Intelligent CCTV fights battle against metal theft

摘要

For those responsible for the security of metal production and recycling sites, CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) has become an increasingly essential weapon in the ongoing battle against unauthorised access by criminals and, crucially, to prevent the damage they can cause through theft, vandalism and even arson. In particular there has been an escalation in metal theft driven by an insatiable appetite and rising value for all things metal - whether it is aluminium, steel, lead or copper - following increasing demand from the fast expanding Asian economies. "When it comes to metal, nowhere seems to be immune from attack, even churches are not a safe haven as thieves target their roofs, with Ecclesiastical Insurance having dealt with 1400 claims worth 5 million pronds across the UK. And it does not stop there: on a daily basis there are reports regarding the wholesale removal of railings, manhole covers and even statues, with a bronze statue of Olympic 800 metre champion Steve Overt being a case in point. On the railways, the British Transport Police are particularly concerned as the theft of signalling copper has reached epidemic proportions.