Business

Pros and cons of public CCTV

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The pros and cons of CCTV surveillance in public places is one that has been raging for several decades now.

Most people are firmly for the technology when used in the right way. It helps people feel safe whilst out in public and has seen many criminals brought to justice who would otherwise have gotten away with their awful actions.

That said, some people feel that CCTV is going too far these days and has crossed the line between protection and privacy invasion.

In this article, we will look at both sides of the coin, examining all the key information.

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Pros of public CCTV

CCTV reduces crime

There is no doubt about it, the statistics speak for themselves. CCTV installation leads to a reduced crime rate, AND an increased conviction rate for the crimes commited.

It is an invaluable tool used by the police and is often the key piece of evidence used in a court case.

CCTV protects innocent people

CCTV isn’t purely a tool for the conviction either, it can also clear the name of those who have been falsely accused of crime and has kept many people from being sent to jail for things they didn’t do.

CCTV protects businesses

The last thing we need as a society is for new businesses to be torn apart by criminal activity before they have the opportunity to get off the ground.

CCTV is a must-have on commercial sites these days and stops theft and vandalism from causing havoc every single day across the UK. Of course, crime will still occur every now and then, even on sites with CCTV in place, but it is still a powerful deterrent and can be used by the police to track down the culprit or to file for an insurance claim in retrospect anyway.

For more information on how CCTV can help your business visit https://trusthire.co.uk/ today.

Reduce Traffic Rate

City planners will often use CCTV to get an overview of traffic congestion and design a strategy to resolve it.

Cons of CCTV surveillance

CCTV can be abused

Unfortunately, anyone can buy and use CCTV cameras in the UK. There are strict rules around this use, CCTV cannot be hidden or installed in private places such as bathrooms, for example, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen on rare occasions.

This is not an argument for banning CCTV, as cameras stop plenty of crimes taking place as well, but suggests that more checks should be introduced on their use.

CCTV is expensive

A very different argument a lack of public CCTV. Cameras cost money, and many believe that there are better uses for public money than installing them in every public place across the UK.

However, you have to factor in the influence that CCTV can have if you are going to make this argument. The money used for CCTV could go directly to police funds to help prevent crime, but would this be more effective than CCTV installation in doing so?

Business

Why is dog security so effective?

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Dogs have been used for protection purposes for hundreds of years and remain a vital part of the UK security industry.

CCTV, Security Guards, and Intruder alarms are all effective services that can be used to protect a business but nothing is quite as effective a deterrent to criminals as a canine security guard.

A great security dog is hard to find and only a few security companies such as Select Solutions security have the licences and vetting procedures in place to offer the service.

top security

In this article we will examine the benefits of using dog security to protect your company and why they are such a great addition to an existing security guard team.

What are the advantages of canine security guards?

Security dogs, or ‘guard dogs’ are probably eh most effective physical deterrent it is possible to have on your premises. These unit have a highly attuned sense of smell and hearing and will be able to detect intruders far faster that a human guard. They can also cover a much larger area of land is a shorter period of time.

This makes dog security an extremely cost-effective option as one security dog can do the role of several human security guards. In fact, it is estimated that a security dog is comparable to around 5 human guards, pretty impressible right!

If you are looking for a way to maximise security at your next event, for example, but have a strict budget to stick to, security dogs could be a god-send. The last place you want to be taking the ‘cheap option is your security but with canine officers you can keep expenditure to a minimum without compromising in this key area.

We have a completely customisable dog security service here at select and can position handlers and their canine partners wherever on your property that they will be most effective.

If you choose to use a mobile dog unit rather than a stationary one we will work closely with you to determine the route that they will follow and how often  a patrol will be carried out.

We can usually arrange a dog unit to be assigned to your site at pretty short notice, making them the perfect choice if your security requirements change at very short notice.

What about drug dogs?

Some dogs are trained to detect certain substances such as drugs or weapons using their advanced sense of smell. There are many obvious advantages to this and it is no surprise that sniffer dogs are now a common sight in airports, sports events, concerts, and more.

Certain dog units are able to detect unusual scents such as money or gunpowder but these are slightly less common. If you have any specific illicit goods you are looking to protect yourself against, finding a detector dog is a major step in the right direction.

