Remote and rural properties are ripe targets for criminals who strike when there is little to no activity on-site, and less chance of being spotted in the act. What can be done to protect these properties from the threat of trespassing, theft, and vandalism?
The call for remote property and rural security.
Due to their distant nature, remote and rural properties continue to be targets for trespassing, theft, and vandalism. From construction sites, to critical infrastructure properties and other outlying areas, these properties require effective rural security. Some remote properties are on the outskirts of a town or city, on the edge of traditional infrastructure – including power and Internet. As communities develop and spread, it is not uncommon that a construction area is not yet provisioned for power and Internet connections. Even if there are workers and personnel active on these sites during work hours, many remote properties can remain unguarded for extended periods of time, with less people in the area to witness the crime or provide information.
Our remote security cameras make the difference.
Many construction projects across Canada are in remote areas, disconnected from traditional grid power and Internet infrastructure – requiring a remote security camera solution that fits their needs. This is why we have designed our Video Security Units to leverage the power of our proprietary cellular LTE+ technology. This innovative platform creates a wireless grid of protection that is free of traditional, hardwired Ethernet connections. By eliminating the need for running unsightly cables through a property, and coupling it with cutting edge security peripherals & artificial intelligence, we’ve developed the best wireless security camera system with remote viewing on the market. Our units can connect to power generators on-site, and our Battery Backup & PSU systems are there in case of any outages. Our 24-hour battery system can cover a full day during outages or periods of intermittent power, while our 72-hour system can be engaged when power isn’t present for longer periods of time.
Our Video Security Units are equipped with effective remote wireless security camera technology that makes the difference. This includes two stationary cameras to establish perimeter coverage and situational awareness, and a dedicated PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera that allows our Monitoring team to zoom in on important details in high-resolution. The addition of our proprietary artificial intelligence platform, syncroAI, has changed the face of remote construction site security. Through AI, our Monitoring operators can easily detect human individuals among the abundance of visual information caught on camera – such as construction materials, structures, weather patterns, wildlife, and other sources of movement.
All footage captured by our cameras is transmitted back to our state of the art Live Remote Video Monitoring facility, through our secure MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network in high-resolution. To help fight against the various environmental elements found on remote properties, our standard units are housed in NEMA 4X Rated Enclosures, which help protect them from liquids, rain, ice, dirt, dust, and debris.
For sites that require adaptable and off-grid security protection, our Mobile Security Unit is an effective and practical remote security camera solution. It is modular and adaptable to the needs of any remote site, and can be setup within minutes to provide proactive protection. The Mobile Unit’s telescopic pole reaches up to 7 meteres in height to gain a full view of the property, utilizing the same powerful camera technology as our standard Video Security Units to help capture occurrences on-site. If there is absolutely no power available on-site, our Solar Unit is a viable and reliable solution for securing the most remote, off-grid locations using the power of solar energy. Operating on low power consumption and with a low carbon footprint, it is both a powerful and sustainable, security solution that protects your remote property when it matters most.
The need for remote property security extends beyond construction.
Recent incidents show the need for effective rural security systems, at construction sites and other remote properties that are targeted by criminals. In Manitoba, businesses and residents have seen a rise in crimes targeting remote and rural properties. In October 2023, Police recovered $375,000 worth of stolen equipment and vehicles taken from remote properties, including construction sites and farms. Experts say that rural crime rates are increasing due to a number of factors. The main factor is it is difficult for Police to respond quickly to incidents due to the long distances and various jurisdictions involved. Another contributing factor is the greater distance between rural properties, which has eroded the “community watch” aspect of rural communities, where neighbours used to keep an eye on each other’s properties. (1)
In April 2024, owners of a highway lodge in northern British Columbia were shocked to find that two large mobile trailers were stolen. The trailers were used to house seasonal workers, and were typically used to remote mining and camps and construction sites in the past. The cost of the three stolen trailers is estimated at $300,000. The owners believe this was a targeted theft due to the remote nature of the property. (2)
During the same timeframe, Police recovered $440K worth of stolen property during a major rural crime investigation in Alberta. Items recovered include holiday trailers, snowmobiles, boats, construction equipment, and vehicle trailers. (3)
These incidents paint a troubling picture of the increase in reports of rural and remote property crime. Criminals target these properties because they believe they are unoccupied after-hours and are too far away from populated areas for Police to respond quickly. Utilizing our remote security cameras, we can be the eyes needed on remote and rural properties to help keep them secure.
Remote and rural properties will continue to be targeted by those looking to exploit their isolated nature. Through Live Remote Video Monitoring, we can help provide effective and proactive rural security when it matters most.
Resources:
- “The rise of rural crime”, Don Norman, Manitoba Co-operator, October 26, 2023
- “Lodge owners in northern B.C. ask for help to recover stolen trailers”, Chris MacIntyre, CBC News, April 10, 2024
- “440K in stolen property recovered by RCMP during rural crime investigation”, Karyn Mulcahy. CTV News Edmonton, April 16, 2024