Brand new Door Entry and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security systems, fitted in Housing Executive properties at Carlisle Flats in the New Lodge area, are increasing security for tenants.
Installed by Mercury Security & Facilities Management, a new CCTV system will see the company upgrade existing systems for more than 400 homes in seven tower blocks and one set of maisonettes.
Managed daily by Housing Executive Concierge Staff, the new security systems link the various tower blocks, giving visibility to staff in different locations for the first time.
Intercom systems now allow staff to make contact with residents on each floor of the tower blocks, with accompanying upgraded CCTV giving heightened visual contact, particularly useful in the case of emergencies.
A fob based door entry system is also now in place, allowing greater flexibility and security for residents leaving and arriving at their homes.
At a cost of £700,000, the entire programme will be finished by late Autumn.
Malachy McKinney, Housing Executive Area Manager for North Belfast, insists; “The installation of this 21st century security equipment is a very positive development.
“Our tenants can feel safer in their homes and our staff can be far more agile in terms of reacting to incidents involving residents, no matter the location.
“Having the ability to visually zero in on landings in multiple buildings from one location – as well as being able to engage verbally with residents on our landings – gives us a real platform to ensure our tenants are safe at all times.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Mercury Security & Facilities Management for carrying out the upgrade work in very difficult circumstances – their professionalism was excellent.”
Mercury Security & Facilities Management CEO, Frank Cullen, said; “We are delighted to have been awarded this significant contract from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and look forward to providing protection and peace of mind for all the residents of Carlisle Flats.
“In the past decade, we have independently invested more than £5 million in the latest technology and training to enable us to provide innovative cutting edge security solutions for major contracts such as this one.
“Almost £2 million alone has been invested in our NSI Gold approved Command and Control Monitoring Centre from where we can monitor premises across the world, from Carlisle Flats to as far as Australia.
“From the outset, we have had a long-term vision of where we want Mercury Security to be and that is at the forefront of the security industry, providing innovative integrated security solutions to our clients. This contract is evidence that we are getting there,” added Mr Cullen.