The Client:
Somerfield Stores Limited has acquired 118 petrol forecourts from Texaco.
The petrol stations continue to sell Texaco branded fuels but the sites are
managed by Somerfield and the associated retail unit is branded Somerfield. As
part of the rebranding and redevelopment there have been changes to the layout
and logistics of the sites. Jon Clark, Business Control Manager for Somerfield,
previously managed the sites for Texaco and is responsible for safety and
security.
The Situation:
The site at St Katherine’s Dock in the City, London was built in 1992.
Following the acquisition by Somerfield it was decided to refit the shop to
provide a bigger and better offering in line with other Somerfield stores.
The shop refit was completed in December 2007. The new layout of
the retail unit does not allow the cashiers to see the fuel pumps. This is a
major concern as the cashiers have to authorise the pump start-up. However,
before doing so, it is a legal requirement that they check that no illegal
containers are being used by customers or that the customer is not under age.
The Petroleum Officer for the local London Authority had already advised on
specific requirements for the site and a threat of closure if they were not
implemented. In addition, losses from drive-offs had increased from £100/month
to £1000/month.
The Solution:
Jon Clark immediately identified the issues and took the opportunity to
upgrade the security solution both to meet the Petroleum Officer’s requirements
and to improve the system with the addition of the Honeywell Automatic Number
Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
AGE Systems has worked with John Clark at Texaco since 2003 and
he contacted them to provide a specification for the upgraded system including
ANPR. Over the last 5 years, AGE has consistently specified Honeywell security
systems for forecourts as the solutions continually evolve to meet changing
needs. At the St Katherine’s Dock site, a 32 channel Fusion Digital Video
Recorder (DVR) was specified handling input from not only the cameras, one
situated on each of the 12 pumps, but also from the ANPR cameras capturing
number plate information using the latest software from Honeywell. The Fusion
DVR is equipped with 1.7 terabytes of hard drive capacity in order to store 30
days recording. The site operates 24/7.
As the initial refit was completed in 2007, in April 2008, AGE
carried out a retrofit of the security system. Working to UK Petroleum Industry
Association standards for work on forecourts, AGE installed the cabling for the
new cameras on the busy forecourt. Within the retail unit the recording and
control systems were installed in the back office with a Honeywell 19 inch
monitor positioned over each of the three cash tills and a larger monitor for
reference within view. After a survey of the site to judge the speed and angle
of vehicles entering, the ANPR cameras were positioned at key entry points to
capture details of vehicles arriving. All possible weak spots on the site were
fully reviewed and included in the camera coverage plan. For example, some
vehicles will enter via the exit, either accidentally or on purpose, and
therefore this area has to be covered as well as the entrance. The number plate
details are stored for future reference. A database is created of vehicles that
have visited the site and cross referenced to known suspects whether for
drive-offs or shoplifting. The number plates for drive-off offenders are also
distributed to other Somerfield sites in the area.
The St Katherine’s Dock site has about 30 staff. AGE carried out
comprehensive training in short, two-hour sessions with all staff, in small
groups, to ensure efficient use of the system.
“Managers love the Honeywell system with its easy to use
graphical user interface (GUI), which contributes greatly to making the system
effective.”
Jon Clark,
Business Control Manager, Somerfield
The Benefits
Since the installation of the Honeywell video and ANPR systems, drive-off
losses have reduced significantly from £1000 each month to £300 per month. More
importantly, the system is now fully approved by the Petroleum Officer. The
manager and staff of the site can easily monitor activity at the pumps via
automatically triggered full screen views at the till points. When authorisation
is not required the screen displays a multiple screen view from the cameras on
site.
The car registration alerts, via the ANPR system, are used to deny
authorisation at the pumps to known drive-off offenders. One couple are known to
have visited 17 sites across the UK, filled up their petrol tank and then
claimed no means of payment, acquiring £1500 worth of fuel. With the
registration number in the system, Somerfield sites expect to avoid falling
victim to this couple.
However the team at the St Katherine’s Dock Somerfield site also use the ANPR
database to enhance customer service – for example they can create an alert so
that when regular visitors who are disabled drivers, or those needing
assistance, arrive at the forecourt for petrol or shopping appropriate help can
be provided proactively.
Car registration details of known shoplifters are also added to the database
and if a suspect enters the shop the staff can be alerted. At another Somerfield
site where the Honeywell ANPR solution is installed, a local gang is known to go
to a particular display in the shop and steal specific items. In cases like this
the alert can direct a member of staff to go and stand by the targeted area to
prevent losses.
Other cameras are installed inside the retail unit at high value areas like
alcohol and tobacco and also the car wash which are also linked to the Fusion
DVR. Images are recorded and can be used as evidence if required.
Where a drive-off is accidental, the recorded event can be used to encourage
recovery of the debt when the driver next visits the site. A PA system enables
the staff to respond to people at the pumps.
Jon Clark is also delighted with the reports generated by the Honeywell
system which allow Somerfield to measure site performance.
Partner of Choice
AGE Systems supply, install and fully maintain CCTV, Access control and
other security products nationwide. They are specialists in security solutions
for the convenience store and petroleum markets. From planning through to
completion AGE has a highly skilled engineering team trained in the multiple
facets and elements of security projects. This makes for a smooth, trouble-free
installation for customers. AGE Systems are an Elite member of the Honeywell
Systems Integrator programme.
Products:
- Fusion III version 3.5 - 32 channel digital video recorder (DVR) with
Honeywell Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
Fusion ANPR is an advanced vehicle tracking and image database management
system that has wide application for both commercial and government users that
are concerned about the security of car parks, high security sites and other
high volume traffic areas.
- HMLCD19LX LCD monitor
Honeywell’s HMLCD19LX LCD monitor is designed specifically for the
security industry to provide high resolution display of computer signals
and/or composite video.
Somerfield Stores and Forecourt Security with Honeywell video
and automatic number plate recognition solution. (pdf) | 