Have a chat with one of our security experts and we will work to find you the perfect dog unit for your needs.

Blog

Gas Boilers vs Electric Radiators

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Gas and electric have been the UK’s two most popular heating choices for many decades now.

If we’re honest, whilst electric has put up a decent enough fight, it has been a pretty one-sided battle between the two for some time now. Gas boilers are simply cheaper to run, with a unit of gas costing over 2 times less than a unit of electricity, even with the recent surge in global gas prices.

Gas boilers also tend to be far more powerful and efficient in terms of heat production than their electric counterparts.

At CHS Glasgow we are one of Scotland’s leading providers of boiler installations, repairs, and replacements, so it will come as no surprise that we are championing the benefits of gas central heating. That said, it is pretty easy to do so when gas outperforms electric heating in pretty much every category you could possibly think of.

There is a reason, after all, that around 85% of UK homes are currently connected to the gas network.

plumbing

Are there any benefits of electric radiators over gas boilers?

Yes. But they are few and far between. One of the common claims you will here from electric heating manufacturers is that electric heating is more energy efficient than gas heating. This is completely true. Electric radiators are 100% energy efficient, meaning that every single unit of electrical energy you purchase from the national grid or produce using a renewable energy source is converted into heat energy. Impressive right?

Sure, but less so when you realise that new combi boilers can achieve efficiency levels of up to 94%. Gas boilers are never going to achieve 100% efficiency purely due to the small amount of heat lost in the production process, but there is only a 6% difference between the efficiency of the most efficient gas boilers and an electric radiator.

On the other hand, there is over a 300% difference between the price of gas and the price of electric. Even if gas boilers only achieved 50% efficiency, it would still be more cost effective to generate heat  using gas than electric purchased from the grid.

The exception to this rule is when the electricity used to power electric radiators is not purchased from the grid but rather generated by a renewable energy source such as Solar PV panels.

Many people point to the rise in renewable energy technology as a sign that electric radiators powered by renewables is the future and gas is on the way out.

What they fail to mention is that there are plenty of renewable energy solutions that can be combined with a gas boiler system. Air source heat pumps, for example, can be used to create a hybrid heat pump system alongside a gas boiler system.

With so many people in the UK choosing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of gas over electric at this present time, it is much more likely that these hybrid systems will be the future rather than ripping millions of boilers out of homes across the nation.

Real Estate

The benefits of double glazing in hot weather

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Properties in hot climates must be designed to cope well in extreme temperatures, keeping the interior cool no matter the power of the outside heat.

Windows are particularly important and upgrading to new energy efficient double or even triple glazed glass is essential if you live in an area where extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, are a regular occurrence.

If you live in the UK, you might not think that this information is overly relevant for you, but as we have all seen in recent years, the summers are getting hotter and experts suggest that in the decades to come keeping cool in the summer will become a serious consideration, especially given that most UK homes are built to retain heat rather than repel it.

Double glazing can last you well upwards of 25 years if well-maintained, and if projections are correct they will have to deal with ever increasing periods of extreme heat in this time. Therefor, if you are currently looking to have new windows installed by an Edinburgh glazing expert it is absolutely critical that you choose units that perform well in hot weather.

Double glazing in the Summer

Summer double glazing

We frequently hear from double glazing companies just how beneficial installation is during the winter months at keeping heat inside your property and saving you money on your energy bills.

This is certainly true, and it is no coincidence that the UK Government now sees double glazing as an essential requirement in domestic dwellings across the nation. What is slightly less well publicised, but no less true, is the benefit of having double glazing during the summer months.

Just as double glazed glass keeps heat in in the winter, it keeps heat out in the summer, preventing as much heat transfer from one side of the glass to the other as possible through features such as an argon gas filling and E-coated glass.

Here are just some of the benefits of double glazing installation during the summer months.

Temperature control

The fundamental concept of double and triple glazing is based on the premise of limiting heat transferring from one side of the window to the other. If you want to stay cool in the summer, even if you are lucky enough to have an air-conditioning unit installed, without spending a fortune on cooling, having properly glazed windows is an absolute must.

