Satellite Technology "Eye in the Sky" Provides Business Security Solution for Athlone's Autoworld Casey

Autoworld Casey Athlone, one of the leading dealerships in the Midlands, has recently deployed an advanced new security system, developed by  Netwatch, to prevent losses from theft and vandalism. The new system uses satellite and internet based technologies to provide remote visual security monitoring to businesses throughout the country.

Autoworld Casey moved to the Athlone Business Park in 2004. "The opening of the new showroom was an ideal opportunity to review our overall security arrangements. Like many businesses, our parent company Casey Castlebar has had its share of security issues over the years. Generally these consisted of minor forecourt incidents but no matter how small, they were still costing the company money, not to mention the increase in insurance premiums. In 2004 the company installed the Netwatch System at the Castelbar premises and has not had any serious security issues since", says Joe Rogan, General Manager Autoworld Casey.

"In order to meet the security and insurance requirements for our new premises we knew that we could not rely on traditional security measures. The positive experience of our parent company clearly demonstrated that the Netwatch System provided the most effective 24-hour monitoring and security system and has a proven track record in crime prevention."

Netwatch was the first company in Ireland to use modern satellite and Internet–based technologies to provide remote visual monitoring security systems to businesses throughout the country. Netwatch is an intelligent security system, which allows the Netwatch command centre to watch in ‘real time’ any intrusion taking place at a premises and, more importantly, to speak directly to the criminals before they commit a crime.

When a break-in takes place, live pictures of the area where the security breach has occurred are sent to the command system. The command centre then speaks directly to the intruder, informing them that they are on private property and that the Gardaí have been called. Knowing that they are being watched and that the Gardaí have been notified is a huge deterrent – in 95% of cases recorded - the intruder leaves the premises without committing a crime. Because the control centre can check the premises first, false alarm calls are virtually eliminated, so Garda time isn’t wasted.

"Crime costs small business €2bn per annum in direct costs. Autoworld Casey is typical of businesses throughout the country that are faced with monetary losses as a result of security problems." says Colin Hayes, Area Manager, Netwatch. "A recent report highlighted that over one in two businesses (55%) has experienced crime in the past 12 months. The report estimated the average cost of crime to those businesses affected at €14,361, when the criminal activity and security costs are taken into account."

"All businesses are faced with stark choices when it comes to protecting their premises. The Netwatch System is truly cost-effective with a basic monitoring service costing as little as €12 a day – not much more than what you would pay for one hour of a security guard’s time", he said. Prevention is the name of the game and prior to any installation which is carried out locally by the Netwatch approved Master Installer Galaxy Security Systems, Athlone a full site survey is carried out and any existing CCTV equipment is easily incorporated.

"There is great peace of mind in knowing that the premises are under surveillance 24 hours a day. The fact that the system provides an immediate response is critical. Intervention from the Command Centre as an event is happening means that we are successful in preventing damage to, and loss of, equipment and stock and to date we have had no serious security problem", says Joe Rogan.

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