & Mason, said: “Cameras cover the shop floors, which contain a large amount of high value stock. In addition, we have all entrances and exits, restaurants, lifts, approaches to shop floors, rear of shop areas and whole of the exterior and perimeter of the building covered with Pelco camera domes.
“Because of our reputation for selling high quality, high value goods, and the attention that brings from the criminal fraternity, the new surveillance system is deployed in an invaluable role, to detect crimes ranging from opportunistic theft, to highly organised gangs of habitual criminals, who target our highest value stock, using sophisticated measures. Equally however, we use our powerful surveillance to protect the security of our customers from opportunist pickpockets, who may be attracted by our flow of clientele.
“As a by-product of our comprehensive coverage, we have been able to assist third parties in incidents that have happened off-site, such as a serious road traffic accident that happened outside the store. Through our system, we were able to provide the police with evidential footage on DVD, depicting the whole incident, caught in full on our exterior cameras.
“Our order of priority at any incident is firstly, to evaluate if there had been any witnesses, and then to assess the footage off the incident. This shows how highly we rate, and rely on the highly detailed images we can now access.”
