PSI MAGAZINE COLUMN: NOVEMBER 2014

This month Simon Banks talks to Steve Evans, Commercial Director for Kings Security Systems, one of the largest privately owned providers of security systems in the UK, trusted to protect people and property for over four decades.

Have you seen any change within the retail sector for signalling requirements?

Many retailers have made the decision to move away from PSTN signalling, removing telephone lines from their outlets and subsequently incorporating IP and wireless signalling into their intruder alarm signalling. Large retailers benefit from having robust IT infrastructures for other critical applications such as stock control and point of sale so it’s reasonable to assume that their IT infrastructures are fit for purpose. This may not be the case in smaller business or SMEs.

How important is UDL/Remote Servicing in the retail sector?

For many retailers a key focus has been to source a cost effective security solution which maintains a high level of security. Remote servicing capabilities replace the number of compulsory physical site visits saving valuable time and resource. There is also a growing expectation in the UK for retailers to lower their carbon footprint. Remote servicing reduces fuel consumption for engineer site visits. Remote servicing also reduces the duration of any downtime an alarm system may have and prevents a member of staff or keyholder from having to remain at the premises awaiting an out-of-hours engineer.

Have there been any new trends in retail crime?

Over the last five years the number of burglaries has been in decline. The average cost per incident has increased significantly across the same time frame leading us to conclude that criminals are increasingly targeting higher value/lower volume goods. Retailers continue to adopt increased security measures to protect their premises not only from burglary but also from the criminal damage incurred through a failed burglary attempt. Continuity of business and ability to trade are vital. These become more enhanced at critical retail periods such as Christmas.

In your opinion is there a market for single path signalling for retailers?

There are a number of multi-site retailers still using digital communicators as their main signalling solution. The single path, radio only systems that are now available make it possible to move away from the reliance on PSTN networks. This configuration provides increased security for their existing systems whilst making a saving by removing dedicated phone lines. It all comes down to the risk profile and location of the retailers’ sites. If for example their premises are within a guarded shopping centre, one could argue that the risk of burglary is reduced.

Some retailers believe that opening 24 hours a day reduces security risks, some argue that a ‘dumbing down’ of these risks is irresponsible?

We do advise that retailers look beyond risk to property and stock and apply more focus to their employees. It’s imperative that a hold-up alarm or personal attack signal is sent from the premises whatever the time of day. The same could be said of fire systems that may share the security system’s signalling path. It’s our view that whatever the location or opening hours, the security should be a robust and reliable for any grade of risk.

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