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CCTV & GDPR

On May 25th 2018 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) came into full force replacing and enhancing the 1998 Data Protection Act.

Wired.co.uk say that “Companies covered by the GDPR are accountable for their handling of people’s personal information. This can include having data protection policies, data protection impact assessments and having relevant documents on how data is processed.”

So how is the commercial operation of CCTV effected?

Images captured by CCTV are considered to be personal data under the new GDPR rules. Whether that CCTV just covers business premises or if it overlooks public areas. GDPR requires data users to inform people at the point of capturing their information.

For CCTV images this means putting up clear notices explaining that images are being captured wherever there are cameras present. It is also required to explain why CCTV is being used.

Photo Credit: http://limerick.life/

Failure to do so can result in some hefty fines as one business learnt earlier this year.

Back in July 2018, Noble Design and Build of Telford, Shropshire, which operates CCTV systems in buildings across Sheffield, broke data protection laws by failing to comply with an Information Notice and were subsequently prosecuted for failing to alert people to its use of CCTV, for failing to register with the ICO and for failing to comply with an Information Notice.

Any organisations and sole traders (with few exemptions) that process personal data must pay an annual data protection fee to the UK regulator, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). If fees are not paid then the business  does not appear on the public register.

Aside from giving clear usage notice and paying the due fees here are 3 other ways to make sure that CCTV operation is GDPR compliant.

1.       Control access to CCTV images, so no footage/images can be leaked

2.       Train staff with access to CCTV images and keep an up to date log of training

3.       Delete the CCTV footage you no longer need

 

To find out more about GDPR and how it can affect you visit ICO.org.uk

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Domestic Property Crime

Domestic property crime is on the rise. In 2015 it accounted for over 70% of all reported crime, but the latest figures show that the number of burglary offences recorded by the police increased by 2% (approx. 432,267 offences) in the year ending June 2018.

And whilst the number of domestic burglaries may have actually dropped over the past 20 years, the typical cost of an incident has risen.

The average cost of items stolen in a domestic burglary is now £2,267, compared to the average £1,466 cost incurred in 2006. However, the most stolen items remain to be jewelry, money and technology equipment,

There is also the cost of the damaged caused by forced entry.  It is reported that nearly half of all domestic burglaries were a result of forced entry and result in damage of some kind. The average cost of repairing the damages has risen from £477 (2006) to an eye watering £892.

But it is not only a financial cost that is incurred when a burglary of any kind takes place, it is also an emotional cost that many people never pay off.

Over 80% of those who experienced theft stated that they are emotionally effected by the incident with 45% reporting anger and 36% expressing shock. Alongside this one in four said that they had difficulty sleeping in the month’s post-intrusion.

However, it has also been reported that only around a third of British householders have a burglar alarm yet, of these, less than half switch it on when they go on holiday. Of those who never, or only occasionally set their alarm, 1 in 5 admit to simply forgetting to do so, or fear false alarms, while others find setting their alarm too complicated.

Concerned? Get in touch today and see how we can help

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A Deadly Year of Crime: 2018

2018 has been a year of many ups and downs within many sectors and industries across Britain. From Brexit to the World Cup, it has been a year of many trials and tribulations. But one thing that has remained consistent throughout is the unfortunate raising figures of crime.

It has been reported that in the year to March 2018, reports of crime throughout England and wales went up nearly a 9 percent, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, and that the month of May, 2018 marked Britain’s most violent month on record within the last decade.

Knife crime specifically has risen by 16% and reports of robberies has gone by a third but, worryingly, less than 1 in 10 crimes resulted in a charge or summons and 57% of all robbery investigations are closed without any suspect being identified.

Up and down the country more than half of UK citizens have said that they are worried about the rising crime in their area are said to fear that the police have lost control. Since 2010 around 21,000 police officers have been cut from police forces across the nation and currently there are no funds available to replace them.

Appearing in a recent Channel 5 Documentary,” Crimewave 2018: Lawless Britain”, former metropolitan police officer Chris Hobbs said “Police officers on the front-line believe that they are losing control of the streets. That’s not just in London either, that’s places such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and West Yorkshire.”

