The security of valuable assets can be a delicate matter in locations which are open to the public. It requires detection technology that can fit discreetly in its environment while securely and precisely protecting the valuables against any attempts of theft or damage.

Protection of fine art

Whether intentional or not, paintings, sculptures and other artwork face a number of threats; it could be a curious hand, a child playing or a real attempt of stealing. These could happen during opening hours or while the business is closed, but in every case losses for stolen or damaged art can be very significant and therefore adequate protection is required.

Certain art assets can be protected in a display cabinet, however in most cases art is exhibited with no physical protection to create the best experience. Security should not stand in the way, allowing visitors to connect with art, however it does mean that threats must be quickly and precisely identified and security personnel alerted.

Mounted discreetly on the wall or ceiling, our OPTEX LiDAR sensors can create an invisible virtual wall to protect assets by detecting hands or bodies getting too close to the artwork or valuables. It can be set precisely to only protect the assets and leave the section of the wall between them so only the assets are protected and contact with the wall section in between doesn’t raise any alarms.

In churches, palaces and art venues, it is common to find skylights and ceiling windows, which allow lots of daylight to come in, but also present an opportunity for thieves to enter the site from an area that normally lacks security.

REDSCAN sensors can be installed horizontally to create a virtual ceiling, alerting of any attempts of entry through ceiling windows or skylights. Installed in vertical mode they can protect entry via windows and even doors out of opening hours.

Protection in fine bars and jewellery stores

The challenge can be greater in locations where the security sensor has to cope both with the public and also with the daily business operations. A good example is bars and restaurants which need to secure open areas where they store expensive alcohols, or stores with jewellery displays.

Sophisticated LiDAR technology can be set to alert should any expensive bottle be taken from the shelf while the staff are not on site, or the bar is closed. The sensor creates an invisible wall and constantly scans the area of detection; the detection size can be configured for objects as small as 2cm and should any hand enter the detection area it would trigger the alarm, alerting staff, triggering cameras or audible alerts.

Similarly, in boutiques displaying expensive jewelry or artifacts, REDSCAN can create a virtual “shield” allowing customers and visitors to enjoy the displays while protecting them. The sensor can identify the exact X,Y coordinates which can help to assess exactly where the theft has taken place. Another useful feature of the high resolution REDSCAN models is the thrown object detection which can also trigger the alarm should an object be thrown through the virtual wall, for instance to attempt a theft in which the valuable item is passed onto a third person.