With over two million square feet of retail space and 270 stores, Yorkdale Shopping Centre offers the country’s largest collection of designer labels and luxury brands. Managed by Oxford Properties Group, it goes beyond shopping, offering visitors valet services, a museum-quality art collection, and 24/7 on-site security.

Breaking out of proprietary system limitations

With their proprietary video system and standalone access control solution, searching for information required the security operations team to navigate between the two systems, which slowed investigations and incident response. Additionally, having a closed security solution held them back from exploring new technologies such as cutting-edge cameras or system integrations.

The search for a new video management system (VMS) led them to Genetec Security Center and Omnicast, which not only provided state-of-the-art video management, but unified video, access control, and data from other sensors into one system. The Genetec solutions enhanced the team's ability to manage security policies, monitor events, and run investigations. Since it is an open platform, Yorkdale can expand the system with new technology as it emerges.

A comprehensive view of mall security

Since implementing Security Center, the Yorkdale team has been able to significantly enhance operational efficiencies. Now, if an incident is underway, operators can see what’s happening and act fast from one unified view.

“With Security Center, we’re shaving valuable time from investigations and response, said Luca Aiello, Security Manager at Oxford Properties. “Our security operators can identify potential risks, retrieve critical information, and deploy on-foot officers faster within the shopping center. Overall, we’ve become far more proactive and efficient in handling anything that comes up. That ensures we keep providing an exceptional guest experience.”

Today, operators manage over 750 cameras, 500 access control readers, and 2000 cardholders using Security Center. They’ve also deployed the Sipelia intercom module. Sipelia allows them to initiate two-way conversations across 150 intercom stations located in parking garages, entrances, and other areas. The team also added the Autovu automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system, the Genetec Mission Control decision management system, and other technologies within the platform.

All video, data, and calls come back into a state-of-the-art command centre, where security operators keep the shopping centre running smoothly. Security managers can also use the Genetec Mobile app on their phones to check in on situations from anywhere in the mall.

Leveling up operational efficiencies and enhancing public safety partnerships

Ensuring security operators can quickly respond and resolve the issues is critical to maintaining a five-star shopping experience. To empower their operators and streamline incident response, the Yorkdale team implemented Genetec Mission Control. The collaborative decision management system helps operators better understand unfolding events and guides them through the best course of action according to SOPs.

Genetec Autovu has been a key component to fostering a proactive security approach. With 52 Autovu automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras deployed, they’ve been able to extend security to their property’s perimeter, enhance vehicle-related investigations, and help serve the community. For example, if local police are searching for a vehicle of interest, Yorkdale can put that vehicle information into their Autovu system, and if the vehicle comes onto their property, police are notified.

As incidents of vehicle and/or retail theft rise, the Autovu ALPR system has also become a deterrent. Said Bob Vounotripidis, Senior Operations Manager at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, “Since implementing the Autovu ALPR system, we’ve become significantly more responsive to theft-related incidents and investigations. Word has gotten out–Yorkdale is a property that takes security seriously, and the perpetrators will be caught.”

Planning for future expansions

The Yorkdale team is looking ahead to other technologies that can expand their security approach and system, such as deploying body-wearable technology and integrating video from those devices into the unified platform. They are also exploring using Genetec Clearance digital evidence management system to streamline evidence sharing with law enforcement.

Said Aiello, “More shopping centres should be using Genetec Security Center. This security platform not only helps our team operate more efficiently, but we’re also evolving our deployment using the best technologies out there.”