“Eye in the Sky” security for Daewoo Cars
Dublin Dealership deploys satellite security system from Netwatch
 

Ireland’s biggest Daewoo Car Dealership, Kylemore Daewoo, has deployed an advanced new security technology system, developed by Netwatch, to prevent losses from vandalism and theft.

Kylemore Daewoo, which has been in operation since 2002, has, like many businesses, had its fair share of theft and vandalism over the years. Generally these have consisted of break-ins to the forecourt where up to 25 display models can be stored. The dealership has suffered damage ranging from a broken showroom window to broken windscreens on new cars. The company previously protected the forecourt by means of security guards which were very costly and which were not a sufficient deterrent to thieves.

“Traditional security systems act as a deterrent but they do not stop intrusions taking place. Our cars are constantly on view and although our building has a traditional alarm, it was impossible to install an alarm on an open forecourt. We employed a security firm to patrol the premises after working hours and while this had some impact it was not 100% effective. We needed a system which would give us the benefits of 24 hour protection without the expense”, says Darren Kavanagh, General Manager, Kylemore Daewoo. “The new system installed, Netwatch, is an interactive system employing satellite technologies which allow our premises to be watched 24 hours a day for a fraction of the cost of employing full time security men”.

Carlow-based Netwatch is 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.

“We have had no serious security breaches since installing Netwatch. There is great peace of mind in knowing that the premises is 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 more successful in preventing damage to, and loss of, equipment and stock”, says Darren Kavanagh.

“Daewoo is typical of businesses throughout the country who are faced with monetary losses through theft, vandalism, false insurance claims, and so on”, says Colin Hayes, Area Manager, Netwatch. “A recent report highlighted that almost one in two businesses (46%) has experienced crime in the past 12 months. The report estimated the average cost of crime to those businesses affected at €8,230. Interestingly, only 16% of businesses said they had incurred no direct expenses as a result of crime while the remaining 84% still had direct costs to pay despite higher insurance premiums”.

“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, as it is far cheaper financially and emotionally to prevent a crime than to solve one. With 9 out of 10 criminals leaving the premises before they commit the crime, Netwatch is unrivalled in this regard.”

“Before installing The Netwatch System we undertook a cost-benefit analysis of the system against the security measures we already had in place. There was no comparison - Netwatch costs us half of what we previously paid per year, provides a more effective 24-hour monitoring and security system and has a strong record of crime prevention. The security system installed was specific to our needs and I expect to make greater savings next year”, said Darren Kavanagh.