New security system delivers 36% reduction in staff injuries for Post Office

An integrated security system that includes new IP cameras and two-way audio technology has seen the rate of injuries as a result of attacks on Post Office staff decline by 36% in just three years. This follows the deployment of a sophisticated monitoring and intelligent threat detection platform from Morphean, a Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) innovator, which has not only helped to keep staff safe but has also protected ATMs from attack, helping to keep Post Office doors open.

Post Office is responsible for the safety and well-being of 14,500 workers in 11,600 branches. The very nature of their combined service offering and the fact they are often located in rural areas, means branches are prime targets for thieves. Opportunistic attacks on staff and equipment, and the use of expanding gas to break open ATM machines is not uncommon. In rural communities, attacks on equipment can leave branches out of operation for long periods. In the last year alone, there were 13,437 violent attacks on convenience store workers, 27% of which involved a weapon and 39% led to injury, according to The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) annual Crime Report.

The Post Office security team wanted to build on its existing threat intelligence and response system, Grapevine, with a network of IP cameras and two-way audio into branches. Axis Communications cameras, microphones and speakers, connected to the Morphean Platform and hosted in the cloud, were installed in pilot branches by Kings Secure Technologies. Now that trial implementations have been completed successfully, the security team plans to expand coverage rapidly.

In addition to the cameras, the networked speakers enable control centre staff to speak directly to customers and suspected criminals, alerting them to the fact they are under surveillance. Further integrations are under way to bring security automation to other branches, such as providing the ability for remote agents to lock on-site safes in the event of an attack. Because of the challenges around connectivity in the areas where the most vulnerable branches are situated, the solution is also optimised to use low bandwidth data and is capable of streaming video over a 3G mobile network.

The built-in intelligence of the Morphean Platform means staff are able to monitor footage for suspicious behaviour, such as individuals loitering near an ATM, and issue an alert to security teams who can then decide on the appropriate course of action. If it’s someone trying to find their wallet, no action is taken; if a crime is in progress, police will be notified along with video footage. In addition, staff are able to trigger an alert manually using an under-the-counter activation button, which can be investigated immediately by control centre staff at the alarm receiving centre (ARC).

“The safety of our staff is our number one priority,” says Physical Security Manager for Post Office, Mark Dinsdale. “We’ll never completely eliminate crime in our branches, but we are also not powerless against it and we are able to make significant differences to the safety of our people, as demonstrated by the new technology we are deploying. Post Officers, particularly those in remote areas without access to a nearby police station, value the easy access to help and now report feeling much safer at work,” he concludes.

Paul Ottley, Account Director at Kings Secure Technologies, says there are more subtle benefits to the Morphean Platform. “Footage goes straight to the Morphean cloud, and the platform compresses video and is fully encrypted end-to-end. This means that even if criminals attempt to destroy cameras or on-site storage appliances, recordings of any incidents are secured in a manner that is admissible as evidence. This eliminates the challenge of sending out an engineer to collect footage. It’s a simple solution that is flexible and fully compliant with regulations such as the GDPR.”

www.morphean.com

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Human oversight in the age of AI security image - Security Buyer

Human oversight in the age of AI security

Alex Kazerani, SVP of Cloud Video Security & Access Control, Motorola Solutions explores the power of AI in video security.
Image Provided by Suprema

Suprema Signs MOU with Hyundai Motor Group

Suprema announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor Group. This partnership…
Image Provided by Gallagher Security

Gallagher Security New Appointments to Australia Team

Gallagher Security is proud to announce two new appointments and an internal promotion to kick off 2025…
Image Provided by Verkada

Verkada Doubles Down on the Channel with Strategic New Hire

Verkada, a leader in cloud-based physical security, today announced the appointment of Micah Deriso as Head of Global Channel…
Image Provided by Brivo

What can Security do to encourage more female representation?

Jamie Thompson, Vice President, Engineering at Brivo offers her comments on the progression of women in the security industry…
Image provided by Genetec

Nicholas Smith to Lead Genetec UK and Ireland Operations

Genetec, provider of enterprise physical security software, announced the appointment of Nicholas Smith as its new Regional Sales Director…
Image provided by Veeam

AI and Ransomware: Cutting Through the Hype

Rick Vanover, Vice President Product Strategy, Veeam discusses how It might be the great paradox: Artificial Intelligence (AI)….
Image provided by ISRM

ISRM Ukraine Special Event

Following the seismic events at the White House on Friday 28th February between President Trump and President Zelensky, ISRM…
Gallagher Security - ISC West

Gallagher Security hints at new products for ISC West 2025

As the security industry converges at ISC West, Gallagher Security is preparing for more than just another trade show…
Scroll to Top