In 2009 serious disorder occurred and police were attacked. Residents of the area were shocked by the violence which spoilt the celebrations and left many feeling intimated. A major factor was alcohol abuse by people coming into the area from outside.

In time for this year’s celebrations and over a period of 13 days, Portstewart based Wired Up Security Solutions installed seven Samsung SPD-3750 high speed dome cameras to allow police and local officials to monitor live images of activity taking place in the main streets of Hollylands and, if necessary, deploy a rapid and effective response to any unwelcome incidents. The high resolution images captured by the SPD-3750s were wirelessly transmitted via Wired Up Security’s Evidence Master wireless system over a 2km distance to Belfast City centre. The Evidence Master can transmit up to 10km. The images were simultaneously relayed to a local police station as well as to Belfast City’s control room, where they are recorded at 25 frames per second at 4 CIF resolution. CCTV controllers at both locations were able have full control of the cameras.

“One of the main reasons why we recommended the SPD-3750 to Belfast City Council for this project is the camera’s impressive 37 x optical zoom capability which provides operators with the flexibility and freedom to decide what to look at and if required, observe close up detail of any activity,” said Cormac Hopkins (Proprietor) of Wired Up Security Solutions. “The SPD-3750 can also pan at 400 degrees per second and offers the option of automatic scene tours or can be programmed to move to 256 preset positions. It also uses Digital Image Stabilisation (DIS) technology to negate the effects of the camera shaking due to high winds or building vibration.”

Richard McLernon, Belfast City Council’s Community Safety Coordinator said: “Belfast City Council is committed to improving the safety of residents in the city. Through a partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland we have commissioned Wired Up Solutions to implement a redeployable CCTV scheme on our behalf. We believe that CCTV is a valuable tool and see this pilot project as an opportunity to look at both the technology and the effectiveness of this approach. Already, we have put the system to good use in helping to manage potential public disorder in the Greater University Area of Belfast. We have found the service from both Wired Up Solutions and Samsung has exceeded our expectations in the initial stages of the project.”

The Evidence Master wireless system used to connect the SPD-3750s, offers massive time and cost savings compared to connecting cameras using optical fibre. It allows cameras to be installed very quickly with little or no civil works involved and no costly line rental. This system has also been extensively fitted in Dublin and has a proven track record with excellent technical support.

The Evidence Master can be integrated into existing control rooms allowing the operators to use existing equipment to control their cameras, saving on increasing optical fibre line rental costs. Evidence Master Wireless links operate on a number of licence free bands, and are securely encrypted. The Evidence Master equipment is compact so there is minimal visual impact.

Samsung and Wired Up Security Solutions produced the technology which ensured that this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Hollylands took place with none of the serious disruptions that occurred during 2009. Cormac Hopkins believes that the CCTV system played its full part by deterring would be troublemakers. “The Samsung cameras produced superb quality images and the Evidence Master wireless system delivered that quality to the end users. We have since been commissioned by Belfast City Council to install any additional five SPD-3750 dome cameras to work alongside the seven which are already in situ. All 12 cameras will remain permanently in place and will be monitored 24/7 as part of a plan of action by the Council and the police to create a safe and secure living environment for the people who live and work in Hollylands.”

Wired Up Security Solutions can deliver a CCTV system which is interactive and has a flexible architecture, allowing the CCTV cameras to be supported by a public address system which allows operators to speak to people on the street to discourage anti social behaviour, nipping potential misdemeanours or crimes in the bud. Wired Up Security solutions system also allows the addition of help points to allow members of the public to call for assistance.