Ironically, as our summers become more and more extreme, double glazed windows become a better and better investment as their purpose, which was once mainly beneficial in the winter, becomes dual purpose and incredibly valuable all year long.

Prevent UV damage

The sun beating down on your home during the summer not only brings heat with it but also damaging UV rays. UV can be damaging to the human body, but just as damaging to your paintings, furniture, curtains, and other soft furnishings.

Too much UV light being allowed into your property will result in faded fabrics and a washed out interior. Luckily, our double glazed glass is fitted with a specially designed UV-coating that works to reflect these harmful rays.

Holiday in peace

What better time to go away on a vacation at home or abroad than the summer holidays. Unfortunately, many criminals take advantage of the empty properties left by holiday-goers at this time of year to break in and steal valuable items.

Double glazing is far more secure than single glazing, with triple glazed and reinforced glass offering an even more daunting challenge to potential intruders.

Installing new double glazing this summer will allow you to go away in peace, safe in the knowledge that most criminals will be deterred by the sight of two strong panes of glass protecting your property and even if they aren’t, the chances of anyone breaking through before being noticed by one of your neighbours or a passer-by is incredibly slim.

For maximum protection, pick new windows that feature additional security measures such as multi-point locking systems and reinforced hinges.

Noise reduction

If you live in a busy area, late night BBQs and summer parties are likely to become a daily occurrence during periods of warm weather. If you need to get some rest after a long day at work, the last thing that you need is for this revelry to keep you up all night. Not to be a party pooper, but you need your rest and double glazing allows you to get it, offering superior noise reduction than single glazing and preventing party noise, traffic sounds, and other noise in the local area from penetrating too loudly into your property.

If you live in a city or near a busy road, this is a benefit that you will enjoy all year round, not just during the summer months.

Business

10 duties of private security guards

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Private security companies across the UK provide security guarding services for a huge number of different businesses and individuals.

Security is absolutely critical to the success of any business, but people tend to underestimate just how difficult it is to protect a commercial site without professional assistance.

By far the best way to secure a property against a variety of threats, including criminal activity, fire, workplace accidents, and much more besides is to hire the services of a private SIA licenced security officer.

These highly trained individuals will use their extensive experience on a daily basis to identify threats before they escalate and take steps to prevent problems arising.

Their job role is far more varied than many people realise and encompasses many different duties and obligations depending on the security needs and requirements of the site.

security company
Here are 10 of the main duties all security guards at Prime Secure are trained to perform

1) Conducting regular patrols

On a day-to-day basis, security guards will conduct mobile patrols of your site, looking for any issues, and identifying threats. They will put their findings from these patrols into a report that you can use to fine-tune your security arrangements and reduce the risk of a future incident.

Most security guard patrols will take in all the key areas of the site including the perimeter, all entry points, and anywhere that is close to your key assets.

2) Monitor CCTV

Security guards work in unison with security technologies such as CCTV to keep an eye across your entire site in a way that wouldn’t be possible through mobile patrols alone. With a CCTV operator in place should an incident be detected a security guard can be on the scene in a matter of seconds, using their skills to deescalate the situation and protect those in close proximity.

3) Reassure staff

The presence of manned security guards from a private security firm will reassure your staff that they are safe whilst on your property, leading to a more relaxed and productive working environment.

4) Oversee evacuations

Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, emergencies happen, and when the time comes it is essential that your response is effective.

Should a fire break out, or a serious security breach be detected, your security guards will focus on keeping all staff and customers safe, evacuating the building as safely and efficiently as possible.

They will also get in touch with the relevant emergency services, and inform them of the situation once they arrive.

5) Performing first-aid

All SIA licenced security guards are now required to undergo first-aid training in order to keep their licence and be allowed to work in the security industry. Should there be a medical emergency on your site, having them present could be incredibly important, doing all they can to keep the individual safe until an ambulance or doctor arrives.

6) Deterring criminals

You are not the only one that knows just how effective security guards are at dealing with criminals. The criminals themselves are all too aware as well.

Most sites who hire a security guard from a private security company note a marked drop in reported incidents after they are stationed on site.

This is due to the fact that most would-be intruders will see one glimpse of a security guards uniform and decide to move on elsewhere.

