On Monday, March 4, 2024, the Hereford magistrates heard about an incident that occurred around 1:30 PM on June 20, 2023. Two witnesses observed pallets being thrown from the back of a lorry into the hedge of a layby. Intrigued, they exited at the next junction and returned along the A40 to document the fly-tipping. The enforcement officers from Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection team reviewed the footage and successfully traced the offender using the lorry’s vehicle registration.
The individual responsible was Valentin Ene (31) from Kingsdown Close, Basildon. Ene explained to the officers that he needed to empty his lorry to collect goods from a business in Hereford. This task was part of his work as a lorry driver. Unfortunately, Ene failed to appear for his initial court hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Consequently, an arrest warrant was issued. On Monday, March 4, 2024, Valentin Ene appeared before the Hereford Magistrates court, where he pleaded guilty to both fly-tipping and failing in his duty of care.
Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Public Protection, says: “Every year, tens of thousands of pounds of council tax payers’ money is spent on clearing up fly tipping and unlawful waste disposal. Thank you to the members of the public who assisted in providing the evidence in this case which demonstrates our excellent community spirt and will to keep our county a beautiful place in which we live and work.”
Valentin Ene received a fine of £1,600. Additionally, he was directed to cover costs amounting to £814.09 and a victim surcharge of £640, resulting in a total payment of £3,254.09.
The maximum penalty for fly-tipping is a £50,000 fine and/ or five years imprisonment.
Signal Dynamic are excited to introduce their cutting-edge alarm signalling system, designed as a contemporary alternative to the esteemed Redcare service by BT.
The industry was taken by surprise when BT announced in February the impending shutdown of its Redcare division by August 2025. This left many in search of a new solution for alarm signalling.
Their platform serves as an essential conduit connecting residential or commercial alarm systems with Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC). Here, expert security teams are at the ready to ensure the safety of properties.
Upon activation of an intruder or fire alarm, their system promptly notifies the ARC, enabling a swift assessment to determine the authenticity of the threat. Should the danger be verified, the ARC team immediately contacts the emergency services to address the situation.
Given that insurance providers often mandate a specific standard and category of alarm signalling systems for policyholders’ properties, the diversity of product offerings in the market is crucial.
Historically, the UK’s alarm signalling sector has been led by two major entities – BT and CSL Group. With BT’s recent disclosure about Redcare, their platform is set to fill the emerging void in the market.
They are gearing up to showcase their innovative network at The Security Event at Birmingham’s NEC, confident that it will address a significant challenge currently faced by the industry and numerous customers across the nation.
Chris Byrd, their Director, commented, “
The withdrawal of BT from the alarm signalling market will have come as a shock to the industry, which is now left with the dilemma of where to go for a replacement service.
“It’s a really significant and important market. If you own a home or business, you want it to be safe and secure, and to know that, if anything does happen, you can count on an automatic and rapid response from trained professionals.
“Our platform is suitable for both residential and commercial premises, and provides an effective, robust and fully-compliant solution for intruder and fire signalling.
“At a time when the market is set to lose one of its two key players, we’re reassuring the security industry that a credible replacement is available to transition to and provide continuity.”
Their innovative network features three primary devices tailored for modern alarm signalling needs. The ‘Supervisor Core’ is crafted for single-path monitoring, catering to grades SP2-SP3+, and comes in both IP and 4G options. The ‘Supervisor Duo’ provides dual-path monitoring for grades DP2-DP3, while the ‘Supervisor Elite’ offers the highest level of dual-path monitoring at grade DP4.
These compact and discreet devices are designed for effortless installation and maintenance. With their versatile configurations and communication setups, they are perfectly suited for the most intricate intruder and fire alarm systems.
Their service extends across the UK, guaranteeing dependable alarm signalling regardless of location.
More than 95% of alarm signals reach the designated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in under a second, thanks to their robust and secure mobile data network.
