Postnord was founded in 2009 through the merger of the Swedish and Danish national postal services, Postnord has expanded to over 400 locations in Sweden. In 2022, a major security breach at the Helsingborg terminal saw the theft of a trailer with goods valued at €250,000.

Alexis Larsson, Head of Security at Postnord Sweden, recalls:

“Our usual procedures would not allow a loaded trailer to remain on-site without being unloaded. However, in the summer of 2022, a driver was forced to leave a trailer on our premises after traffic delays led to a missed ferry crossing. This trailer, loaded with bikes worth around €250,000, became the target. Criminals breached our fence, accessed the depot, and drove away with the entire trailer.”

Caught by the camera

Footage from Axis cameras revealed the thieves had cut through a fence, slashed soft-sided trailers to search for valuable goods, and tampered with the gate to prevent it from closing. Once the security guard left, the thieves drove in with a truck, hooked it to the trailer, and escaped.

This incident, along with others, marked a trend, prompting Postnord to enlist Avarn Security for advanced surveillance.

“In the autumn, another theft occurred. A single incident might be addressed with preventive measures, but a second occurrence shows a pattern,” Larsson notes.

“The camera footage was alarming, and it led us to realise these were not isolated incidents. Our investigation revealed that Postnord wasn’t the only target; Mineralgatan had the highest rate of reported transport crimes in Sweden. We decided to take action.”

Surveillance and remote monitoring

Postnord’s first move was to upgrade surveillance at the Helsingborg depot. With Avarn Security, they installed the Axis D2110-VE Security Radar alongside existing Axis cameras. This radar’s 180-degree scan detects anyone on the grounds outside operating hours and automatically directs Axis PTZ cameras to track the target. Using Axis Companion, Postnord can remotely monitor cameras and radar.

Using a bait trailer

After a third intrusion, where no goods were on-site, Postnord took more direct action. Working with the police, they set up a “bait trailer” loaded with goods as Larsson explains, “something attractive to steal.” A security operative monitoring the site’s cameras set the alarm elements to service mode, and on a Saturday after closing, Postnord awaited the criminals. When they struck, the cameras captured everything – from the criminals assessing potential targets to breaching the gate when they found the trailer.

“Axis Companion offered us a live view, and Axis Object Analytics ensured our cameras were pointed in the right direction. This was crucial for keeping the police informed, as they waited several kilometres away to avoid drawing attention,” Larsson explains.

Arrested gang leader

Helsingborg Police intercepted the truck shortly after it left the depot, capturing a man believed to be the gang’s ringleader, with Postnord’s recordings acting as critical evidence.

“The police were thrilled, and the impact was immediate. Mineralgatan, once a hub of Swedish transport crime, has seen no reported crimes on Postnord’s site or nearby since,” Larsson comments.

Collaborative security enhancements

The partnership between Postnord, Axis, and Avarn Security has led to continuous security upgrades.

“Securing our sites is a significant challenge, with unique requirements at each location. Every year, we meet with Axis and Avarn at Axis headquarters in Lund to review our current setup, discuss new hardware, and plan next steps,” says Jonas Westerberg, Head of Security Protection at Postnord Sweden.

“At Postnord, we may not be experts on the products, so this relationship is invaluable. When we encounter a challenge, Axis is always ready to find a solution.”

Integrating technology for future security

Postnord is now transitioning to Axis Camera Station, a video management system (VMS) that will replace outdated technology and streamline surveillance. This upgrade will allow full use of Axis’s cameras, enhancing both efficiency and evidence collection.

As Postnord advances these initiatives, Alexis Larsson remains vigilant.

“Crime evolves,” he notes.

“But with our Axis systems, we are prepared for new challenges. Our technology provides the evidence needed for convictions, contributing to a safer environment for our operations and the community” he concludes.