7) Representing your company

Often stationed at the entry to a building, a security guard may be the first person a client or customer meets when visiting your site.

First impressions matter and professional security guards are trained to make a great one, being friendly and personable when on duty and presenting an image of the upmost professionalism at all times.

8) Crowd control

Security guards are often tasked with providing the security for events such as sports matches, concerts, festivals, and more. Crowd control is critical to a safe and enjoyable event and security guards are trained to keep rowdy situations under control and put measures in place to avoid overcrowding.

CCTV camera

9) Controlling access

Individuals gaining unauthorised access to your property is by far the biggest threat to the security and safety of your business.

Security guards will prevent this by controlling access at the front entrance, and other entry points, checking IDs, conducting searches, and operating biometric access control technology such as fingerprint and facial recognition scanners.

10) Become invaluable members of your team

You might think that hiring security guards will negatively impact upon your team’s chemistry, but these professionals are experts at fitting in to whatever environment they are place in.

They will seamlessly become just another member of your valued team and can even adapt their uniform to better suit the ethos of your company.

Main

Is Scotland sunny enough for solar panels?

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Despite having a well-earned reputation for rainy, cloudy, and grey weather, Scotland still has more than enough sunlight to make solar panels a fantastic investment.

In fact, research shows that the UK as a whole actually gets just as much solar energy as Spain, France, and other countries renowned for their warmer climate.

This surprising statistic is born from the fact that solar panels use light to produce electricity rather than heat and can even fall in productivity once they reach a certain temperature.

Although your panels will certainly produce more energy on a clear sunny day, they will still produce a certain amount in cloudy weather and windy conditions may even increase their efficiency, having a cooling effect on the PV modules.

What is the affect of extreme weather on solar panels?

The impact of climate change has been felt all across the world, and more and more extreme weather is hitting Scotland every single year.

Unfortunately, high amounts of wind, rain, and snow mean that solar panels must be sturdier than ever before, or they will degrade at a much faster rate.

Luckily, technology has also advanced at a rapid rate and modern solar panels are designed specifically to deal with less than ideal weather conditions.

You may be shocked to learn that solar panels will even work to some extent when it’s snowing, with the residual heat produced by your panels melting the snow as it falls, although heavy snow that manages to settle on your panels will certainly prevent it from working to its full potential.

To make it harder for snow to settle, there are certain treatments that can be applied to the surface of each panel, but this is something that is probably only worthwhile if you live somewhere that gets heavy snowfall on an annual basis.

Do clouds effect solar panel production?

Anyone who has gone out on a cloudy day and returned home sun burnt knows only too well that clouds do not fully block the sun’s rays.

Of course, clouds do block certain amounts of light, and solar panel effectiveness will be reduced when the cloud level is low, but not to the extent that many people believe.

The type of cloud that is present at the time is also important, as high clouds will reflect far less sunlight energy than low clouds.

Certain cloudy conditions can actually be great for solar panels.

For example, ice crystals contained within high-altitude clouds can act as a lens, making sunlight appear brighter than usual, and focussing the rays into a certain location.

This effect is unimaginatively named cloud lensing.

Are sunny days better for solar panels?

The more sunlight reaching your solar panels the more energy that will be produced, but this isn’t always for the best.

Producing too much solar energy, with nowhere to store or use it, has the potential to cause unexpected power surges that can either damage electrical devices or cause a blackout.

Modern solar panels are designed specifically to avoid such an incident but if you have recently moved into a new property with solar panels installed it is worth having them inspected as soon as possible.

To maximise how much clean, free energy you are able to produce on those seemingly rare sunny days, you might consider having a solar battery installed alongside your solar PV panels.

On clear days, the average home solar panel system will produce far more electricity than can be used in a domestic home, and being able to store this energy, for use at night or on a rainy day is hugely beneficial.

If you do not wish to install a battery, or your home is deemed unsuitable, you will be able to sell any excess back into the national grid thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Do solar panels work when it is cold?

Yes, as solar panels rely on the light being emitted from the sun rather than its warmth, cold weather will not have any detrimental effect on your solar panel output.

