About Bel Valves
Bel Valves is based in Newcastle, right on the River Tyne. The company designs and manufactures high-performance valves ranging from 1.25 cm to over 140 cm in diameter. These valves are used in the oil and gas industry to regulate or shut off the flow of materials in subsea pipelines. With more than 50 years of experience, Bel Valves is internationally recognized for its innovation in design and engineering.
In brief
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The Bel Valves site covers 54,300 m² with warehouse, production hall, and office building.
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Until now, security was provided 24/7 by a guard on-site monitoring the CCTV cameras.
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We installed a modern CCTV system remotely monitored by the Securitas Operations Centre (SOC).
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Video and alarm monitoring is part of an integrated security concept that also includes nightly mobile patrols, keyholding, and opening and closing services.
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This solution has reduced Bel Valves’ monthly security costs by around 80%.
A comprehensive security solution
Given Bel Valves’ innovative strength and the competitive nature of the oil and gas industry, one might assume that the Newcastle upon Tyne site would be most at risk of industrial espionage. In reality, the main risks are more common ones such as vandalism, unauthorized access, fire, or water damage.
The 54,300 m² site includes warehouse, production, and office areas. For over twenty years, the site was secured by security officers who both monitored the cameras and carried out patrols – a total of 168 hours per week.
Seeking a more cost-effective solution that could improve protection without requiring constant on-site staff, Paul Humphreys, General Manager of Bel Valves, turned to us:
“Securitas’ approach was extremely thorough – from the site assessment and solution design through to the cost proposal – which gave us the confidence that they were the right provider for us.”
Site assessment and risk analysis
An on-site inspection is a key part of our risk analysis when evaluating security solutions. In this case, it became clear that the existing cameras were outdated and provided insufficient coverage of the site – leaving multiple blind spots.
We proposed a technology-driven solution based on our Remote Video Solution (RVS). This included a new digital CCTV system with infrared and thermal sensors that trigger an alarm when suspicious activity is detected. The system is monitored remotely by specially trained staff at the Securitas Operations Centre (SOC).
When an alarm is triggered, our specialists check the live camera footage. If necessary, they can issue an audio warning or dispatch a mobile patrol to investigate the incident on-site. The complete solution is provided under a three-year leasing agreement – we handle both installation and maintenance of the security infrastructure. At the end of the term, ownership of the system transfers to Bel Valves.
In addition, our mobile security officers carry out regular nightly patrols. Keyholding as well as opening and closing services are also included in the contract. This ensures a physical presence only when needed – without the cost of permanent guarding.
“Our requirement to Securitas was to improve security – without having staff on-site at all times,” Humphreys explains.
“We were pleasantly surprised by how much more technology and service we received – and at less than one-fifth of our previous monthly security costs.”
