From Fires to Flashers: The top 5 incidents of 2016

By Farsight Security
26 Jan 2017 4 min read

2017 is already shaping up to be a busy year for Farsight. With incidents like this one resulting in two individuals being arrested, it’s clear that the vigilance of Farsight operators is, as always, proving to be crucial.

But it’s always great to look back at the many, and sometimes bizarre, incidents we dealt with in the past year. Below we’ve put together a list of the most-read incidents from 2016, with everything from fires to flashers!

On reviewing the incidents again, our security experts have added some of their thoughts and comments too…

Petrol station security and video analytics in actions

FireDespite this incident happening in 2015, it still proves to be a very popular read! In fact we still remember the recklessness of the individual using a lighter to ignite fuel at a petrol station.

Read the incident here

Lessons to be learnt…

This incident makes it abundantly clear that extensive and professional security measures are required for high-risk sites – such as petrol stations.

As technology has advanced, unmanned petrol forecourts have become a feasible – and efficient – option but that does mean the necessary security needs to be put in place. Thankfully, the site involved in this incident did have exactly that – Farsight have operators dedicated to petrol forecourt security and extensive experience handling these types of incidents.

Late-night loiterers arrested in a flash

Suspicious behaviour is one thing but exposing yourself and continuing to trespass on a private property is another entirely! Either way, our operators will act swiftly, as this incident goes to show…

Read the incident here

Lessons to be learnt…

Although this incident could easily be seen as amusing, it was no laughing matter for Farsight operators. The individual’s behaviour clearly signalled the site’s security was being breached – so action needed to be taken quickly.

The expertise of Farsight’s operators is clearly demonstrated here – they assessed the fact that the individual was accessing a vulnerable part of the site and recognised they were acting suspiciously. They knew the site and used this information to make an educated decision on how to proceed.

It’s not always intruders setting off alarms…

Koch Glitsch fireThis unusual incident demonstrates just how vigilant our operators have to be. Sometimes the cause of an alarm simply isn’t what you would expect…

Read the incident here

Lessons to be learnt…

The main lesson to be learnt from this incident is that remote monitoring is crucial – and not just for security. As an employee at the site noted: “If Farsight hadn’t acted as quickly as they did, then the whole office block and adjoining factory could have been engulfed by the flames.”

Eagle-eyed operatives catch out Boxing Day hoodlum

Intruders don’t take time off over the holidays, so neither do we at Farsight. This incident goes to show why…

Read the incident here

Lessons to be learnt…

In December 2016 our blog explored whether crime was rising and concluded that a seasonal increase in crime in winter could be the cause. The incident above goes to show that, despite many of us winding down for the Christmas holidays, there is still a real need for effective security.

Yet the incident also goes to show the importance of a great partnership between installer and remote monitoring station. As the CCTV installer at the site involved in the incident explains: “We know Farsight staff spend time reviewing the footage when they receive an alarm activation, and that we are getting the thorough service we expect from them.”

Secure, time and time again

Sometimes the inconspicuous behaviour can actually be a sign of something more sinister – and it often takes the expertise of Farsight operators to discover exactly that…

Read the incident here

Lessons to be learnt…

Vulnerable sites, like car dealerships, require expert remote monitoring – it’s not simply a case of checking alarms. Operators must check alarms, assess footage, use their knowledge of the site and monitor for any suspicious behaviour – all as quickly as possible. The incident above goes to show just what a difference that expertise can make.

Throughout the year we deal with many different incidents, just like the above. To make sure you find out about the latest incidents, and some of the more bizarre ones we deal with, sign up to receive email updates from Farsight.


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