What’s over the horizon?
(What would security mean as we entered the new millennium – at that time 13 years away? Home CCTV was still just a concept …)
“The alarm system itself will clearly define the perimeter of the property and as soon as an intruder climbs over the fence a first warning would be given and a camera automatically track and record his movements. Should a visitor enter through the front gate, the same first warning and automatic video warning would apply, to be cancelled only when the visitor legitimately enters the front door.
“Even when you are not at home, you will know who has called round to see you. Even if you are at home when a visitor calls there will be no need to go to the front door to see who it is, since their picture will automatically flash up on the television screen – and there will be a television in virtually every room of the house!”
Time for installers to take a stand
(At least 70 per cent of homes still have no window locks, said the Home Office as it launched its Magpie crime prevention campaign. So we had this advice for readers …)
“Think of setting up a stand in your local high street or participating in any locally organised events. Give special offers during the period of the campaign, leaflet as many households as you can in the district, paint a magpie on your van! The possibilities are endless and you won’t get such a golden opportunity as this again for a long time.”
One-way traffic with the police
(In the light of protests from installers over the scrapping of the Police List, a Fife reader’s letter showed that the installer/Crime Prevention Officer relationship was rarely smooth …)
“With the introduction of the Community Watch Schemes in the area, there is not enough information being passed in either direction and none being forwarded to the installer.
“The point of installers keeping in contact was made by my own CPO, whereupon we provided information about products and manufacturers which he was previously unaware of. The return of information has, however, been non-existent and we have received more information through Security Installer.
“There is no point the Home Secretary saying we are all involved in the battle against crime if information is not being passed in both directions at a local level.”
Make the grade
(Jack Taylor, MD of Taylor Lock Co, made an impassioned plea …)
“Manufacturers are usually good at promoting their own products. It is true to say that, within certain laid down standards, several competitive products are nominally suitable for use. In reality, each of the items has a greater or lesser degree of suitability and quality.
“Associations could perform a very useful function in running a grading scheme of some sort which would prove instantly helpful to their members and the public and keep the manufacturers on their toes.”
Tribute to Jack
(Jack Taylor, see above, died just before Christmas, reported the Editor Paul Arden …)
“Jack was a tireless campaigner for the security industry and his good humour and easy-going nature belied the breadth and depth of his knowledge. He was perhaps best known as an inventor, but his friends and colleagues will remember him for his warmth and generosity and his dedication to the industry.”