Additionally, their network integrates seamlessly with ECHO (Electric Call Handling Operations), enhancing the speed at which ARCs can inform police control rooms about incidents.
Britannia Monitoring Services, located in Goole, East Yorkshire, is set to be among the first ARCs to embrace their network. This customer-centric ARC oversees the security of approximately 4,000 residential and commercial properties nationwide.
Leveraging their technical acumen, Britannia Monitoring Services offers invaluable support to fire and security installers, addressing any signalling queries and providing conversion support.
Steve Davies, Director of Britannia Monitoring Services, emphasizes the necessity of product variety in the market, ensuring that customers have access to multiple options.
“We’ve already heard from customers who have invested in BT Redcare and who are now looking for an alternative product. Signal Dynamic’s network offers that alternative to them.
“With a significant space set to open up in the market, after the closure of Redcare, we think Signal Dynamic is an ideal replacement.”
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has unveiled the inaugural British Standard code of practice dedicated to the ethical application and implementation of facial recognition technology (FRT). This code, influenced by the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) recommendations, is a response to the growing need for ethical guidelines in the expanding use of FRT.
Titled “Facial Recognition Technology – Ethical Use and Deployment in Video Surveillance-Based Systems – Code of Practice (BS 9347:2024),” this BSI initiative aims to mitigate concerns and foster public confidence in the technology. The BSIA initiated this journey in 2020 by forming a special interest group that produced a guide on the ethical and legal aspects of facial recognition.
This standard paves the way for the lawful and principled employment of FRT, enhancing the protection and security of individuals, assets, and locations. It confronts the ethical dilemmas associated with AI technology, anchored in six fundamental principles of ‘trustworthiness’: governance and accountability, human agency and oversight, privacy and data governance, technical robustness and safety, transparency and explainability, as well as diversity, non-discrimination, and fairness. These principles are rooted in the frameworks established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Union (EU), and are in harmony with the UK’s AI regulatory guidelines.
The newly introduced standard governs the entire lifecycle of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), from the initial evaluation of its necessity to the acquisition, deployment, and sustained application of the system.
To clarify, the standard distinguishes between FRT deployment types: Identification (recognizing an individual) necessitates human oversight, whereas Verification (confirming identity) does not require human involvement.
Pauline Norstrom, CEO of Anekanta Consulting and Anekanta AI, and Chair of the BSIA’s AI & Biometrics Special Interest Group, remarked, “The release of the FRT code of practice is a significant moment in the journey towards the ethical use of this AI biometric technology in the United Kingdom. It is different to other standards for AI and biometrics, as a non-technical code of practice that operationalises the principles for trustworthy AI (ethical AI) through the entire value chain making it easy for industry to implement transparently with clear governance and accountability, and arguably with potentially lower impacts, risks and costs. Crucially, the standard contains a metaphorical ‘stop button’ to cease use if impacts cannot be mitigated. It also frames FRT as an AI technology which aligns with the definition of AI in international standards and new or pending regulation.”
Dave Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at BSIA, stated, “The use of FRT has not come without its own challenges, whether that has been down to the accuracy of the technology, or how and where it is deployed. Many relevant questions have been asked by privacy groups, industry stakeholders and other interested parties on the appropriate and proportionate use of such technology; this code of practice aims to instil trustworthiness in the use of FRT by setting out key principles covering the whole process from assessing the need to use it, to ensuring its continued operation remains fit for purpose and justified.”
CSL have announced new guidance following the news that BT redcare are leaving the UK signalling Market here
In light of the forthcoming discontinuation of BT Redcare’s signalling platforms, there has been a flurry of discussions throughout the industry, involving suppliers, associations, insurers, brokers, and regulatory bodies. The ensuing guidance aims to demystify the secure alarm signalling requirements, which hold particular importance for insurers and other decision-makers.
