SecurityWatch August 2008
Welcome to SecurityWatch, DGA Security’s email newsletter for friends and clients.
Read on to find out how to avoid a public arrest for fire code violations -something a number of prominent NYC executives recently couldn’t do, and don’t miss the story of how a DGA camera system helped exonerate a suspected thief and recover a $750,000 diamond.
WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN LOSING A 7.5-CARAT DIAMOND?
(TELLING ITS OWNER YOU LOST IT)
That’s exactly what an independent diamond broker had to do earlier this month after the stone – with an estimated wholesale value of $750,000 – fell out of his pocket in a crowded Diamond District jewelry exchange. Although he realized moments after leaving the exchange that the diamond wasn’t in his pocket, it couldn’t be found. The stone was gone.
When the owners reported the stone’s loss to its insurer, Lloyd’s of London, the company immediately hired renowned adjuster John Enders of McLarens Young International to investigate. Enders hoped that the DGA Security Systems cameras at the exchange — The New York Jewelry Center — had caught something to corroborate the broker’s story. He went to DGA and property owner Ken Kahn, managing partner of 10 West 47th Associates, to ask for archived video files showing all activity on the exchange floor. As Enders and DGA employees reviewed footage from the exchange’s many cameras, they made a discovery. A clip clearly showed the broker accidentally dropping the diamond. This supported the broker’s claims that he had indeed lost it, but it still left the owners without their diamond.
However, after additional days of scouring video footage, Enders identified a second camera angle that revealed a person in the exchange finding the stone on the floor moments after the broker walked out. The video’s image quality allowed Enders, after some on-the-street investigating, to identify and contact the person who found the stone — a local merchant who quickly returned the missing diamond to its owners.
At the end of the day the decision to install a DGA digital video system had led to the vindication of the diamond broker and saved a local diamond dealer and its insurer from a huge financial setback. Mr. Kahn, the exchange owner, was delighted. “I’ve always believed that my DGA system provides the best possible security for my tenants, but today this technology was responsible for a truly extraordinary event, and everyone involved in the recovery of this diamond is grateful to DGA and to John Enders,” he said.
DGA Founder and President Stanley Oppenheim said, “A security system is more than technology. Our digital video surveillance system enabled us to find the missing diamond, but only with the support of a well-designed system, highly trained security personnel, a vigilant client, and an expert investigator. I am heartened that all of these elements worked together not merely to prevent a significant financial loss, but also to restore something incalculable: A reputation.”
MORE THAN 100 ARRESTED IN JUNE FOR NYC FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS
Unaddressed fire code violations led to the arrest of 104 business owners and employees in June, nearly doubling the number of arrests made since the City announced its crackdown last July. Among those arrested were executives from Lord & Taylor and Merrill Lynch. The city pledged that the list will keep growing.
This recent string of arrests targeted mainly those who ignored summonses. Commonly cited violations included failing to maintain sprinkler systems and standpipes, failing to provide fire extinguishers, and failing to keep exits clear.
City officials are banking on the embarrassment of being led away in handcuffs, as well as heavy fines, to spur people into quickly correcting fire code violations. DGA is available to help ensure that your fire alarm and sprinkler monitoring system is not in violation. DGA can even inspect systems installed by other alarm companies. If you have received fire code violations in the past or believe that your location may have a violation, contact us immediately by email or phone (212-324-5700) to schedule an appointment. Proactively addressing violations helps to protect life and property. As the city steps up its enforcement, curing violations quickly can also help to avoid fines or worse.
