Keepsafe Security Merges with Abel.

The local security industry was dealt a fresh blow last year, when Keepsafe Security, who had been serving local businesses and homeowners for 25 years, became part of the nationwide Abel Alarm Company. In Spring 2018, Director Kevin Vardy announced plans to merge with the security giant, citing a desire to grow the firm alongside a like minded, family-run organisation who had adopted a similar customer-focused drive.

The Abel Alarm Company was launched in 1965, specialising in intruder, fire, access, and CCTV systems. Headquartered in Leicester, the firm offers an almost nationwide coverage, from Bournemouth to Glasgow, from Peterborough to Taunton, and many places in between.

Now, more than 12 months in, how has the merge affected clients?

There is little doubt that the merger has provided former Keepsafe Security clients with many benefits, with the small team expanding their expertise through increased manpower and the in depth technical knowledge exhibited by the ready-formed and highly experienced Abel team. However, some clients may have struggled to adapt to having their needs met through a large nationwide provider, especially when they had become accustomed to working with a small, local team heavily focused on their area.

Geographical location is commonly cited as a vital factor when choosing a security company, whether for home or business needs. Not only can local firms often respond faster to urgent or time-sensitive events, but the extensive knowledge of the local area can also make a significant difference to how well a firm is able to respond and take action. Proximity is a driving force behind business/client relationships, facilitating improved communication and understanding, and offering greater peace of mind.

That’s why, at Mint Security Systems, we believe that it’s essential that we’re not only close to our clients, but that we’re also familiar with our client’s areas and environments. Based in Nottinghamshire, we work with local clients across Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Nottingham, Matlock, and Bakewell to offer a specialist, local service.

For former Keepsafe Security customers who are amongst those who have failed to see the benefits of the merger with the Abel Alarm Company, it is important to understand that there are alternative options available that continue to offer a small, local, friendly, and highly personalised experience. As an NSI-approved installer, we operate a 24 hour call out service and respond within 4 hours, offering our clients complete peace of mind that we’re just a short distance away when they really need us the most. Get in touch with us to find out more.

Get in touch to find out more.

Newark Alarms Taken Over by John Moore Security

Following a spate of acquisitions within the security industry recently, the team at Mint Security Systems is sad to hear about the loss of yet another local business. Newark Alarms, which has been serving homes and businesses in Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding areas from its headquarters at the Newark Business Park on Brunel Drive, has been taken over by John Moore Security Ltd. based 60 miles away across the Humber.

Known for its supply, installation, maintenance, and servicing of a wide range of both commercial and domestic security systems, reputable Newark Alarms had successfully built a strong client base across the local area. Following the acquisition, the needs of these customers will now be met by Hull-based John Moore Security, headquartered on Anlaby Road, which covers an extensive area throughout the Midlands, including the counties of Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire. The growing organisation specialises in intruder alarm systems, CCTV, and access control systems.

However, the news has undoubtedly been met with some frustration and anger by long term Newark Alarms clients, who have unexpectedly had their service provider’s location moved from their local market town to a city situated a 90-minute drive away.

These feelings of uncertainty have been heightened by the fact that John Moore Security spans such a wide area, leaving some clients concerned that this extensive coverage does not facilitate the development of strong working relationships with experienced, local service engineers who can attend incidents quickly and efficiently. Additionally, clients may be concerned over a lack of familiarity with the Newark area.

And the benefits of working with a local security firm don’t end there. Along with area familiarity and speedy responses to potentially urgent events, the proximity of the firm can also help to drive a better understanding and improved communications between client and business, enabling the organisation to better meet client expectations.

The good news, however, is that former Newark Alarms clients who do not wish to have their service moved to long distance to John Moore Security can begin looking into more local alternatives. Located roughly half the distance of John Moore Security Ltd. you’ll find us – an NSI accredited installer with more than 15 years experience in working with clients across Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Nottingham, Matlock, and Bakewell. Specialists in home and business systems, ultra HD 4K CCTV, door access, and fire alarms, we’ve installed more than 5000 systems in and around Nottinghamshire.

Why not get in touch to find out how we can help?

An increasing number of homeowners are choosing to install home CCTV in a bid to protect their properties… and rightly so! CCTV can act as a major deterrent, making homes less likely to be targeted and better prepared to manage the aftermath of theft.

However, it’s important to remember that even the best CCTV system isn’t a magic solution, and that security cameras are only as good as their installation. A camera pointing directly at the floor, for example, isn’t likely to capture what you need it to.

So here are our top 5 CCTV tips that we use ourselves when installing client systems:

1. Consider Location-
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to CCTV location. However, there are some places where cameras are more likely to capture activity. Police research shows that most thieves enter through the front door, so this is usually a good place to install a camera. However, also consider placing cameras near off-road access points (such as windows in an alleyway), and in ‘high value’ rooms such as second floor bedrooms.

2. Install at Optimal Height-
There’s a common misconception that installing CCTV at the highest possible height is best, giving the widest view of the premises. The problem with this, however, is that the further from the ground, the more difficult it is to identify facial features. Instead, we recommend installing at around a 9 foot height to minimise tampering. For outdoor cameras, installing lower, under a porch, can reduce the risk of weather damage.

3. Check Visibility-
Even a camera installed at the right height and in the best locations will fail if it’s unable to produce visible images. There are two important aspects to be aware of. The first is to opt for infrared systems if installing cameras in dark areas, or cameras that are operational overnight.

The second is to consider wide dynamic range (WDR) options for interior cameras pointed at exterior locations to control brightness and contrast.

4. Choose the Right Camera for Your Needs-
Does your home need a static camera or one that can be manoeuvred? Does it need to record and backup constantly, or only during periods of movement? In order to derive the most value from a home CCTV system, it’s vital that the system meets the individual needs of the property, and of the homeowner. If you’re struggling to make sense of all the possibilities, speak to the Mint Security team for help and assistance.

