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TechSmart was recently in conversation with Johan de Bruyn, head of operations at Mezuzah Security Services, talking about technology solutions in the security sector.

Have you picked up noticeable crime trends related to SMEs in South Africa?

From first-hand experience here at Mezuzah Security Services, we have noticed with our clients that petty crime is on the rise. Common crime like petty theft and shoplifting are among the top trends that we have seen a significant increase in.

Nonferrous metals like copper pipes, cables and aluminium are counted among the high commodity items that petty criminals and syndicates really like to target. It is easy to steal these items and very difficult to trace these back to a specific incident or theft.

We have also seen an increase in shoplifting where people are more and more desperate. Most shoplifters are getting caught stealing food items and now with the colder weather, we noticed an increase in theft of warmer clothes for both children and adults. We have interviewed many of the suspects that we’ve caught shoplifting and some of them are employed but stated that they simply cannot afford to support their families with what they earn from their salaries alone.

Vehicle theft is also becoming problematic, with certain brands of vehicles being targeted more. Toyota Etios models, for instance, are the preferred target of choice for criminals, with almost all vehicle thefts that we experience involving this specific vehicle. It is closely followed by the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Prado models. Conversely, vehicle theft of other brands has declined in the cases we have dealt with in the past 6 months.

The influence of technology is growing in the security sector: Can you please explain your perimeter monitoring system?

Perimeter monitoring is an early warning system. Most crimes like theft and break-ins to properties happen extremely fast. These criminals get in, grab the items of value, and get out within a short span of time,  to avoid running into armed response officers, who might be responding to an alarm. Traditional alarm systems notify you once the intruder has already entered the property.

For a perimeter to be monitored properly, Mezuzah Security Services go out to the site to do a proper assessment of the property, in order for us to recommend the best possible equipment required for the highest possibility of success. CCTV cameras are then set up in strategic positions to give us a full view of the perimeter of the property.

We then use software dependant on the specific site requirements, to set up intrusion detection zones and rules. What this means is that when a person or a vehicle enters a zone or breaks a rule that we have set up, our control room will be alerted by a notification of the intrusion into that zone with a 20 second video alert. The alert will show 10 seconds of video before the alert and 10 seconds after the alert, so the control room operator can make an informed decision on whether the intrusion alert is considered a threat or not.

What the perimeter monitoring system does is give you an early warning of a potential threat or intrusion to your property. This gives the control room operator the ability to react and get ground support notified before the intrusion becomes a threat.

Users are also able to view an incident on their smart device. Can the event be downloaded to share on community channels? Are users able to view a live stream?

In short - yes, events can be downloaded and shared on community channels. For events to be shared on community channels, we need the permission from the specific client as the video material is their property. In exceptional cases, we cannot share video when suspects are caught. These videos will go to the SAPS and be used as evidence in court. Sharing videos on open community groups where suspects have been arrested can consequently jeopardise the case.

In cases where suspects are at large, the video material could be circulated on community groups and used to get assistance from the community to identify and track down suspects.

The client will give us a list of users and each user will have different access levels to the system that could authorise the user to download events or just to view events.

All users with access to the system and an internet connection will be able to live stream video on their smart mobile devices or desktop PCs, from anywhere in the world.

Can you please expand on your analytics system called Innovi?

Mezuzah Security Services make use of software called REFRAME A.I and HIKVISION’s Acusense.

Hikvision is one of the most well-known brands when it comes to CCTV equipment and AcuSense technology helps you take security to the next level with accurate, real-time threat detection that distinguishes people and vehicles from other targets. It is a good software, but there are many limitations like the shapes of intrusion lines and areas that can be set up.

REFRAME A.I is an analytical software that distinguishes between humans and vehicles. It is similar to the HIKVISION ACUSENSE but adds a lot more functionality and setup capabilities. REFRAME A.I fills the gaps that the Acusense software leaves when it comes to functionality and limitations from the HIKVISION software and hardware. There are no limitations on shapes that can be drawn for intrusion lines and exclusion areas. False alarm reduction is the key to effective monitoring of CCTV.  REFRAME A.I is locally developed software with excellent support and constant development taking place.

You place emphasis on the usage of varifocal cameras – why so?

Varifocal cameras like any other camera must be used in the correct application. A varifocal lens is a camera lens with variable focal length in which focus changes as focal length and magnification changes. With an adjustable lens, varifocal cameras allow you to adjust the view of the camera until you have the perfect field of view to suit the area you want to monitor. This view will then stay focused the way it was set up until the requirements of focus point changes and the focal lens is adjusted again.

Varifocal lenses differ from true zoom lenses or PTZ (pan tilt and zoom) cameras that can be zoomed and focused at any time by the operator.

How do you ensure redundancy in your system and in Mezuzah's control centre?

 Mezuzah Security Services do not rely on a single monitoring platform. We utilise both server-based processing and monitoring infrastructure, as well as cloud-based servers for monitoring.

Power backup is secured by utilising a solar inverter and power bank systems, as well as 2 backup generators as a failsafe.

Redundancy for our internet connectivity is also in place with a dedicated primary fibre connection and a broadband wireless connection. We have strict SLA’s in place with our internet providers that guarantee our uptime at 99% per year.

What are your future plans for the expanded utilisation of technology?

Mezuzah Security Services believes that technology is the future when it comes to security. Security systems across the board are constantly being developed and advanced. Systems are becoming more and more effective and reliable. Our aim is to utilise a wide range of security products to work in unison, creating a layered approach to securing homes and businesses throughout South Africa. We believe that security and #FEELINGSAFE is a basic human right. Our aim is to incorporate systems that are both affordable and effective in securing property and creating a safe environment for all.

With loadshedding once again in full swing, how do SMEs ensure the continued functioning of their surveillance security system during periods of power interruption?

Mezuzah Security Services does cater for just that eventuality that everyone in South Africa has come to dread, namely loadshedding. We offer our monitoring clients a back-up power solution that is robust and effective. By utilising solar and A.C power inverter systems with the correct battery capacity, we are able to ensure uptime during loadshedding. The power backup systems we supply have a seamless uninterrupted switch over without power dipping at all. Our systems are able to supply backup power anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the requirements of our clients.