CSS Total Security - Hotel Security - the latest systems ensure protection

UK hotel security, as with many public establishments, has come under even greater scrutiny following the heightened terrorist threats across the UK. Viewed as potential targets, hotels are seeking to exercise increased vigilance, including reviewing their existing security systems.

There have been significant advances in security technology over the last few years and the new Dorchester Hotel security system developed by Southampton-based CSS Total Security is a perfect example of the type of technology now available.

Like increasing numbers of hotels around the UK, the Dorchester decided to upgrade its system and be one of the first to fully exploit the latest technology available.

One of the UK's leading security experts, CSS Total Security, was chosen for the project by the prestigious hotel. Selecting the right security firm is crucial and hoteliers may request tenders from numerous of firms before deciding upon a company that they are confident can fulfil their brief.

CSS Total Security was chosen over 30 other international security firms following a stringent tender process, taking place over a number of years. The company, who specialise in security consultancy, integration and installation, have designed a system which incorporates both CCTV and access control systems throughout the hotel, meeting the tight requirements of this multiple access point.

Managing Director of CSS Total Security, Roberto Fiorentino, commented on the contract; "We are delighted to have been selected and are confident that we will provide the best service for the Dorchester, meeting all of its security needs. Our expertise in the field has allowed us to design a bespoke and unique system. This is a very important client and we look forward to working with them."

According to CSS Total Security, designing such a comprehensive system requires a fully detailed risk assessment and security audit of the entire premises and with experienced consultants such as those at CSS, nothing escapes their eye.

Hotels are perhaps more vulnerable to security breaches than other establishments: multi-access points, free-flowing traffic and large numbers of staff all contribute to this vulnerability. Because of the high volumes of traffic it is imperative that hotel security systems have the ability to identify an unauthorised intruder as early as possible.

The technology is now available to reduce that risk, with fully integrated and programmable systems that are able to screen all those entering and exiting, which means that security staff are able to set the hotel's system to monitor any selected area of the hotel. During the initial assessment, CSS Total Security, for example, would identify a likely intruder path and the camera could then be programmed to monitor this path and activate an alarm if it is breached, and then, if required, activate the locks

For the large numbers of staff working in hotels, card readers and magnetic ID cards now also offer an effective safety measure. These card readers can be placed on all 'staff only' access points. Again these can be programmed to only allow access between certain times, therefore if an ID card is stolen and entry is attempted outside of the programmed hours, the alarm will be raised.

Such hi-tech systems offer a flexible security solution, which is likely to be adopted by increasing numbers of hotels across the country.

Managing Director of CSS Total Security, Roberto Fiorentino commented; "In conceiving bespoke security systems for hotels there are a multitude of factors we take into consideration, including: the number and type of staff, busiest periods, sensitive or vulnerable areas such as back entrances, these are the main type of threat. This is a long process as we need to take into account every possible risk or intruder path. In addition, we also need to take into account the aesthetics of the premises and the system. We aim to create as little aesthetic conflict as possible between the interior and exterior look of the hotel with the system. This was particularly important for a prestigious hotel such as the Dorchester, known for its beautiful interiors. We can now develop systems that blend almost entirely into the decor, for example, cameras can be flush with the walls, so as to be hardly noticeable. These are also important factors for our clients.

CSS is firmly established as one of the UK consultants offering some of the most advanced security technology available internationally.