5. Keep it Legal-
Did you know that if your CCTV camera collects and stores images of public land, such as your street, you need to be compliant with GDPR regulations? Laws state that it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that their system is installed correctly and that they are compliant with data protection. Therefore, we advise always working with us here at Mint Security for complete peace of mind that your systems are up to scratch. Get in touch to find out more.

South Yorkshire based Mint Security Systems have achieved BAFE accreditation for the maintenance module from the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). This allows Mint Security Systems to maintain fire alarm systems to the current BAFE and BS 5839-1:2017 requirements and issue a certificate of compliance on completion.

To become an BAFE approved maintainer of fire alarms, companies have to be rigorously inspected twice a year to ensure they are maintaining quality standards, evidence that the maintenance engineers are fully conversant with BS 5839-1:2017 Section 6 and issue each system with a certificate of compliance. Recognised installers such as Mint Security Systems constantly meet British and European standards, and are also required to operate a 24 hour callout service.

Christoper Watson, Managing Director of Mint Security Systems said, “For over 10 years we have been industry leaders in the area of installing intruder alarms and CCTV, and now we are BAFE approved we can offer a complete package to our customers to service all 3 systems during one visit. As a BAFE approved contractor, our customers can rest assured knowing our highly qualified engineers will service your fire alarm to a high standard.”

Mint Security Systems can offer professional BAFE Fire Alarm servicing in our local area including the Sheffield, Nottingham, Lincoln, Derby, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Doncaster, Worksop, Retford, Newark and Rotherham areas of South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

The National Security Inspectorate is the third party certification body for BAFE and  regulates their pool of approved companies by operating audits every 6 months. The thorough inspection includes checking all paperwork and processes, and half a day checking that engineers service fire alarm systems correctly. All fire alarm systems maintained have to be done to the  current  BS 5839-1:2017 standards  to complete the audit which Mint Security Systems recently passed in February. 

Only companies determined to be the best in their industry subject themselves to such regular and random inspections by a non profit organisation which works closely with BAFE and UKAS bodies.

As a direct result of the recent BAFE Accreditation Mint Security Systems have extended it’s engineering team by 2 and welcome Steve Questa and Mark Stocks to the company. They have also secured a contract with a national retailer to service fire alarms in over 300 stores nationally.

To discuss your fire alarm requirements call the Mint Security Systems team on 01909 768 007 or email [email protected]

Shield Alarms were a NACOSS approved installer of Intruder alarms, CCTV systems, Access Control and Fire Alarms and were owned by Roger Upton it had been trading for 50 years and covered the Sheffield, South Yorkshire area before being taken over in 2016 by a national company.

We have recently been receiving a number of reports from customers struggling to get in touch with Shield alarms of Sheffield who were based on Chesterfield Road. 

It is always a concern seeing small local businesses being acquired by a national company, this can sometimes mean that the personal touch can be lost.

On this note we are more than happy to discuss any security requirements for customers in the Sheffield area who would be interested in using a local company to service, repair or install Intruder Alarm systems, CCTV , Access control or Fire alarms. Mint Security Systems is based in Worksop and cover the full Sheffield and South Yorkshire area. 

We are an NSI approved installer and have engineers available on 24hour callout.

All our engineers are fully trained and familiar with the popular security brands such as Galaxy, Risco, Pyronix, Texecom, Hikvision, Concept Pro, Qvis and Paxton access. Mint Security Systems has over 25 years experience in the electronic security business so you can rest assured that we can provide the level of service and expertise required to secure your premises.

It is important to always use an NSI approved company like Mint Security Systems to install and maintain your security system, this ensures that you are using a company that is suitably insured, operate a callout service with 4 hour response, can provide Police response to confirmed activations and meet all the requirements of the BS and European standards then should you have break-in you know you are fully complying with your insurers conditions.

Please call our office on 01143 830 288 to discuss your security requirements..

Unfortunately, another local security company in Chesterfield has been taken over by a larger company. Trust Security of Chesterfield has recently been taken over by Business Watch, meaning that all Trust Security operations will now take place in Leeds.

Although some may not see this as a huge problem, those who rely on their security company being nearby may be disappointed that their security firm is no longer local.

Many people prefer to use a local security company because of the benefits it can offer local residents and businesses.

These benefits include familiarity with the area and good working relationship with a local service engineer. It also ensures that there is a better understanding between customers and the security company.

Given that Trust Security will essentially no longer be a local security company in Chesterfield, those looking to maintain a local relationship may be worried that there is no longer a solution to hand.

Fortunately, those in Chesterfield can rest assured that there is still an alarm installer in Chesterfield that offers a local service.

Mint Security Systems is not only proficient with the fitting of alarms but is also able to install other forms of security, such as CCTV. What’s more, Mint Security Systems are within the local community. So even if anything should go wrong, customers can be assured that the problems with be fixed promptly.

Understandably, people just don’t want any company dealing with the security needs, they need to be sure that the company that they’re dealing with is experienced and insured. Mint Security Systems is a NSI accredited installer so will meet all the requirements of your insurer.

Mint Security is a seasoned professional in the world of security systems and has been operating in the Chesterfield area for over 10 years. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a CCTV installer in Chesterfield or a monitored system with police response, Mint Security can aid you every step of the way.

We are even able to aid you with other safety aspects, including fire alarms and access control. The possibilities really are endless.

If you’ve recently been a customer of Trusts Security, or you’re simply looking for a professional and reliable security company to help safeguard your home or business, then why not get in touch with Mint Security today.

Our experience not only means that  are you dealing with professionals, but you’re also never paying more than you need to in relation to security.