Due to a change in provider for EMCS Independent‘s telephone system, their OUTBOUND control room telephone number has changed.
This change does not affect their inbound numbers which will remain the same.
If you are an EMCS customer, you can still contact their control room on 08448 099 980.
However, calls will now be received from 0115 661 0075
SMS may be received from either of the following: 07984 431 187 / 07860 077 335
As schools are winding up for the end of term, and millions of Brits are packing their suitcases, homes across the country will be left empty for days or weeks at a time this summer.
Unfortunately, many criminals see this as an opportunity.
However, there are steps you can take to make sure your home is protected while you’re away. Simply following our summer holiday security tips can help keep your property safe, leaving you to enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind.
If you would like to discuss your home security in more detail, contact PFS today.
BT is currently replacing its entire copper telephone network with fibre.
As many of our customers’ security systems rely on the existing network, BT’s programme of works will prevent the systems’ alarm signals from reaching the central station. PFS have therefore introduced a Critical Upgrade Programme that will facilitate the upgrade of our customers’ alarm signalling to either a wireless dual radio product or an IP solution.
Working in conjunction with CSL DualCom, a highly reputable UK signalling provider that provides a cost-effective GPRS and IP solution, PFS has formed a dedicated engineering and back-office team to help deliver the required communication unit before it is too late. With vast numbers of end users affected, and timely constraints imposed, PFS will do its best to fulfill the demand on time.
This critical upgrade will take place automatically on your next maintenance visit. Please inform your insurance company that your current system is being replaced. Should the replacement of the current communicator not be possible due to site-specific reasons, our engineer will discuss further options with you.
Update: BT has just announced they are putting back the date by which time all PSTN and ISDN lines will be shut off, by a year. It was previously stated that the lines would be shut down and all customers switched over by December 2025, but this has now postponed to 31st January 2027.
Our customers’ security is paramount, so it is important to utilise the very best products available to us in order to keep their homes or businesses protected.
Time after time, Ajax has impressed us with their cutting-edge security products and we are proud to now be recognised as an authorised Ajax Systems partner. This partnership allows us to offer you the most advanced and reliable security systems on the market.
To find out more about how we can safeguard your property with Ajax’s innovative security solutions, contact our team of experts today.
In today’s business landscape, security is paramount. Whether you own a small shop, or you’re responsible for a large corporate office, protecting your assets, employees, and customers is essential. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system. In this article, we discuss how CCTV surveillance can benefit your business.
Deter Criminal Activity
Just the presence of CCTV cameras can act as a powerful deterrent against theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. Potential intruders are less likely to target your premises when there is visible surveillance, knowing their actions are being monitored and recorded.
24/7 Monitoring
Unlike traditional security methods that rely on security guard patrols, CCTV surveillance can provide continuous monitoring, day or night. This ensures that any suspicious activity is promptly detected and addressed, minimising the risk of a security breach.
Remote Access and Monitoring
Most CCTV systems offer the convenience of remote access, allowing you to view your camera’s footage live from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re at home, on holiday, or working away, you can keep an eye on your premises in real-time, providing peace of mind and ensuring a swift response to any incidents.
Evidence Collection
In the unfortunate event of a criminal incident, CCTV footage can provide invaluable evidence for investigations and legal proceedings. High-definition video recordings can help police identify criminals and aid their arrest and prosecution.
Employee Safety and Productivity
CCTV surveillance not only protects your business from external threats but also enhances the safety and productivity of your employees. Employees feel safer knowing that their workplace is under surveillance, and the knowledge that their actions are being monitored can discourage misconduct and encourage positive behaviour.
Insurance Benefits
Some insurance providers offer discounts for businesses that utilise CCTV systems. By investing in robust security measures, you demonstrate your commitment to risk mitigation, which can lead to lower insurance premiums and potential savings in the long run.
Customisable Solutions
CCTV systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of your business. Whether you need indoor cameras for monitoring sensitive areas, or outdoor cameras for site security, there are a variety of options available to suit your preferences.
In conclusion, CCTV surveillance is a vital element of any business’s security strategy. By investing in a comprehensive CCTV system, you can safeguard your business, assets, and reputation, providing peace of mind for you and your employees.
PFS are NSI Gold-accredited for the design, installation and maintenance of CCTV surveillance systems. One of our experienced surveyors will visit your property to complete a free-of-charge, no-obligation survey. They will discuss your individual requirements, ensuring your system is designed around protecting what matters to you, and advise you on the best solution for your property.
A survey, conducted by Neighbourhood Watch and SimpliSafe Home Security, has revealed the extent of the public’s concerns about their security.
The survey, which took place from October – November 2023 and collected almost 29,000 responses across England and Wales, shows a majority of people believe crime levels in their area have either increased or remained stable. Only 2% of those polled believe crime has decreased in their area.