West Yorkshire Police 
Picture Credit: LeedsLive

In West Yorkshire, the latest figures released by Office for National Statistics show that Crime in general has risen by 11 percent but more specifically there was a 19 percent rise in violent crimes which caused injuries and a 27 percent rise in violent crimes which did not cause injuries.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Evening Post, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said;

“Whilst it is uncomfortable to see any increased risk of being a victim of crime in West Yorkshire, the trend does generally match the experience nationally which tells a story around the pressures and continued under-funding of policing.

“However, the overall rate of increase has slowed in West Yorkshire, which may be a sign that some of the local ongoing interventions, campaigns and operations are having an impact.”

 

Do you have a crime story? Get in touch today and let us tell it.

 

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Empty Building Security

Derelict building

We understand that the renovation of a building in any capacity can often lead to extended periods of time where the building is left unoccupied.

However, we have recognised that the issue with leaving a building un-occupied leaves the building extremely vulnerable to targeted attacks such as arson, theft and vandalism. However, with simple security measures such as flood lighting, CCTV, Fire and flood detectors in place, the risk of criminal violation can be reduced significantly.

Technology can be integrated on site and viewed remotely to help keep your building safe and secure from those around it even if your property has no internet or power thanks to portable internet devices and power outlets.

As reported in the Huddersfield Examiner, “Kirklees sits at the top end of 276 councils across the UK with high numbers of empty properties – totalling more than 214,000 nationally. There are 2,113 in the borough. Of these, 722 have been empty for two years or more, 270 for five years or more and 117 for at least 10 years”.

Within another report made by Health and Safety International, it is stated that as a property owner you should implement your duty of care to your property, your investment and your own peace of mind by reducing risk, preventing problems and protecting your property.

Alongside the use of obvious protection that can act as deterrents to would be criminals, It is also advised to always communicate with neighbours and local services, such as police, fire and local council, to inform them that the property is vacant. Always organise a regular schedule of inspection and checking, to be carried out by yourself or by a trusted person, preferably a professional.

To help keep your property safe, Northwest security are proud to offer a great range of products from the top brands when it comes to security.

Contact us today to find out more.

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79 people injured within Kirklees Due to firearms

Police

Statistics from a freedom of information request put to West Yorkshire Police by Examiner Live have shown that 193 incidents involving firearms have occurred within the district of Kirklees, West Yorkshire after a rise in shooting attacks over the past 3 years.

Police chiefs vowed in August 2017 that ‘gun crime will not be tolerated’ but were left challenged to act upon their vow quickly as 2017 turned out to be the worst year for gun crime in Kirklees to date.

A shocking 59 incidents occurred in 2017, leaving 27 people injured. Officers arrested 55 people in connection with these separate incidences but only managed to charge 10 individuals and of these only eight people were actually convicted and brought to justice.

The year before, 2016, witnessed 52 cases of firearm incidents leaving 23 people injured. Out of those cases 39 individuals were arrested but only 6 were convicted. And it was a similar story in 2015 which left 17 people injured and only 2 individuals convicted out of the 47 reported firearm incidences.

So far in 2018 there have been 36 reported firearm occurrences leaving 12 people injured, 28 individuals arrested but only 3 individuals charged.

As the official figures have not yet been released there have not been any convictions made just yet, however in July 2018, Examiner Live reported that Darcy White, from Southowram near Halifax was jailed for 10 years for his part in a shooting earlier on in February 2018. White was the getaway car driver who also, once arrested, refused to give up the name of the shooter.

Speaking to Examiner Live, Superintendent Marianne Huison, of Kirklees District Police, said: “The discharge of a firearm is a serious matter and investigations into these incidents are led by specialist detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Firearms Prevent Team and at a local level by Kirklees’ crime team.”

Huison went on to reinforce the fact that a firearm will not have been discharged in all of these incidents and that it is also worth noting that the majority – around 60% – of the incidents were involving a ball bearing gun.

Ball baring guns typically cause fatal or serious injuries in rare cases where a person is shot at close range. Although, that is a very small consolation to the victim of such an attack or anybody caught up in the terror of such a situation.

