Alarm users opt for low cost video verification and avoid police response uncertainty

Alarm users opt for low cost video verification and avoid police response uncertainty

A ground-breaking, low-cost approach to video alarm verification developed by 4i Security is proving so popular that sales have risen 400% over the last quarter due to customer upgrades and new business.

The new solution, using technology from UTC Fire & Security, for the first time gives users full video-verified alarm protection for little more than the cost of a non-video alarm.

It significantly improves the speed and effectiveness of response by eliminating false-alarms and avoiding police non-attendance which is a persistent problem with traditional alarms.

Matthew Brough, Technical Director of 4i Security, says the advantages of the new video-based solution are so clear to customers that the system is ‘selling itself’ by adding real value at minimal extra cost.

“Most alarm systems simply don’t give the protection that people think they are getting when they buy them,” he says. “People presume that because their system is registered with the police that they’ll get a response. They don’t realise that this might not be the case. We are pointing out that if a jewel vault containing £300m didn’t get a response, what can the average commercial site or sports club expect?”

Having seen sales increase from four figures last year to over six figures during the last quarter for video verification product lines, and margins improve by 21%, 4i is now pressing ahead with an awareness campaign to promote the advantages of its [WVA] offering to commercial users nationwide.

Its message is  not only that users should upgrade from less effective sequential alarm systems but that in some locations UTC’s PIR-cameras can be used where CCTV monitoring isn’t suitable.

UTC is working with 4i to expand the technology, increasing the number of PIR-cameras per system from 8 to 16, and in due course 32.

“Sixteen cameras doesn’t sound like a lot but if you are running a 40 zone traditional system, 16 video verified zones are more than capable of the same coverage and being wireless, it gives you a lot of flexibility,” says Matthew Brough.

Thanks to the quality and reliability of the time-lapse images captured the PIR-camera devices can also be used in areas where CCTV cameras can’t, he argues.

“It’s important to understand that the camera is turned off until the alarm system itself activates. This means that it can be used in sensitive areas where cameras can’t normally be placed, due to privacy.”

The picture quality is “good enough to verify but not to spy”, he says. For example, the devices don’t have the resolution to read documents on desks or noticeboards but they do show the faces and clothing of intruders.

“We have some customers who do sensitive work and don’t allow CCTV – but they do now have our new PIR-cameras.”

The dual path solution is fully EN50131 Grade 2 compliant and BS8243 compliant.

With its deployment of UTC’s technology now advancing rapidly 4i Security has been awarded ‘Platinum Partner’ status across intruder, video, fire, access control & fibre specialisms – the first installer to have achieved such recognition.

Among customers upgrading to the new video verified solution Mick Thorpe, General Manager of the Dewsbury District Golf Club, praises 4i for its partnership approach to delivering improved security. He says he is actively recommending the company to other clubs.

“We now have a much safer and better protected clubhouse and outbuildings,” he says. “We are kept informed of changes in legislation, initiatives and technology that enables us to make decisions going forward.”

For further information visit www.4isecurity.co.uk