Signalling Standards – EN50136 is divided into three segments:
Part 1: EN50136-1 – Outlines the General Requirements for Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS)
Part 2: EN50136-2 – Details the Requirements for Supervised Premises Transceiver (SPT)
Part 3: EN50136-3 – Specifies the Requirements for Receiving Centre Transceiver (RCT)
Typically, insurers and specifiers seeking secure alarm signalling for commercial entities (and high-value residential properties) will look for solutions compliant with Category DP3 and independently certified to EN50136-1:2012 + A1:2018.
This certification ensures that the system adheres to the highest contemporary standards, verified independently. It encompasses alarm message transmission systems and offers guidelines on ATS configuration, network security, and encryption protocols.
Depending on the context—be it a domestic or commercial setting—other signalling categories like SP2 or DP2 might be suitable. Tailored solutions may also be proposed based on a thorough risk assessment. For insurance-related advice, businesses and individuals are encouraged to consult with their insurance broker or insurer, as such counsel is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
To be certified under the systems standard EN50136-1, both the equipment and the components—RCT (EN50136-3) and SPT (EN50136-2)—must be certified collectively. Standalone certification of the SPT does not meet the requirements.
ECHO stands as a pivotal alarm transfer service, enhancing the efficiency of police responses to emergency alarms. Its fully automated electronic alarm transmission system bridges alarm receiving centres (ARCs) with police control rooms, ensuring that alarm signals are swiftly relayed upon confirmation and verification.
Privately funded and established in 2019/20, the ECHO platform extends its services to all blue light entities prepared to receive transmissions. The adoption of ECHO has surged since 2021 and is projected to grow further as more police forces show interest, aligning with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) SSG standards for Intruder and Hold Up alarms. In scenarios where time is of the essence, ECHO is instrumental in expediting the response times of blue light services to emergency alarms.
Alarm systems that are subject to police response, set up by certified installers and supervised by sanctioned ARCs or monitoring centres, are integrated with ECHO as soon as the corresponding police forces are equipped. The Metropolitan Police and Essex Police were among the first to adopt ECHO connectivity in 2021. To locate a certified installer, utilize the company finders provided by the UKAS-accredited certification bodies, NSI and SSAIB.
ECHO enhances the rapidity of police interventions for Intruder and Hold-up alarms from ECHO-integrated premises. In urgent situations where time is critical, property owners and residents can rely on a swifter reaction from ECHO-affiliated emergency services, ensuring more efficient action and stronger deterrence.
ECHO establishes a direct link for Intruder and Hold-up Alarms to police response units.
Looking ahead, the potential exists to leverage ECHO technology to refine fire alarm systems, minimizing false alarms in vital facilities like care homes and hospitals. This advancement aims to bolster safety for individuals and assets, while also heightening the efficiency of emergency service deployments.
For the latest information on areas serviced by ECHO-connected police forces, visit the ECHO-connected section on the Home page.
Consult with us to determine the availability of ECHO-connected services in your region.
ECHO enhances the alarm monitoring and signaling process, providing comprehensive benefits to Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) and their partners in emergency services, fostering improved risk management and more efficient, sustainable operations.
Rapid Alarm Signaling to the Police
The ECHO hub modernizes alarm signaling to law enforcement, replacing the conventional voice call approach with a streamlined electronic system. This innovation can reduce police response times by 1 to 4 minutes.
Precise Incident Reporting
Trained call handlers are adept, yet under duress, errors can occur. ECHO mitigates the risk of human mistakes, such as miscommunication of addresses or incident details, ensuring precise and automated information transfer.
Instantaneous Event Confirmation
When ARCs signal alarm activations, the police provide an incident number for record-keeping and potential follow-ups. ECHO expedites this exchange, providing instant access to critical information, thus saving time and allowing personnel to prioritize other urgent tasks.
Enhanced Keyholder Coordination
Timely communication of keyholder information and their estimated time of arrival is crucial for first responders. ECHO is set to integrate these details into the alarm transmission process, improving coordination.
