Golf Course Security Alert

THIEVES ARE TARGETING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET – WATER!

That’s not exactly correct – thieves are not really interested in stealing your water. But they are interested in stealing the copper wiring that provides electrical current to your pumping and irrigation systems. Loss of the copper wiring can put the health and appearance of greens, fairways, etc., in immediate jeopardy!

Copper Theft – A Nationwide Epidemic

During the past decade, the theft of copper has reached epidemic proportions across the country.  Public and private utility facilities, commercial and residential properties, etc., have all been the targets of vandals seeking to unlawfully remove copper wiring for the purpose of selling the copper to metal recyclers.

The thieves are so bold – even a police armory was successfully targeted, on repeated occasions, to remove new and used brass.  Those victimized by copper theft soon realize that the severity of their loss is not just in the value of the copper.  While the value of stolen copper wire is usually only in the hundreds of dollars, the damage done in “ripping out” the wire and the cost to replace and repair will generally run in  the thousands of dollars.  Compounding the repair/replacement cost is the “loss of business opportunities” experienced by the victim who is normally “out of business” until repairs can be completed and electrical power can be re-established.

Golf Courses: High Risk for Copper Theft

While incidents of copper theft have generally been directed towards utility and commercial real estate facilities, golf course facilities have become a recent and repeated target!

Specifically, the electrical systems powering the water pumping and irrigation operations have been the targets for copper thieves.

No Green Watering in Summer = Golf Course Shut Down

In just one Texas area there were approximately 12 incidents during 2014, where vandalism and copper theft occurred in water pump sheds on golf courses.  These water pump facilities are vulnerable to thieves since they are typically located in areas where thieves can avoid detection during closed hours.  One of these recent incidents resulted in the golf course incurring repair and damage fees exceeding $10,000.00. But more seriously, the watering operations were shut down for almost two full weeks until repairs could be completed and electrical power was restored.  Had this “shut down” occurred during the heat of Texas summer, the loss of greens, fairways, etc., could have been catastrophic!

Verified Security Alarms™ Golf Course Security: Protection from Copper Thieves

Eagle Golf decided to become proactive in protecting against future incidents of copper theft on golf course properties they manage.  Eagle Golf representatives contacted Sean O’Keefe, Managing Director of Consumer Sales for Verified Security Alarms™ (VSA), a division of BCI Technologies, for assistance in designing a security system specifically for enhancing the security of water pump operations.

O’Keefe commented, “We have significant experience in designing security solutions for both interior and exterior environments and were happy to work with Eagle to find an effective and economical solution for the golf course industry.  The recent epidemic of copper/metals theft on golf courses clearly illustrates their specific vulnerability. We have used the latest in alarm technology to provide both intrusion and video surveillance detection in order to minimize future threats.”

Deficiencies in Standard Security Technology

Standard detection and deterrent technologies run the gamut from sophisticated Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), intrusion and access control systems to live surveillance by stationary and/or roving guards.  Each of these methods are effective to varying degrees, however each is designed for a particular environment and each has its own benefits and disadvantages.  The anticipated potential of sophisticated CCTV systems is overshadowed by such factors as cost, installation difficulty, vulnerability to vandalism, etc.  In addition most CCTV systems provide documentation of a loss only “after” a crime has been committed and the culprits are long gone.  Access control systems are expensive, require constant maintenance, and typically do not identify or deter the crime in progress.  Guards have limited view and are plagued with a host of difficulties not associated with technological security solutions.

Verified Security Alarms™ Advantage: Priority ‘Crime in Progress’ Police Response

BCI Technologies, a national security company based in Grand Prairie, Texas has protected commercial and residential sites for nearly twenty-five years.   We have been very successful with a relatively new alarm technology that combines the benefits of motion detection, video capture, and GPRS (cellular) transmission of alarm signals” O’Keefe added. “The Verified Security Alarms™ system is  wireless and installation is significantly less expensive than conventional systems. For install, there is no requirement for cabling or trenching-  and we pass the savings on to our customers.

Another tremendous benefit of this new technology is that false alarms, previously a recurring problem, are virtually eliminated since we are now able to see an actual video of what or who is causing the alarm. ” Law enforcement agencies are extremely pleased with this type of technology because it often allows identification of a “crime in progress” resulting in a higher priority response than a standard alarm signal.

Protect Golf Course Assets – Contact Us Today

For more information on protecting your golf club and gold course assets with Verified Security Alarms™ – contact Sean O’Keefe at BCI Technologies, 214-701-1082.  www.bci-tech.com or www.verifiedsecurityalarms.com.

See us at the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio, TX, February 25-26, 2015, Booth 22014

Golf Course Photo Photo Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo
Golf Course Green Photo Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo