Does CCTV help a business?

CCTV can be both a deterrent and very useful tool in arresting criminals.  Two small retailers who took different approaches in the CCTV system installed.

A £300 Mac book was stolen last week from a laptop repair shop in Hazel Grove, Stockport.  Fortunately we had installed quality CCTV both inside and outside the premises a few years ago so the images are fantastic and clearly identify all three criminals.  The CCTV footage has been sent to the police and an arrest is expected soon.

Another local retail shop had a burglary a few weeks ago and caught the intruder on their CCTV.  Unfortunately, the installation was not done by us, the shop was poorly advised and chose budget cameras, the resultant images are of insufficient quality to be used to identify the burglar.

If you use CCTV, please speak to someone who can convert your needs into a useful installation.

Make a policeman's day - catch an intruder red handed

Police need help Like many of the public services, the police are expected to do more with less. The situation is exacerbated by trivial phone calls for help when people should take responsibility for their own actions and not seek police assistance. In the case of home security, a problem arises.  For example, a homeowner installs an alarm that calls either himself or a monitoring company following activation. What to do next? It may be a false alarm, but it may also be a burglar. Unless the police are convinced that there is an intruder, they will not attend. The alternative is for you to face who knows what at 2 in the morning or employ a security guard. How much better to have a call and short video on your smartphone showing exactly what set off the alarm. If it really is a burglar, then you can call the police with confidence and confirm by video of an intruder. The police are far more likely to respond in these circumstances, a prosecution is more likely and you may not lose possessions. Even insurance companies make approve! To see how it all works we have put together a short video

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PROPERTY OWNERS – ARE YOU FULLY AWARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES?

WRITTEN BY DAVID LOMAS ON 25 FEBRUARY, 2013. POSTED IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, INSURANCE MATTERS

Today, we are living in a world that is more concerned than ever about our impact on the environment. So much so it has come to the point where any unnecessary damage or pollution can be very costly indeed.

Following the implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive 2004, and theEnvironmental Damage Regulations, which put the directive into national law in March 2009, making sure you are minimising your impact on the environment and not being careless has become more important than ever, especially if you are in property.

RPS Britain reported, “Liability frequently takes the form of contaminated land issues but may also include operating liabilities, management issues and policy development. Other environmental concerns can include flood risk, asbestos and industrial permitting issues.”

With such a broad range of focus and so many potential ways to be found liable, David Hudson, Director of leading Manchester commercial insurance brokers Buckland Harvester, was keen to clear things up for property owners, as well as discuss how they can cover themselves.

He commented: “There are many ways property owners, whether they own or are leasing out housing, can fall foul of the Environmental Damage Regulations. One common mistake landlords fall foul of is that even though occupiers of property are fully liable for any pollution, if tenants cease to trade or stop paying then the blame lies with the owner of the land. Landlords could be held fully responsible for the damage their tenants have caused, which can be costly when it includes compensation and clear-up charges.”

“The best way to try and stay on top of the situation and not fall foul of any nasty punishments or fines is to be vigilant. Undertake regular check-ups of the state of the land, and monitor yours and your tenants’ recycling and waste habits. Make sure to hold yourself and your tenants to a strict in-house environmental policy in order to avoid liability.”

He concluded: “Sometimes the best laid plans aren’t enough, so it’s always nice to have a safety net if your in-house systems fail or the unexpected happens. Environmental Liability Insurance can protect property owners against risk, and even though it shouldn’t be the be all and end all of complying with Environmental Damage Regulations, it should be a key part of it.”

If you are concerned about your environmental liability please contact Buckland Harvester directly at www.bucklandharvester.co.uk

BUSINESSES – CAN YOU REDUCE THE IMPACT AND LENGTH OF OFFICE DISPUTES?

WRITTEN BY DAVID LOMAS ON 13 MARCH, 2013. POSTED IN IT AND TECHNOLOGY,TELECOMS

Director of Lancashire based telecoms companyTech Advance, Ian Hilton, believes office disputes that could potentially disrupt the working environment and reduce productivity in the workplace, could be resolved quicker or avoided entirely if a call recording system were in place.

However in his personal experience he has seen businesses avoid the process due to misconceptions about cost and its legal uses.

Guidelines state that it is now acceptable to monitor or record without consent for the purposes of establishing the existence of facts, ascertaining compliance with regulatory or self-regulatory practices or procedures, and ascertaining or demonstrating standards which are achieved or ought to be achieved by persons using the system.

Furthermore it is acceptable for the purposes of preventing or detecting crime, investigating or detecting unauthorised use of the business’s telecoms system, and ensuring the effective operation of the system.

Despite the above, all reasonable efforts must be taken to inform all parties of the intent to record or monitor. This is generally achieved via information contained in advertisements, letterheads or within terms and conditions.

Looking more specifically at the system’s potential for resolving office disputes, it also allows you to review call histories should any arise and the recordings of many systems can be used in UK courts. For Dummies reports that the best way to handle an office dispute is to stay in control, stay focused on the issues, and to go to the source of the problem.

Ian Hilton has worked in telecoms for over two decades, and has extensive knowledge of the sector.

Ian stated: “I see a lot of people get put off by call recording due to the legal and ethical minefield that surrounds it. The best advice I can give is don’t treat the system like it’s a tool for spying. Make it clear to employees and customers that your calls are being recorded – that in itself can act as a deterrent to potential misuse, and promote consistent standards of good telephone usage.”

“With regards to costs, it’s a lot cheaper than people think. Call recording technology is now widely available and costs as little as £40 per month, and each system can be tailored to suit the business and budget. Call recording systems connect to your telephone system and capture either all of your calls or calls for specific extensions. Once recorded, the calls are archived and accessible to your system administrators, or can be exported to email if required.”

He concluded: “Only certain types of call recording systems offer recordings permissible in a UK court of law, so it’s important to take advice before you buy.”

Any person considering interception, recording or monitoring of telephone calls is advised to seek independent legal advice and should not rely on the general information provided above. Property Aspects and Tech Advance accepts no liability or reliance by any person on the above information. The latest regulation for monitoring or recording telephone calls can be found in full in the following publications: -

• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice)(Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999
• Human Rights Act 1998

If you have any more questions about call recording, please feel free to contact Ian Hilton via Tel: 0845 389 2311 or E-Mail:ihilton@techadvance.co.uk

Armed robbers lured in victims on Gumtree

Two armed robbers lured in victims on Gumtree with adverts for luxury goods at knock-down prices before ambushing them

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 10:17, 26 September 2012 | UPDATED: 10:50, 26 September 2012

Two armed robbers have been jailed after using the classified selling website Gumtree to lure their victims into a series of terrifying ambushes.

Simon Allen, 25, and 20-year old Ashley Bosson posted a fake advert for a luxury Hi Fi system before giving out false names and addresses to prospective buyers.

The pair then lay in wait in bushes or alleyways near the appointed rendezvous places around Greater Manchester, before robbing their victims and savagely beating them.

Vicious pair: Simon Allen, left, and Ashley Bosson, right, have both been jailed for posing as fake sellers on Gumtree and then attacking prospective buyers

Con: The two men gave their victims fake addresses in Flixton, Manchester, pictured, and robbed them when they arrived with cash to buy the non-existent stereo

One victim was battered over the head and lost £900 as he arrived at a house thinking he was about to buy the Hi Fi.

Another man handed over cash after he was attacked as he sat in his car and the pair smashed his window. 

A third victim only escaped after a neighbour who witnessed the robbery let him into his home.

Allen and Bosson were arrested after undercover police logged onto the site and posed as prospective buyers.

After arranging to meet a man known as ‘John’ at a house in Flixton, Greater Manchester, they found Allen hiding in nearby bushes armed with a metal weights bar.

Bosson, who was concealing a large 12” kitchen knife, tried to run to Allen’s car to escape but was caught and arrested.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Allen, from Urmston, yesterday pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and was jailed for six years.

Bosson, from Stretford, admitted one charge of robbery and was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institute.

Fake advert: The pair pretended to be selling a sound system worth £3000 for under £1000 on the website Gumtree (stock image)

Greater Manchester Police said the robberies took place in May after a prestige Naim Uniti Hi Fi entertainment system - which normally sells on the high street for up to £3,000 - was advertised for sale on the Gumtree website for £1,750.

A 56-year old man attempted to phone the mobile number given in the ad but there was no reply so he emailed the ‘advertiser’.

He received a reply from Allen to meet at a house in Irlam at 8pm that day but when he arrived, he was confronted by one of the robbers and was grabbed and punched in the head and body while demands were made for money.

Following a scuffle, a nearby resident opened their door and let the victim in to escape the assault. The robber smashed the victim’s car window and ran off.

The following day a 48-year-old man noticed the advert for the Hi Fi, which was now being sold for £950, and sent an email. He received a reply to meet ‘John’ after 5pm at a house in Davyhulme.

When he arrived, he received a phone call from Allen who told him to go to a different address on the same road. But as he arrived and parked up, a yob smashed the driver’s window with a metal bar and demanded he hand over the money.

Behind bars: Allen was jailed for six years and Bosson for 18 months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court (pictured)

Fearing for his safety, he gave the man the money who immediately ran off.

