New video alarm system launched

to improve its rapid response to emergencies.
The video alarm system is a wireless system that functions using the cellular network.
Speaking at the launch, SafeGuard Alarms managing director Mr Reason Chitiva said the video alarm system is an enhancement of existing systems, as it allows informed response to where crime is taking place.
“The new video alarm system enables our rapid response centre to see what is happening at your premises within seconds of your alarm going off.
“Basically, the video alarm provides our control room with an eyewitness view of the crime in progress. This represents a great advance in the remote monitoring service that we are able to offer our customers.
“When an alarm alert is received we are able to see exactly what is happening.
“The video verifies if the alarm is genuine and shows us what our reaction team can expect when it arrives at the crime scene,” said Mr Chitiva.
The video cameras for this alarm system are built into infrared passive motion sensors, and can be installed inside or outside buildings.
In terms of functions, when the alarm goes off, the camera is also activated and a series of 10 second video clips are sent to SafeGuard’s rapid response control room via cellular network.
The video clips can also be forwarded onto the client’s cellphone from the control room.
The camera covers a distance of 4,5 metre indoors and 8,5 metres outdoors and in terms of Radio Frequency has relative signal strength of 500 metres (open air).
According to SafeGuard, the new video system is ideal for after-hours protection of both domestic and commercial premises such as large factories, banking halls and warehouses among other properties.
It could also prove valuable in protecting critical infrastructure such as street lights, traffic lights, electricity (copper) cables from theft and vandalism.
Mr Chitiva also said the video alarm system could result in the reduction of security services costs in the long run.
“The system acts like a sentry after-hours and may enable the client to minimise the number of guards required for large premises,” he said.
The video alarm system is widely used in Europe and has taken foothold in South Africa, where SafeGuard sourced the equipment from Sizwe IT Africa.
SafeGuard says it has already developed local capacities for installation and support services for the technology.