Have you got a crime story to tell? If you would like to share it email us at Hello@northwest-security.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Attractive Capability of Connectivity

connectivity

When Technology and Home intertwine… 

 Life, for most people, is moderately mundane. It is busy and constant and it is not uncommon for important things, such as switching the landing light off, to fly right above our heads in the suddenly rushed moments that everyday life seemingly gifts us with each morning.  

 If you often find yourself thinking, in the midst of rushing out of the door, that you wish things could just get ‘done’ without all the fuss and hassle that these small, forgotten about, household duties often cause, then you are in luck; the modern era has provided a solution for us all; Home automation.  

 From sensible smart security such as home CCTV, smart door bells and home alarm systems, to the thrilling smart lighting, smart hoovers and hidden smart sound systems; the smarter your home the smarter your life becomes.  

 Picture it; you wake up in the morning. Outside the window isn’t a very inspiring sight, its grey, damp and dull.  Now you walk to the kitchen, straight past the smart vacuum that has just got to work in the hallway. As you walk past it, the overhead light gradually turns on. It isn’t dull and it doesn’t remind you of a bulb that needs replacing; it’s a soft bright glow that isn’t too glaring but is comfortingly bright. The central heating is already switched on, but it hasn’t cost you the earth because it hasn’t been on and off all night. You’re listening to the radio that’s just turned on at your touch of the glossy touch-pad situated on the wall. Just as you do that, the coffee machine simultaneously heats up and pours you your morning poison and now you’re sipping a nice steamy, hot mug of coffee in a warm, brightly lit room that is helping encourage the best start to your day.  

morning coffee

 Now stop picturing it. Think back to your own morning this morning and ponder on what could help make your morning a better morning.  

 Would it be a complete control system that would connect to devices such as a nest thermostat to help heat the house to your optimal temperature at the perfect price? Or how about some Phillips hue smart bulbs that can be scheduled to sync in with your alarm clock, giving you that realistic mimic of a natural awakening?  

 Whatever the desire may be, you can be almost certain that there is a smart home device out their that will be ready to help ease the little stresses of everyday life at the swipe, touch or scheduling of a button.  

 

So why not be smart and start your smart home journey here by discovering what Smart home device we here at Northwest Security can offer you.

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How to Smarten Up Your Home On A Budget

smart home

It has never been so easy to be so affordably Eco-friendly and sustainable when it comes to running your home.

The Smart phenomenon has been taking the worlds of interior and security by storm over the last 10 years and today it is now easier than ever before to transform your home into an almost self-running haven.

From simple devices that allow you to change the color of a room by voice to sleek doorbells and cameras that allow you to see who is buzzing your front door on your phone, the past 5 years alone have seen multiple technological advances that make our consumer lives that little bit easier.

And while in the past the Smart Home dream seemed only within reach of movie characters, today it is more affordable and accessible than ever before for us mere mortals to get a slice of the convenient pie.

Here a quick glance of 3 most affordable smart home gadgets that will help to really smarten up your home on a budget and save you some hard earned cash.

  1. IKEA smart bulbs (£15+)

After recently switching to only selling LED lighting within their stores, Ikea have since introduced a range of smart bulbs to help change the atmosphere of your home with the touch of a button. You can Dim them, turn them on or off, and switch their glow from warm to cool all from the comfort of a simple app.

“Smart lighting at IKEA is an expandable system you can add on to as your lighting needs change. Our smart lighting range offers wireless LED bulbs, panels, and doors for furniture. “- IKEA.com

Ikea Smart lighting

  1. Amazons’ Alexa (£90 +)

Costing just under £90, Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that is capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing audio-books, and providing weather, traffic and other real-time information. It can also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation hub, allowing you to voice control your lighting among other cool things. Save time and money by utilizing your voice to organise your life instantly.

amazon eco

  1. Nest learning Thermostat (£150+)

This one is a little pricey, but this is more than just a light color change gimmick. With the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can save real cash on your heating bills! As the smart device quickly learns your routines and user habits it begins to automatically follow that routine, allowing you to come home to a nice warm and cosy space. You can also control this heating device via the smart phone app, just in case you decide to switch up the working week and stop out late. And this little device has the capability to connect to others devices meaning your smart home journey has only begun!

nest

 

Check out our previous post and discover The Attractive Capability of Connectivity

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LightSYS 2 Is Secured By Design.

secured by design

 LightSYS 2, the only hybrid security system that offers smartphone app control and communication flexibility, is now officially Secured by Design accredited.

