At the Security 2011 Exhibition and Conference, electronic nose technology vendor – E-Nose – released graffit-e-nose Mk4, an aerosol spray fume detection device that integrates with CCTV / video surveillance.
The product will allow councils to detect graffiti vandals earlier and increases the number of arrests and convictions.
E-Nose (a spin-off of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, UNSW and Sydney University) co-inventor and CEO Graham Bell said the cost burden of graffiti vandalism on communities is extensive, causing damages of more than $100 million a year in New South Wales alone.
He said costs are being passed on to the community through higher service costs, insurance premiums and council rates.
Graffiti has also been found to encourage other anti-social behaviour such as littering and other forms of street crime, Dr Bell said.
Recognising the problem, E-Nose devised a method of monitoring, identifying and measuring smells and other airborne chemicals.
Its flagship product, graffit-e-nose, hides the electronic nose technology in an inconspicuous looking box that can be installed in graffiti prone locations.
When spray paint fumes are detected by graffit-e-nose, a silent alarm alerts security guards to catch the offenders in action.
By integrating CCTV, Mk4 ups the likelihood of convictions, as live-streamed video can verify the attack so that appropriate action may be taken immediately, and the images can later be used to arrest and prosecute offenders.
“CCTV was a logical extension of our electronic nose technology.” Dr Bell said.
“Many councils already use video surveillance and graffit-e-nose can integrate with existing systems.”
The device can also trigger a number of peripheral security measures such as flood-lights, sirens or water sprinklers.
“However, these may increase the vandal’s thrill level and let him escape,” Dr Bell said.
Graffit-e-nose is being trialled by councils in Blacktown, Penrith, and Campbelltown.
E-Nose, received NSW Government grants in 2008 to further develop its electronic nose technology.
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