Release date: 12 April 2006
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Heading: Latest CCTV and security news from Safe Homes UK

Commercial security specialists Safe Homes UK has released its latest roundup of security news and quirkies, aimed at security managers, facilities managers, and UK businesses in general. Latest security news stories to catch the eye as follows.

First, the Security Information Authority (SIA) has firmly denied making "special arrangements" with anyone in the security guarding business. Some companies had been claiming they had special dispensations from the SIA regarding licensing for their operation.

Further afield the authorities at a university in Bosnia have installed CCTV to stop their students from cheating in exams. The measures were taken after a study revealed that up to 90% of its students were using underhand means to gain passing grades.

The government has also been busy. Five new guides are now available aimed at helping businesses (and residents) tackle vandalism in their area, and the Information Commissioner has decided to delay publishing the Code of Practice until summer 2006 - issues yet to be resolved include uncertainty over how long information should be kept by CCTV operators and how any new guidelines will relate to the Data Protection Act.

The dangers of abusing CCTV have also been highlighted in recent weeks. In Newcastle, for example, an investigation is underway after people were caught trying to sell images of naked art lovers. The CCTV pictures were taken during a photo shoot by Spencer Tunick. The artist specialises in photographing crowds of naked people in unusual locations.

Further south, Bournemouth Borough Council has been forced to apologise to a local resident. The woman discovered that a camera intended to monitor the centre of town was able to see directly into her bedroom

Visit the Safe Homes UK website for all the latest security news and quirkies. You can also subscribe to a free security management e-bulletin to be kept up-to-date.

Notes to Editors

1)   Safe Homes UK is a leading independent provider of commercial security solutions to UK businesses and properties. We specialise in implementing cutting-edge intruder alarm and access control systems, including CCTV and biometric security, and are trusted to protect the staff and premises of some of the UK’s leading organisations nationwide.
We deliver peace of mind through our strict maintenance, monitoring and reporting regime, and we are audited and accredited to the highest professional and commercial standards by SSAIB, as well as the IS0 9001 quality assurance standard. Safe Homes UK is also a corporate Crimestoppers partner.

2) Safe Homes (U.K.) Ltd
Borman
Lichfield Road Industrial Estate
Tamworth
B79 7TA
Tel. 01827 60082
Fax 0870 585 0113
http://www.safehomes.co.uk