Alphanet Security Systems, a leader in providing citizen security systems and an Axis partner, was commissioned to implement a local security plan for several of the town’s key points of access as well as for the entrances and exits of various residential developments, based on the specific needs of each location. Axis network cameras were chosen for their reliability, durability and strong feature set.
Mission
Aro Beach is a town located in the Costa Brava region, one of the major tourist and vacation home destinations in the province of Girona. In summertime, the population of the town increases by 119 percent but unfortunately brings on an increase in criminal activity carried out by organized gangs.
Solution
Alphanet Security Systems, a leader in providing citizen security systems and an
Axis Communications' partner, was commissioned to implement a local security plan for several of the town’s key points of access as well as for the entrances and exits of various residential developments, based on the specific needs of each location. Axis network cameras were chosen for their reliability, durability and strong feature set.
Result
Aro Beach has positioned itself as one of the pioneering communities in Spain with its investment in a complete, highly advanced video surveillance system consisting of license plate readers enabled by Axis technology. The system not only allows for timely intervention by security forces when an assault occurs, but it has also enabled the identification of vehicles suspected of criminal activity and the prevention of potential incidents. The result has been a significant reduction in the crime rate by 30-40% depending on the type of crime, in the town of Aro Beach alone, and it has created a greater sense of security and peace of mind for citizens.
Citizen protection
Aro Beach is located in the Baix Empordà region of the province of Girona. As a result of being situated along the Costa Brava, it has become one of the area’s major tourist destinations.
According to official police data, there has been a sharp rise in armed robberies throughout the Catalonia region within the past few years; Castell-Aro Beach has also experienced episodes of armed robbery and violent assault, creating fear among its inhabitants.
In order to ensure security, city officials adopted a series of measures that have helped in preventing criminal activity in addition to identifying assailants. Among several options proposed, they chose the solution presented by Alphanet Security Systems. Specialists in municipal security and surveillance, the company is breaking new ground with its implementation of citizen protection through the use of vehicle license plate readers. Currently, it provides security solutions to 40 municipalities in Catalonia.
Rapid and effective intervention
The plan was to bolster security personnel with a system that would allow for real-time identification of suspect vehicles as well as those associated with previously committed crimes.
As a result of Alphanet’s advanced system and the installation of numerous Axis cameras, the town benefits from one of the most comprehensive, cutting edge security solutions in Spain, with notable features that include license plate recognition and alert management. The video system consists of 47 AXIS P1354 Network Cameras specifically designed for optimal results in a WiMAX communication environment, which is critical to the success of this type of project.
The video system consists of 47 AXIS P1354 Network Cameras specifically designed for optimal results in a WiMAX communication environment, which is critical to the success of this type of project.
This same setup was put in place at access points into the city, as well as at entrances and exits of residential developments. The system captures a license plate and generates a real-time alert in instances where it is matched to a registered list of vehicles of police interest. A notice is then sent to the proper agencies and to official police vehicles, providing information such as the plate number, photos, location of detection and travel direction. This results in rapid and effective intervention in cases of robbery, theft, scams or acts of vandalism.
The purposes of the system are to implement security measures that will significantly reduce the chances of threats turning into actual crimes; to protect people and property; to bring about a heightened sense of security to citizens; to maximize efficiency; and to optimize security personnel response time.
Supporting a long-term strategy
All in all, the installations allow for data and information collection that can be useful in criminal investigations and searches, as well as for support in developing a long-term strategy for thwarting organized gang activity and arresting criminals – all the while maintaining privacy and security protocols required by law.