Visitors learn about security solutions at M&P Survey offices

M&P Survey Equipment’s free security event took place on Wednesday 6^th March at their offices near Chester. Anyone interested in securing their valuable survey equipment was invited to attend one of three sessions spaced throughout the day.

Segment Manager for Geomatics Paul Birtles was joined by Leica’s North West Sales Manager, Chris Gibbons, to present the sessions and answer some technical questions. There were even some demonstrations which gave attendees an opportunity to see security devices in action.

Instruments such as Leica Total Stations are frequently stolen in the UK, robbing businesses of their valuable equipment and leaving them with sky-high insurance premiums. Leica is keen to apply new technologies to crack down on instances of theft and eventually diminish the market for stolen equipment. They believe the first step to achieving their goal is to make Leica equipment undesirable to steal by making life difficult for the thief.

Paul Birtles talked the audience through Leica’s myWorld software and explained how registering your Leica equipment can help prove your identity as the owner if you get locked out or have your instrument stolen. He also stressed the importance of making use of PIN and PUK codes.

The new LOC8 module from Leica was a focus of the presentation. The device can be fitted to a Total Station and provide security features such as geo-fencing, remote locking, GPS/WiFi travel history and motion alarms. Although it is easily installed, it’s quite so easy to remove. If a thief attempts to remove the LOC8 module from a stolen instrument, it will automatically shut down and can only be reactivated by an approved Leica supplier.

The LOC8 demo included an introduction to the Trackimo tracking service. Leica has partnered with the US-based company to provide a web interface and mobile app to give users complete control over the security of their equipment.

CanTrack is another third-party tracking service that Leica is working with. The UK-based company produce small GPS tracking devices that can be used in the packaging of equipment such as scanners that don’t have enough space in the casing for a LOC8 module to be fitted.

Paul introduced a few additional security features introduced to visitors including chain alarms and the new Wren-a-Guard device. Comprising of a combination padlock, 120-decibel alarm and 3m lanyard, it can be an effective theft deterrent.

View the photos from the Smart Security Day here: https://www.facebook.com/mpsurvey/posts/2243360912367128