Secured by Design is the official UK Police initiative that combines the principles of ‘designing out crime’ with physical security and acknowledgement of relevant quality products and crime prevention projects.

This means that LightSYS 2 can provide additional reassurance as it is currently the only UK intruder alarm system to have the preferred UK police specification.

 

“Established in 1989, Secured by Design (SBD) is the title for a group of national police projects focusing on the design and security for new and refurbished homes, commercial premises and car parks as well as the acknowledgement of quality security products and crime prevention projects. It supports the principles of ‘designing out crime’ through physical security and processes.

Secured by Design works with the industry and test houses to create high-level security standards, responding to trends in crime, and has given input on a number of key standards. The principles of the scheme have been proven to reduce the risk of crime and the fear of crime.”- Secured by Design.com

 

 lightsys2

 

lightsys2  Benefits & Features

LightSYS 2 is a versatile professional hybrid intrusion system that can be successfully installed in diverse environments from residential to commercial.

LightSYS 2 also offers:

  • Cloud connectivity – use the Smartphone App for easy system control via the RISCO Cloud
  • Easy Installation using RISCO Bus, EOL, Star or wireless – all on one panel
  • Remote service capability via simple configuration software
  • Flexible communication with IP, GSM/GPRS and PSTN – all within the main housing
  • Wide range of compatible RISCO Bus and 2-way wireless devices – now including 2-way wireless
  • keypad and wireless sounder

To find out more, get in touch today.

 

 

 

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The Importance of Having a Security Alarm

Home intruder alarm systems from Northwest Security

According to police.uk, during the month of March 2018, 106 burglaries were reported in the town of Huddersfield alone. That is 106 more lives that have been affected and changed by crime.

Obviously, it is extremely hard to measure a count of occurrences that didn’t happen, due to the presence of an alarm system. So how can we assess whether home security systems deter crime? We can go straight to the burglars themselves.

Reported by safewise.com, a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, researchers interviewed more than 400 incarcerated men and women who were convicted for burglary;” About 60% of the burglars indicated that the presence of an alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether. This was particularly true among the subset of burglars that were more likely to spend time deliberately and carefully planning a burglary. • Most burglars would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary. Among those that determined that an alarm was present after initiating a burglary, about half would discontinue the attempt.” (1) (Kuhns, 2018)

Intruder alarm systems from Northwest Security

The study may not be concrete proof that having a security alarm will stop a burglary altogether, but there is no guarantee that you won’t get injured in a car just because you have airbags. The function of a security alarm is to alert a crime is taking place, not to stop the crime from taking place, but it is an extra layer of security that will make the criminal think twice before proceeding which ultimately increases your chances of not getting burgled.

With modern advanced technology, this first layer of security that a security alarm provides can be built upon. Smart CCTV cameras, for instance, can be incorporated to connect to security alarms, providing an instant visual if the alarm is triggered. Push notifications detailing the event, along with a snapshot of the incident will also be sent straight to your mobile phone to alert, which in turn provides a faster response to the incident.

Modern Security Alarms also off the ability to securely enable and disable an alarm remotely, so on those busy mornings where you’re rushing out the door before your coffee has cooled and forget to set the security alarm, you can do so securely and confidently via your smartphone with ease and peace of mind.

The benefits of having a security alarm must not be underestimated and a good system will last for years with regular maintenance, providing your property with a deterrent that could one day save your home from being violated and your valuables from being stolen.

While you are here why not check out the shop to see what we have to offer.

 

1 http://airef.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BurglarSurveyStudyFinalReport.pdf

Did you know…
We also offer CCTV and Smart Home Automation installations as well?

As UK leaders in professional security systems, Northwest security are offering high quality intruder alarms and home automation systems with industry leading support.