For the past 30 years Lots Road Auctions, in London, has sold off both contemporary and antique items. The building comprises approximately 16,000 sq. ft over two floors and incorporates two main salerooms and smaller display areas, in addition to a number of administrative offices.
Nick Carter, auctioneer at the auction house, said: “The showrooms are always full of furniture and there are lots of mirrors and pictures hanging on the walls. The alarm has occasionally been activated as a result of furniture dislodging when it may have been placed in a slightly precarious position or if a picture has fallen from a wall during the night.
“There was also an occasion where a strong breeze may have moved a hanging lot tag from a chandelier which activated the alarm. We can’t expect staff to attend activations in the middle of the night for something of this nature, when they’ve already spent a long day at work.
Protecting vulnerable staff
“It means that staff don’t need to respond at vulnerable and anti-social times, which is not only inconvenient, but could potentially put them in a dangerous situation.”
As part of the contract, The Keyholding Company will dispatch a key warden to inspect the premises, within around 20 minutes of an activation.
“On arrival at the site, the key warden will verify the cause of the activation and then carry out a thorough security check of our premises,” Carter said.
“The wardens have all carried out a full recce of the premises and know the building inside out, so they can check it quickly and efficiently and take appropriate action without delay.
“The key warden will then contact our alarm company and if a break-in has occurred, they will liaise with police. If necessary, they will organise for contractors to attend on our behalf, make good any damage and re-secure the premises as quickly as possible. A detailed report of the incident is then provided the following day.”