Streamlined Feedback Mechanism
Feedback on the nature of the alarm—genuine or false—is invaluable for ARCs to enhance service quality. ECHO aims to simplify the feedback loop, enabling ARCs to work with maintenance providers and property owners to minimize false alarms and optimize alarm effectiveness.
Compact design. Substantial savings. Intelligent temperature control. Danfoss Ally™ isn’t just a remedy for chilly toes—it also plays a pivotal role in shrinking your ecological footprint. It’s a game-changer for your heating expenses, offering the potential for considerable reductions. Unlike conventional heating systems that operate at maximum capacity regardless of occupancy, Danfoss Ally™ allows you to tailor the heating schedule. You can effortlessly program it to reduce heat during the day when the house is empty, and everyone is out at work or school. Opting for temperature reductions at night is another savvy strategy to decrease energy use while enhancing both comfort and eco-friendliness.
On 31st January 2024, BT announced that they had made the decision to close all BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025.
Alarm installation professionals have been issued an Important Notice highlighting the necessity to transition all clients currently utilizing BT Redcare services to a different service provider promptly.
What is BT Redcare?
For over three decades, BT’s Redcare division has been a leading supplier of alarm signaling systems for residences and businesses in the UK, offering a comprehensive array of products. This includes the pioneering self-monitoring Alarm Transmission System, known as Redcare ‘Classic’, and the dual-path system, Redcare GSM.
With the impending phase-out of the Public Switched Telephone Network, numerous existing systems are set to become obsolete. Alarm installers are proactively transitioning customers to innovative products compatible with the new fiber network. BT Redcare has also developed a suite of products in anticipation of the UK’s telephone network transition to all-IP. This suite, comprising Redcare Essential, Advanced, and Advanced Extra, will be phased out starting 1st August 2025.
Choosing a replacement for your Redcare monitored alarm
The significance of alarm systems for a your insurance cannot be overstated, and consulting an insurance broker is advisable to ensure the selected replacement product matches the existing system’s performance.
The UK’s current alarm standards have introduced various single path (SP) and dual path (DP) categories for Alarm Transmission Systems. A product equivalent to the Redcare Classic or GSM would be a dual path system that satisfies the DP3 category.
A dual path Alarm Transmission System that is certified to meet BSEN 50136-1:2012 and operates at a DP3 level will be recognised as an equivalent substitute. Presently, products like CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3.
Additionally, it is crucial that any new system is:
Installed by a company regulated by either the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
Properly maintained under a maintenance contract by a company or installer accredited by one of the aforementioned inspectorates.
BT has informed alarm installers well in advance about the necessity of transitioning services, and alternative providers are ready to support the alarm signaling sector. Nevertheless, customers and installers should proceed without delay to prevent potential product shortages as the 1 August 2025 deadline approaches.
Alarm companies often advise customers to verify with their insurers that the proposed replacement Alarm Transmission System is approved.
Should you be affected by the discontinuation of BT Redcare services, or if you are unsure about the compliance of new systems, reaching out to us is recommended.
The drone has proven to be an effective tool in collecting evidence of fly-tipping in secluded areas, revealing the true scale of unlawful waste dumping that often goes unnoticed from the ground.
The Herefordshire Council’s community protection team employs the drone to conduct investigations into reported cases of fly-tipping and related offenses.
The drone is maneuvered by a certified pilot with full training, capturing high-resolution footage that will aid in the legal action against individuals committing environmental offenses.
Stratford-upon-Avon is set to enhance its surveillance capabilities with a £200,000 investment aimed at upgrading CCTV cameras. This initiative is backed by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will lead to significant enhancements in the CCTV infrastructure managed by the Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
The upgrade plan includes the replacement of five existing cameras across Stratford upon Avon, Bidford on Avon, and Henley in Arden. Additionally, the introduction of eight new mobile cameras will bolster the current security measures.
Texecom Monitor delivers a smooth and fully integrated primary alarm communication solution for Premier Elite systems. It supports signaling from SP2 to DP4, ensuring that the implementation of primary alarm communication is both adaptable and scalable.
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