Later that night, a 47-year-old man had also arranged to meet the ‘seller’ at a house on Urmston knocked on the door and when he got no answer called Allen on his mobile phone to see where he was.

Allen told him he would send someone down to see him before the victim was then ambushed by two men wearing balaclavas from an alley way.

He was hit across the head with a cosh, causing him to fall to the floor, dislocating his knee. They continued to hit him before they stole £900 and the victim’s mobile phone and ran off.

Today PC Nathan Butterworth of Greater Manchester Police said: 'The Hi Fi system can sell for around £3,000 so when the victims saw the advert, they thought they were getting a good deal. 

'To look at, the ad seemed genuine and would not raise any concerns from those looking at it. 

'Both Allen and Bosson purposefully set out to not only con innocent people out of their money but inflict physical and psychological pain on their victim’s.

'The force and violence they used to get what they wanted sums up what kind of people they are. Thankfully, they are now behind bars where they can no longer hurt anyone.'

Text or call while driving? Face insurance blacklisting

Some insurers are refusing to cover motorists who get caught texting or making phone calls while driving

Picture the scene, you're driving and the phone rings but no handsfree because bluetooth is not connecting and the earphones were left at home.

Believing that the worst that can happen is a £60 fine and 3 points (same as a single speeding offence) you take the call.

Wrong. If convicted you may find yourself blacklisted by insurance companies or having to pay around 20% more.

A single conviction for using a mobile at the wheel, even though it carries a similar penalty to speeding is, to an insurance company, far more serious.

Why?  Because a motorist might break a 30mph speed limit without noticing, but no one texts, emails or makes a call by accident. 

AA Spokesman Ian Crowder said: ‘Insurers are taking mobile phone offences very seriously. It might seem severe but when operating a mobile phone you don’t have both hands on the steering wheel, you aren’t looking fully at the road and can’t change gears safely."

The Association of British Insurers said: ‘One conviction for using a mobile is unlikely to preclude a motorist from getting insurance altogether although inevitably it will cost more.’
However, AA researchers called insurers to quote for a 40-year-old man driving a Ford Mondeo. 3 companies refused to cover anyone with a conviction for using a phone. 

Premiums went up by less than 10% for a single speeding conviction, which carries the same penalty of a £60 fine and three points. 

More than 170,000 motorists a year in England and Wales are caught using their phones while driving.

Radio 4 "Thought for the day" Presenter Burglared When In The House

On the "Thought for today" 3rd May Radio 4, Rhidian Brook spoke of his concerns when he came face to face with burglars coming down the stairs with his possessions.  What was really upsetting was they broke in whilst he was working at his laptop in the office and met them by chance when taking a break to stretch his legs.

Not only was this of concern at the time, but has left him feeling violated and insecure.

He feels angry and now suspicious of people who walk too slowly past the house and always bolts the door, worrying about their possible return.
He worries that fancy alarms would not have stopped the event.

If you have had a similar experience, or would prefer to be proactive in avoiding such a possibility, we offer systems that warn of intruders before they break in and are designed to function whilst you are in the house with minimum inconvenience to daily life.

The Alarming Man offers this service to those who live around Manchester/North West.

Click here to hear Rhidian tell the story in his own words (only works until 2nd June)

Wilmslow family attacked and tied up during burglary

Family attacked and tied up in terrifying burglary ordeal

A man and two women suffered an horrific ordeal whilst jewellery and cash were stolen from a Wilmslow home.

Four to five masked offenders dressed in dark clothing forced their way into the house on Prestbury Road some time between 10pm and 11pm on Sunday, 22nd April.
They assaulted a man and demanded access to a safe. They then assaulted him again and restrained him along with two women, leaving them in the bathroom. The man received minor injuries to his face.

DC Jim Bowbeer said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the family. Thankfully this type of crime is rare in Cheshire and we are doing all we can to apprehend the offenders.
"We are particularly keen to trace a silver BMW 320 coupe which was stolen from the address.
"It was last seen travelling at speed on the A34 towards Manchester at around 11pm. I would urge anyone who saw this car to contact me."

Anyone with information should contact DC Jim Bowbeer on 101 quoting incident number 916 of 22 April 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

By Lisa Reeves - Tuesday, 24th April, 2012 - 0 comments

The Alarming Man can help prevent this type of attack happening to you.  Ask about our burglar alarms that can be armed whilst moving around the house, protects the perimeter and calls keyholders when activated.

Owners could face jail if dogs attack burglars

Owners could face jail if dogs attack burglars under new plans

By Tim Ross, Political Correspondent
9:16PM BST 23 Apr 2012

Courts could jail dog owners for up to two years or impose a £5,000 fine if animals cause injuries while “dangerously out of control” in their homes.

