THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008
Golf Mill Finishes Security Updates With Wireless Video
Merchants and shoppers in the one million sq. ft. Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles are "better served" since the final installation this month of a new wireless video surveillance system.
The purpose of multiple network cameras inside and outside the mall is to deter theft, provide footage for reviewing insurance claims, enable rapid response to incidents and emergencies, and serve as an efficiency improvement tool.
Over the past few years, Golf Mill added restaurants, a movie theatre, an off-track betting facility and a 24-hour fitness gym, resulting in increased vehicle and visitor traffic, requiring additional security measures.
To avoid the costs associated with ripping up newly installed floors to lay network cables for video surveillance, mall management General Growth Properties, in conjunction with ownership, opted for the Firetide wireless network.
Network cameras were installed in overt locations around the 120 specialty shops, four department stores and 89 acres of parking spaces, and connected them wirelessly over the Firetide network to the central security office in the mall.
"Our Firetide wireless surveillance system is a great tool to assist our tenants and customers," said Michael Williams, senior general manager at General Growth Properties. "Whatever the situation - someone slipping and falling, shoplifting or a major incident - our security staff can respond quickly and proactively."
Mall security officers monitor the camera system, and video analytics software alerts officers when unauthorized movements are detected. During patrols, officers can access the video feed, allowing officers to view feeds from any location, making the officers more efficient.
If any part of the network needs to be relocated, a Firetide node and Axis camera can be moved in a day. The Axis network cameras feature motion detection, audio detection and tampering alarms, providing additional set of tools to security personnel.
Video footage is stored for 30 days, but any time an incident takes place the evidence can be cataloged for up to two years. Also, the system uses digital storage, which makes it easier to email and distribute the video.
Mall officials also use the footage to monitor traffic flows, helping event planners and security operations to anticipate and better manage crowds.
"Facilities management companies recognize that the benefits of wireless video surveillance are multifaceted," said Bo Larsson, chief executive officer of Firetide. "Decreasing safety risks and incidents, improving the efficiency of security personnel, serving tenants and visitors, and better managing increased traffic flows are excellent examples of how Firetide technology improves facilities management and security operations."
Mall representatives declined to disclose the costs associated with installing the new security cameras.