Simon Alderson

JCB Smart Towers protect and secure construction site staff, the public, plant, and equipment An innovative security system that delivers dramatic reductions in cost, time, emissions, and health and safety risks, is to be highlighted at the property and construction London Build show, Olympia, 26th-27th October, 2016. Construction Site Security JCB Smart Tower’s integrated technologies both protect and secure construction site staff, the public, plant and equipment. Its supplier, the award-winning construction specialist, VPS Site Security, believes it will be a major support in meeting key targets of the government's Construction 2025 strategy. "There are four key targets for construction," explains Simon Alderson, Managing Director of VPS Site Security. "Lowering costs by 33%, faster delivery and lower emissions, each by 50%, and an improved health and safety record. Our experience to date has shown that by deploying smart technologies in site security and safety, these targets can be surpassed." Economical And Efficient "One client, a household name in construction, estimated they would be spending £2,240 per week for protecting and securing a highway construction project 24/7, and producing 1,500 kg of CO2 a week." Simon commented. "With the smart technologies solution, that was cut to £1,100 and under 250 kg per week." In addition, health and safety issues were recorded, reviewed, and acted upon quickly. The JCB Smart Tower and examples of the savings in security spend and safety improvements, are highlighted on stand F81 at London Build.

JCB Smart Towers combine the latest cameras with wireless networks, sensors, and power sources A dramatic switch from human guards to cost-effective smart technologies has been the trend in site security in the last year. Recent projects carried out by the construction specialist, VPS Site Security, have demonstrated savings of over 60% in security budgets, providing an improved, comprehensive security net 24/7 at lower cost.Costain, GallifordTry, Carillion, Taylor Wimpey and Murphy are among the household names in the construction sector who are deploying CCTV systems to improve security and simultaneously cut costs, and the technologies are being highlighted at this month's London Build, at Olympia on 26th and 27th October.JCB Smart TowerSystems such as JCB Smart Towers, that combine the latest cameras with wireless networks, sensors and power sources, can protect even the most challenging environments like highway construction, day and night, from the safety of a monitoring station."Guard patrols have been the traditional approach to secure sites," comments Simon Alderson, Managing Director of VPS Site Security. "But a surge in technological developments have proven themselves in recent years, so that better 24/7 protection and safety can be achieved alongside dramatic cost savings.""Mobile patrols may still be required, but even they are much more efficient when deployed with the support of towers, as they can help target problems quickly and efficiently," explains Mr Alderson.Traffic Management The CCTV systems are also being used as safety tools and for traffic management, adding an extra layer of health and safety protection for construction workers and the public alike, providing both a safety audit and a deterrence to taking risks.One example of such systems, the JCB Smart Tower, is being showcased at London Build, Olympia, this month on stand F81. Save

The HD videos are also being used as safety tools and traffic management systems, as well as for security Specialist security provider, VPS Site Security, has seen a dramatic switch from human patrols to more guardless systems in the last twelve months. Recent projects have seen savings of over 60% in security budgets, providing an improved, more comprehensive security net that oversees sites 24/7 but at low cost. Costain, GallifordTry, Carillion, Taylor Wimpey and Murphy are among the household names in the construction sector who have started to deploy CCTV systems to improve security and simultaneously cut costs. Securing Construction Sites & Remote Areas "Manned guards have always been the traditional mainstay approach in the building sector to secure difficult sites such as highway construction and large, remote areas," comments Simon Alderson, Managing Director of VPS Site Security. "But technological solutions have really proven themselves in recent years. So much so that, combined with truly dramatic cost-savings and better 24/7 protection and safety, we've seen a definite shift towards systems designed with CCTV included as the preferred choice." CCTV systems such as the JCB Smart Tower, combine the latest camera technologies with wireless networks, sensors and power sources, so that long stretches of highway construction - sometimes many kilometers in length - can be monitored day and night, and from the safety of a remote monitoring station. State-of-the-art features include rapid-deployment CCTV with thermal cameras, sustainable power options such as hydrogen fuel cells, CCTV ranges from 100m to 2km and much more robust wireless solutions such as fluid mesh connectivity. Other Benefits Of CCTV "Mobile patrols may still be required, but they are much more efficient when deployed with the support of these tower systems, as they can help target problems," explains Mr Alderson. "The high definition videos are also being used as safety tools and traffic management systems, adding an extra layer of health and safety protection for construction workers and the public alike, providing immediate alerts if a potential danger is spotted, enabling the site to act before it comes an incident."