Owners also face bills of up to £40 to fit all newborn puppies with microchips, while dangerous breeds seized by the police will be allowed home on “bail” until court cases have concluded.

Announcing a consultation on plans to extend criminal offences in England to cover dog attacks in private dwellings Jim Paice, a minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said he aimed to target “a minority of irresponsible dog owners”.

But officials admitted burglary victims would not be “immune” from prosecution if they allowed their pets to savage intruders. Caroline Kisko, from the Kennel Club, said it would be “unrealistic” to ask a dog to judge if it was using “reasonable force”.

Can a burglar snap your lock?

What is "lock snapping" ?

As the title would suggest, this is where a euro lock cylinder is literally snapped in two by applying force to the cylinder.

Thieves have devised methods of snapping these types of cylinders locks in a matter of seconds and still be able to operate the lock to open the door.       

This threat can be considerably reduced simply by upgrading the cylinder to one that is specifically designed to prevent this method of attack. We recommend that all vulnerable doors using Euro-Profile cylinders be upgraded to incorporate 'Break Secure' cylinders.

Euro cylinders are mainly fitted to uPVC doors but some aluminium and wooden doors also use this type of lock.

Solution

Break secure, or anti-snap cylinders, are specifically designed to combat lock-snapping.

A cylinder has been designed that although it will snap, it will snap in a predetermined position leaving intact a portion of the cylinder that will still provide security and still require key operation to open, thus preventing the easy manipulating of the locking system.

This is a photo of a break secure cylinder - the cylinder is designed to break leaving the centre locking mechanism still intact and working.

We work with a qualified locksmith who can offer a full installation and upgrade service to meet your needs; or a replacement break secure euro cylinder can be purchased from any recognised DIY store.

Replacement lock cylinders should meet all parts of the exacting British Standard Kitemark (BS EN 1303:2005) accreditation scheme.

A new standard, TS007, is due to be introduced later this year, look out for details of this in the media and online.

The Master Locksmiths' Association website  www.locksmiths.co.uk also provides a list of registered locksmiths who will be able to provide advice and information and give you practical help to ensure your locks are suitable.

The minimum recommendation for wooden doors is five-lever mortice locks which carry the British Standard BS3621.

If you have traditional Yale locks fitted to your doors, do not rely on this as the only method of security. You must fit other locks, preferably deadlocks and install an alarm

General home security

The security around your home starts at the perimeter of your property and ranges from security lighting, external movement sensors, sturdy locking gates, to removing valuables and attractive items from view. 

Check list

• All the doors and windows are locked - even if I'm only popping out for a minute.

• Door locks meet British standards

• Neither my house keys nor my car keys are in sight or easy reach of my windows or doors, and that I don't keep them in an obvious place in the house.

• Key-operated locks fitted to all the windows.

• A visible burglar alarm from The Alarming Man is turned on whenever I leave the house.

• My spare keys are not left outside, or in the garage or shed.

• Lights and radio are turned on by a timer for the evening when I'm out If it's dark outside I draw the curtains.

• If thieves get into the garden despite a good fence surrounding the house and the side gate padlocked, a sensor from The Alarming Man sets off the alarm.  The garden shed is also locked and has a sensor.

• No ladders or tools are outside, which could be used to get into the house.

• Valuables like laptops, handbags, jewellery can't be seen from the window.

• Cash or any documents with my name, address or other personal details (such as a bank statement or bill) that fraudsters could use are not left lying around

• When going on holiday, a friend or neighbour collects the post and put the bins out.

2 in 1 burglars

Some burglars are looking for your car keys so they can steal your car. Make it hard for thieves. Don't leave car keys where they are visible.

Visible burglar alarms are good, and outside lighting puts burglars off. But make sure that your security lights are positioned out of reach of a burglar, and that they don't disturb your neighbours. Your alarm should call keyholders or your phone to attend in case it goes off when you're not there.

Mark your property

Mark important and expensive possessions (such as your computer or DVD player) with your postcode and house number using special security marker pens. Keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of all your electrical equipment for reference too. If the police recover them after a burglary, this record will be proof that they are stolen goods - and that they are yours.

Your can register your property on the national database Immobilise

Log on to www.immobilise.co.uk

One way of gaining entrance

Friend of mine was burglared and had over 80 laptops stolen.
He thought that the solid wooden door behind a steel roller shutter at the rear door of his business, an alarm and CCTV inside was enough of a deterrent.
His business has been severely disrupted.
On the same night an opticians was burglared and had computers stolen.

Don't wait for this to happen to your business - we have the equipment to force intruders to leave empty handed without fitting unsightly and virtually useless roller shutters (unless it's the glass your protecting - and there are alternatives!!).

On site demonstrations and videos available to show the effectiveness of our products.