At one of its service depots, LU began a security upgrade project that needed to take into account the limitation imposed by the depot’s location while addressing the need to maintain 24 hour a day access with full audit of who has accessed the site and what equipment had been removed. LU were also keen to avoid using cumbersome pan-tilt-zoom cameras and external housings while still ensuring the site was always covered while using the least number of devices to increase reliability of the system.

To this end, Vicom, a highly regarded systems specialist with a number of successful rail sector projects under its belt proposed an innovative solution utilising a combination of Mobotix thermal and hemispheric cameras utilising advanced analytics with local access control with remote monitoring. By using Mobotix decentralised concept and dual lens cameras, the proposal would provide intelligent analytics able to detect site intruders during the day and night without the need for external perimeter lighting.

Vicom carried out a detailed site survey and capability test at the depot location to ensure the site could be monitored both day and night. Due to the dual lens capabilities and hemispheric models, the entire site was designed to be secured using just 6 cameras. The system is also integrated alongside IP access control, intruder alarm and public address systems which are remotely monitored 365 days a year by an NSI Gold Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

Through the use of built-in power-over-Ethernet capability and the highly efficient Mobotix Mxpeg video encoder technology, all video from the site is relayed back to the ARC over a single BT provisioned broadband circuit. While the simplicity of installation meant that the whole project including exhaustive testing and sign-off phases took just 12 weeks to complete.

The flexibility of the system means that different areas can be armed independently while the thermal imaging combined with Mobotix Mxanalytics system built into each camera can detect movement and emit an audible alarm, warning the intruder to leave the area. Mxanalytics also makes it possible to track the movement of people and objects in the image, and collects statistical behaviour data to maintain a complete audit of site activity.

Since implementation, the system has been effective, with only some minor remedial work required to secure the site against the encroachment of urban wildlife such as foxes that occasionally trigged alarms which were quickly identified on closer inspection of the actual footage.

John Hinds CEng MIET, Senior Telecommunications Engineer at London Underground, said: “This has proven to be a successful project. Based on the results, it is definitely an approach we could consider adopting at other sites across the Capital.”

Paul Bonnet, Managing Director for Vicom added: “This is a great example of how innovative IP-video surveillance systems from Mobotix can help save hundreds of thousands of pounds each year in security guard costs while delivering the flexibility and accessibility that customers require without compromising on security.”