The results also show that a home burglary is the second most common crime people worry about, with criminal damage to their property coming in seventh.
Perhaps the most worrying statistic is that 37% of people have been a victim of, or witnessed, a crime in the previous 12 months. Regionally, this was highest in Greater London, the North East, and West Midlands; and lowest in the South West, East of England, and the South East.
Some other findings include:
Thankfully there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of crime to you or your property. Visual deterrents such as intruder alarm bellboxes, CCTV cameras and security lighting can make your property less appealing to criminals. Good security practices such as locking windows and doors when you go out, or not leaving valuables on show, will also help reduce the likelihood of a break in.
Another worthwhile step is joining a community-based group such as Neighbourhood Watch. With a burglary taking place in the UK approximately every 106 seconds, prevention is a key focus. You can find out how to join, as well as the benefits membership provides, HERE
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your home or business security with one of our team of experts, or to book in a free, no-obligation survey at your property, get in touch with PFS via our contact form HERE
The full Crime and Community survey can be found HERE
Contrary to popular belief, there is more to securing your home than simply having an intruder alarm system installed. Keeping your alarm system maintained with regular servicing is essential to ensure it is operating effectively and providing the necessary level of protection.
But how often should you have your intruder alarm serviced? For bells only alarms, annual servicing is recommended. However, monitored alarm systems should be serviced every six months. The servicing must be carried out by a qualified professional that is verified by a third party body, such as the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).
The importance of alarm servicing cannot be overstated. Intruder alarm systems comprise of many complex elements so these need to be checked and, if necessary, replaced or upgraded. Keeping a regular intruder alarm servicing schedule ensures everything is functioning correctly and will prevent faults from developing before it is too late.
In this article, we list some of the benefits of regularly servicing your alarm system:
Intruder alarm systems are one of the best ways to deter break-ins at your home or business. However, even properties with intruder alarms suffer from criminals breaking and entering, so if your alarm fails to detect an intruder, or fails to sound, then its effectiveness is nullified. Regular servicing and maintenance will prevent the likelihood of this happening and keep your property protected.
Prevention is always better than the cure. During a service, professional engineers will inspect and test the components of your alarm system, identifying any potential issues and correcting them before they become a larger problem. Some new systems have the ability to do remote servicing, meaning only 1 visit per year by an engineer and 3 services conducted remotely – a more frequent checking of your alarm system.
Some insurance providers specify that you must have an intruder alarm system protecting your property, especially if it’s a business. Some will even offer discounted premiums for customers with an alarm system installed. Regular alarm servicing can be a requirement of these policies. This is to ensure your system is working to the correct standard, avoiding any potential problems in the event of a claim.
By having your alarm system regularly maintained, you reduce the possibility of time-consuming and costly repairs. Keeping on top of minor issues with a servicing plan will extend the lifespan of your alarm, saving you the cost of a replacement system.
Knowing your intruder alarm has been serviced by a qualified engineer, you can enjoy peace of mind that your system is working effectively and your property is secured. And with a regular servicing plan, you will be reminded when your next service is due so you never have to worry about your system falling into disrepair.
Whether for your home or business, you can relax knowing that a regularly-serviced alarm system is securing your property and keeping you safe.
To discuss maintenance and servicing for your intruder alarm system, contact PFS and speak to one of our experts today. Our NSI Gold accreditation ensures that we work to the highest levels of service and competence.
BT announced last week that its Redcare operations will cease next year, after over 30 years in business.
On the BT Redcare website, they state that they have “made the difficult decision to close all BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025”. The company appreciates this will not be welcome news, so are giving as much notice as they possibly can.
A BT spokesman said, “As part of our strategy to simplify our business portfolio and focus on delivering core products and services for our customers, we have decided to close our Redcare business in 2025.
“We have informed all our Redcare customers, to give them enough advance notice to find alternative suppliers – and we will be supporting them during this process.”
We wish to reassure all PFS customers using Redcare products, that we are formulating a plan to transfer their connections to an alternative product and will be here to assist them throughout the transition.
This will essentially fall in line with our Critical Upgrade Programme, where BT will be shutting off the public switched telephone network (PSTN), also in 2025.
As the dark evenings draw in it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is safe and secure from intruders looking to take advantage of unoccupied properties. Follow our top tips to help protect your home this winter:
Following basic security best practices will help minimise the risk of a break-in this winter. To discuss your home security in further detail, contact PFS today.
The Swindon Food Collective is an independent charity that helps people in Swindon, and the surrounding area, who are suffering from financial hardship and finding it hard to provide food for themselves, their families, or their dependents.
With eight distribution centres around Swindon, they feed nearly 7,500 people per year, one third of whom are children.
To help support this incredible initiative, PFS are pleased to provide them with a monthly donation.
To read more about the vital work that they do, or to find out how to donate food or funds, visit:
https://www.swindonfoodcollective.org/
