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.
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.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a crucial annual legislation passed by the United States Congress to allocate funding for the Department of Defense. In 2018, Congress enacted the John McCain NDAA Act for the fiscal year 2019. This act had significant implications, as it effectively prohibited government agencies from procuring products from major Chinese equipment manufacturers due to geopolitical concerns. The ban specifically impacted the security camera industry, as many prominent security camera manufacturers were included in the restricted list.
Fortunately, CCTV Camera World offers a range of products that comply with the restrictions set forth by the 2019 NDAA. These products provide a viable solution for organizations seeking security solutions while adhering to the enacted law.
Who does the NDAA ban apply to?
The 2019 NDAA requires federal government employees, contractors, and subcontractors to comply with the ban and shift away from non-compliant equipment. In 2020, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) led a revision that extended the ban’s reach to include businesses and non-profits receiving federal funding. However, home consumers and businesses without federal funding or transactions with the US federal government remain unaffected.
This Ban has implications around the world not just in the United States for example the UK government has banned chinese manufactured cameras on their sensitive sites
The UK is undergoing a significant technological shift.
Analogue to Digital Transition: The traditional landline phone network in the UK, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is being phased out by 2025. The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has set out a program for phone companies to transition from the old analog copper network to an entirely digital phone system over IP (Internet Protocol) by 2025. This transition involves upgrading landline services to new digital technology using an internet connection, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice, or All-IP telephony. The change aims to improve call quality, offer new features (like anonymous caller rejection and three-way calling), and ensure a more efficient and reliable communication system. What It Means for Consumers: For most consumers, this change will be straightforward. If you already have an internet connection, the migration may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router instead of the traditional wall socket. Telecoms companies will contact their customers ahead of the migration, so you don’t need to take any action until your provider reaches out to you directly. Remember, nobody will lose their landline service due to this transition, and there will still be an option for a ‘landline only’ service if someone prefers not to purchase a general internet connection. The move to digital technology will enhance communication capabilities and pave the way for a more reliable and efficient phone network in the UK. However Intruder alarms and security systems usually use legacy equipment designed for ‘copper’ pstn and not IP. It is recommended all systems are upgraded to utilise the new communication lines.
The mobile service providers have announced that the 3G network will be shutoff in favour of 4G and 5G services. While this doesnt usually cause a problem for mobile handsets (as these are usually less than 3 years old) other devices using these networks are usually considerable older and not thought of to upgrade or replace. Intruder alarm signalling systems are one of these systems. If your alarm system is using 3G for its signalling it will be unable to work after the below dates
If you’re already using a newer 4G or 5G device, you shouldn’t need to do anything. Some 4G devices might still need a software or settings update to ensure its operation. Your provider will tell you if that’s the case and explain how to make the updates needed.
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