SIMI and Netwatch renew Security Initiative for Ireland’s Motor Industry

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

The next generation security system provides 24-hour remote security monitoring of premises. It is unique in Ireland in that Intervention Specialists in the remote Communication's Hub can verbally warn-off intruders trying to gain access to a site. In 97% of cases, intruders leave immediately 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 over 24,000 crimes against businesses. The system has already been installed in several car dealerships throughout the country.

“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.

“A recent report highlighted that almost one in two businesses (46%) has experienced crime in the past 12 months," said David Walsh, Group CEO, Netwatch. "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. Netwatch is unrivalled in this regard.”

SIMI, which has 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.