In fact, cold but sunny weather is actually the optimal conditions for solar panel operation.

Like most electrical equipment, solar cells operate far more efficiently when temperatures are lower and excessive heat will only reduce productivity.

Without getting too technical, the greater the differential between the energy in photons from sunlight and electrons in the solar cells, the more energy will be produced, and cold weather maximises this difference.

What about snow?

Whilst cold weather is beneficial for pv panels scotland there are limits.

Heavy snow fall that is allowed to settle on your solar panels, for example, will significantly damage their operation.

However, as solar panels are tilted towards the sun, snow will not as easily cling to them as it would other surfaces.

Main

10 simple ways to prevent burglaries

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cctv-installer

In 2021 alone, there were over 267,000 burglaries in the UK, with an average of over 800 homes being broken into every single say.

Surprisingly, in more than half of these incidents, the burglar gained entry through the front door, and over a third occurred during the day.

These statistics show that the vast majority of burglaries are not carefully planned operations, but the result of opportunistic criminals roaming the streets looking for vulnerable properties.

This is a scary thought, but luckily means that by taking a few simple but highly effective safety precautions, you can massively reduce the chances of your home being targeted.

1. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight

You are looking for ways to deter burglars, not attract them, and leaving valuable items lysing around outside the front of your property or clearly visible from the road is an unnecessary risk to take.

If you have a road bike or expensive gardening equipment, make sure to store it away inside a shed or garage, if possible, rather than leaving it unattended on the front lawn.

It is also worth having a quick walk around your property during the day with the blinds and curtains open to see what valuable items are within eyesight and consider doing a minor redesign to move them into less conspicuous spots.

2. Optimise your lighting

Lighting is a major deterrent to burglars, suggesting that someone is in the property, and making it much harder for them to approach undetected.

When leaving the house consider leaving a light on or installing a timed light inside to give the illusion that someone is home.

Motion sensor lighting can also be a great way to startle and scare off those approaching your property at night and will alert you and your neighbours to their presence.

3. Install secure doors and windows

Installing double glazed doors and windows with the latest security features such as multi-point locking systems will make it much harder for intruders to gain access to your home.

Even if an intruder is not deterred by your modern security doors, it will take them MUCH longer to for their way through, giving you or your neighbours time to contact the emergency services.

Many opportunistic burglars will simply roam a neighbourhood trying doors and windows of houses that appear unoccupied hoping to get lucky, so ensure that you lock up properly every time you leave your home.

4. Don’t hide a spare key

Yes, it might be frustrating having to call a locksmith or wait for a family member to return home if you have lost your keys but hiding a spare key in a common hiding spot such as a flowerpot or under a rock could have consequences far worse than sitting around for a few hours.

Finding a spare key is any burglar’s dream, and if they have been watching your home for a while, they may have seen someone retrieve it from your hiding space.

Instead, leave your spare key with a neighbour or install a secure hidden combination lockbox.

5. Install an alarm system

Burglar alarm systems are one of the most effective measures you can take against criminals.

Installed near common entry points such as doors and windows, the motion detectors of your system will sound a loud audio warning if triggered, scaring off criminals and alerting all residents to the situation.

6. Get to know your neighbours

Close knit neighbourhoods are much less likely to see a high number of break ins.

The neighbourhood watch program is a great way to help keep everyone in your area safe and ensure that all incidents are swiftly reported but simply knowing a few of your nearest neighbours will ensure that any suspicious behaviour is spotted and dealt with.

7. Install CCTV

Visible CCTV cameras are a massive deterrent to criminals as the last thing they want is to be either caught in the act after being spotted in real-time, or later identified and prosecuted.

Even if the mere presence of Central FS CCTV cameras on your property doesn’t prevent a burglary, the footage will be invaluable to the police in finding the culprit, possibly recovering stolen goods, and acting as crucial evidence if the case goes to court.

8. Remove natural hiding spots

Overgrown shrubbery in your front garden is ideal for criminals looking to approach without detection and can act as effective hiding spots should they be detected.

By keeping your trees and plants in a manicured condition and ensuring that taller buses are kept in order to prevent dark shadows, you will eliminate the number of natural hiding spots available and make your property a much less attractive target.

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