Getting one comprehensive view of mall security
Learn how Yorkdale Shopping Centre empowers their security operators and streamlines incident response while maintaining a five-star shopping experience for guests.
The company
Yorkdale Shopping Centre is the ultimate shopping destination in Toronto, Canada. With over 2 million square feet of retail space and 270 stores, guests can find everything they need. Yorkdale offers the country’s largest collection of designer labels and luxury brands and an unrivaled mix of first-to-market and flagship retailers. But Yorkdale is more than a shopping mall. Managed by Oxford Properties Group, the team goes above and beyond to ensure that all guests have a memorable and safe experience. This includes offering visitors everything from valet services and a museum-quality art collection to 24/7 on-site security.
The challenge
In recent years, the team at Yorkdale saw an opportunity to enhance efficiencies across their security processes. Operators were working with a proprietary video system and stand-alone access control solution. Searching for information often involved navigating between these two separate systems, which slowed investigations and incident response. Having a closed security solution held the team back from exploring new technologies. Whether it was new cutting-edge cameras or system integrations, they wanted to have more flexibility in how they evolved their security operations.
The solution
Unified command and control
All video, data, and intercom calls come back into a state-of-the-art command center. Now, if an incident is underway, operators can see what’s happening and act fast from one unified view.
Faster, compliant response
Using Genetec Mission Control™, operators can better understand unfolding events. The system also guides them through the best course of action according to standard operating procedures.
Enhanced vehicle security
With AutoVu™ ALPR deployed, Yorkdale has extended security to their property’s perimeter and enhanced vehicle-related investigations. It’s also become an extra deterrent to offenders.
Stronger police collaboration
If local police agencies are searching for a vehicle of interest, Yorkdale can put that license plate and vehicle information into the AutoVu system. If that vehicle comes into their lot, the police get notified.
“Our security operators can identify potential risks, retrieve critical information, and deploy on-foot officers faster within the shopping center. Overall, we’ve become far more proactive and efficient in handling anything that comes up. That ensures we keep providing an exceptional guest experience.”
Luca Aiello, Security Manager at Oxford Properties Group
Results
Since implementing Genetec solutions, the Yorkdale team has been able to significantly enhance operational efficiencies. Operators manage over 750 cameras, 500 access control readers, and 2000 cardholders using Security Center. All video, data, and calls come back into a state-of-the-art command center, where security operators keep the shopping center running smoothly.
“More shopping centers should be using Genetec Security Center. This security platform not only helps our team operate more efficiently, but we’re also evolving our deployment using the best technologies out there. With Genetec solutions, we can keep providing that safe, world-class shopping experience that customers expect at Yorkdale,” concluded Luca Aiello, Security Manager at Oxford Properties.