SIMI and Netwatch Launch New Security Initiative for Ireland’s Motor Industry

Ireland’s motor industry has taken a major step in the fight against crime with the announcement today of the new partnership agreement between SIMI and Netwatch, the only security company in Ireland to provide an integrated “voice and sight” satellite based security system. This partnership will benefit the 1850 SIMI members throughout Ireland.

The revolutionary next generation security system provides 24-hour remote security monitoring of premises. It is unique in Ireland in that the remote command centre can verbally warn-off intruders trying to gain access to a site. In 9 out of 10 cases, intruders leave without committing a crime once they have been warned off, and know that they are being watched and recorded “live” on camera. Current static CCTV-based systems only record the event, they do not allow for intervention as the crime is happening.

Since its inception in 2003, Netwatch has prevented nearly 2000 crimes against businesses. The system has already been installed in several car dealerships throughout the country, including the Ray O’Brien Group, one of Kildare’s biggest dealerships.

“Since installing the Netwatch system eighteen months ago, we have suffered no loss or damage to vehicles on the site. Prior to this, vandalism and theft was costing my business on average, approximately €50,000 per annum. There have been occasions when thieves have tried to gain access to our premises, which covers a 2.5 acre site, but 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 acts of vandalism or theft of vehicles occurring”, said Ray O’Brien.

“Despite the use of traditional security measures, crime against the motor industry costs dealers thousands of euro every year in lost and damaged stock, not counting the increase in insurance premiums due to claims. The Netwatch system is already proving its worth in dealerships throughout the four corners of Ireland. With SIMI members currently in the process of upgrading their properties to meet European standards, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade security. By securing the Netwatch partnership, SIMI is delivering a proven solution against crime for our members in an extremely cost effective way.” said Tom Cullen, Director of Corporate Services, SIMI.

“The Ray O’Brien Group is typical of car dealerships throughout the country who are faced with monetary losses through theft, vandalism and so on”, said David Walsh, Sales Director, 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 realised that in order to meet our security and insurance requirements we needed to vastly upgrade the security measures we already had in place. Netwatch provided a more effective 24-hour monitoring and security system than employing security guards and had a strong record of crime prevention. They provided a full site survey, were happy to use existing equipment where possible and agreed a specific proposal with us. The system has saved my business money and I can highly recommend its use. It would be foolhardy not to install such a cost effective and efficient system in this day and age. ”, said Ray O’Brien.

SIMI, which has 1,850 members throughout Ireland, is the official voice of the motor industry in Ireland. The membership comprises of Vehicle Distributors, Dealers and Repairers along with Petrol Stations, Parts Wholesalers & Retailers and many other important operators within the industry in Ireland. SIMI plays an important role in representing the views of the industry to the Government, state bodies, the media and the motoring public.