ECHO Security Burglar Alarm signalling to the Police

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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.

About – ECHO

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.

Danfoss announce new smarthome heating system

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Danfoss Ally™ | Danfoss

Eco thermostat 014G2460 014G2461 R

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.

BT Redcare are closing operations

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On 31st January 2024, BT announced that they had made the decision to close all BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025.

Update – 21 July 2025
BT has announced that the closure will now be postponed until 15 December 2025, providing additional time for Redcare customers to either upgrade or decommission critical alarm systems.

BT Redcare annouce delay to ceasing operations

As we approach this transition, our staffing levels will gradually reduce. However, we will maintain a dedicated technical helpdesk and a core team to offer continued support and respond to any queries you may have.

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.

Drone used by Herefordshire to catch flytippers

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A drone is being used to catch fly-tippers in Herefordshire | Hereford Times

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.

CCTV cameras set for £200k upgrade

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Stratford-upon-Avon CCTV cameras set for £200k upgrade – BBC News

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.

NDAA and Security CCTV Systems

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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

Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament

BT Telephone line shutdown implications for security systems

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Openreach (the provider of telephone infrastructure in the UK) is shutting down the old telephone network and replacing it with a new All IP upgrade.

The All IP and Exchange Exit programmes (openreach.co.uk)

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.

Mobile provider 3G shut off

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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

Vodafone 3G has shutdown its 3G system We’ve switched off 3G | Vodafone

EE 3G has started its shutdown We’re Switching Off Our 3G Network (ee.co.uk)

Three 3G has started its shutdown Our plans to switch off 3G | Support | Three

o2 will start its shutdown in 2025 Virgin Media O2 to begin switching off 3G in 2025 with enhanced customer experience as network evolves – Virgin Media O2

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.

Fly-tipping Surveillance Cameras with Rapid Emergency Response

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“Dynamic Flytipping Solutions: Landowners and councils require vigilant monitoring to detect flytipping incidents in real time, rather than after the fact as is common with most systems. When our system identifies an illegal dumping event in progress, we promptly notify emergency contacts for swift action to apprehend the offender. Our systems begin at £599.00 +VAT, with a monthly cost of £48 +VAT for the Lite plan. This package includes cloud recording and SIM expenses, providing an affordable flytipping alarm system.”

  • Solar-Powered Convenience: Traditional systems typically rely on rechargeable batteries, which can be cumbersome to maintain. Frequent recharging consumes valuable time and incurs costs. However, by integrating solar panels, we eliminate the need for frequent battery replacements. The sun becomes your dependable power source!
  • We make use of the dependable cloud recording system found at siacloud.co.uk. Here are the essential features to consider::
  • Storage Duration: The system archives event recordings for a maximum of 365 days or until a 10GB storage limit is reached, whichever occurs sooner. This guarantees long-term access to past data. This aspect is particularly beneficial for instances where it’s necessary to revisit previous events, regardless of the current status of the device.
  • Enhanced Security with Offsite Cloud Recording: Our system stands out by not just recording data on the local device but also securely backing it up offsite. This approach provides an additional security measure, safeguarding against potential risks like device damage, theft, or tampering. With offsite cloud storage, your recordings are protected and preserved, even if the onsite equipment is affected.
  • Efficient Access: The cloud-centric design ensures rapid access to event footage. Regardless of your location, be it on the premises or afar, you can quickly obtain the necessary recordings. This quick access is vital for examining incidents, conducting compliance audits, or keeping abreast of events. Overall, the system’s blend of prolonged data retention, secure offsite storage, and speedy access bolsters security and provides reassurance to users.

For the installation of fly-tipping detection CCTV with professional monitoring in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Midlands, and Warwickshire, consider our services that offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

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