The guide provides an overview of the security measures which are necessary for heritage sites The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has published a new Guide to Security of Heritage Properties (Form 188) designed to provide owners, managers and guardians of all kinds of heritage and property with an overview of the common considerations of risk assessments and security measures to be taken in to account on heritage sites. What Is The Aim Of The Heritage Security Guide? The guide aims to describe the security threats faced by historic properties (as well as those with a shared community value) and explain the techniques, products and services available to protect them. Paul Phillips, Technical Officer at the BSIA and author of the guide comments:  “Caring for a heritage property is by no means a cheap exercise and putting right damage after a crime could cripple owners financially so providing good security is essential. Protecting unique properties often means using unique and costly solutions but with the help of this guide owners should be able to make the most of limited resources and help save our history and culture for the future.” Who Would Benefit From Reading The Heritage Security Guide? The guide is primarily intended for owners of private houses, smaller businesses in listed properties, custodians of individual properties open to the public and groups of volunteers caring for heritage in their community. What’s Unique About Heritage Security? Heritage security is unique in that alterations can devalue sites considerably. Often the listed nature of heritage properties means that modern security measures that are usually commonplace are not permitted. Even where security measures are permitted, they often prove more costly for listed buildings. The new Heritage Security Guide offers helpful, independent advice on this free of charge to BSIA members and non-members alike. Heritage security is an important aspect of heritage property maintenance. For example, it is often the case that heritage properties have been built without consideration for modern criminal behaviour. Any modernising security measures must therefore be weighed carefully against the ‘devaluing effect’ significant alterations can incur. That is, security measures need to be as unobtrusive as possible - a Georgian shop front with external roller shutters becomes a bland modern building. Similarly, fitting CCTV cameras to the front of a historic house can be unappealing and - in some instances - may breach regulations. Heritage properties are often located in open areas, remote from neighbours. This level of isolation makes them more difficult to protect. Similarly, (as is often the case) the need to allow authorised public access can inadvertently facilitate criminal access. Simon Alderson, Development Director of BSIA member company Vacant Property Specialists (VPS) and Chairman of the BSIA’s Vacant Property Protection group, comments on the potential security risks involved in heritage sites: "With the help of this guide owners should be able to make the most of limited resources and help save our history and culture for the future” “Heritage sites are often remote and packed with materials that can attract crime - lead roofs, copper piping, old libraries. It sounds like something from a Cluedo set, but for the few pounds thieves may obtain from selling stolen metals, they can cause tens of thousands of pounds of damage. Plus vacant sites are also targets for illegal raves and squats.” The Heritage Security Guide explains ways in which security measures can be employed and installed in what can appear to be complicated circumstances. It also details ways to achieve effective security within the boundaries of available resources. What’s In The Heritage Security Guide? Alongside informed suggestions, the guide contains case-studies detailing how BSIA member companies have provided security and protection for heritage properties. It also describes a unique way of approaching security that should help end-users facing difficult decisions relating to the allocation of resources. Why Is It Worth Reading Compared To Other Publications? This guide provides a huge benefit to those seeking expert, independent advice. Given the often unique nature of heritage sites and the security issues surrounding them, it is especially important to draw on the expertise of those with experience in this particular field. Where Else Can Individuals Go For Advice Beyond The Heritage Security Guide?   For larger or more complex problems the employment of a security consultant can often provide cost-effective advice for a combination of practices and equipment. It is always advisable to talk to your insurers as insurance companies can provide valuable advice. Further, if you fail to follow their recommendations this could be a problem in the event of a claim.