Background

Lynx Energy ULC (Lynx) is a privately owned natural gas producer that operates coal bed methane (CBM) and shallow gas fields in Central Alberta. Since its inception in February 2016, Lynx has focused on optimizing underused natural gas properties. The company strives to balance safe operations with responsible and strategic development of natural gas resources.

The Challenge

Copper wire thefts have surged across North America, fueled by rising copper prices. Statistics Canada reports a 56% increase in metal theft, including copper wire, from 2018 to 2022.

Provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have experienced frequent thefts affecting businesses, residences, and construction sites. While some regions have laws requiring scrap metal dealers to keep transaction records, thieves often find ways to bypass these measures.

In 2023, Lynx experienced a noticeable increase in security incidents at its remote field sites, accounting for 25% of all reported incidents for the year. These incidents underscored the need for improved security measures. Dwayne Williams, Lynx’s Health and Safety Manager, prioritized strengthening site security and operational oversight by setting the right strategy and system in place.

The Solution

Under Dwayne’s leadership, Lynx developed and implemented a comprehensive Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) program, focusing on safe and reliable operations through strategic systems, processes, and a safety-supportive culture.

To address security challenges, Lynx deployed Verkada’s integrated cloud-managed solutions, including the CP52 Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras, Alarms with 24/7 Professional Monitoring, and the BZ11 Horn Speakers. Additionally, the integration of Starlink satellite internet provided necessary connectivity for remote locations. The adoption of the Verkada system was driven by ESW, an IT solutions provider with over 25 years of experience in maximizing the value of technology solutions for businesses.

The Result: Three Copper Wire Thieves Caught and Charged

"In the early hours of Sunday, June 23rd, our team was alerted by Verkada's security system at 2:55 AM. Verkada identified two individuals with backpacks walking across our lease, signaling a potential threat. Immediately, Verkada's monitoring service took action by dispatching the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) and two of our Operators to the site.”

Upon their arrival, the RCMP discovered a truck parked on the east side approach near the south entrance gates. The operations team handed over gate keys to the officers and then relocated to a secure position while the RCMP commenced their search. A K9 unit was also brought in to assist.

“The coordinated efforts of the RCMP and the K9 unit proved successful, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. The suspects were found in possession of stolen copper wire, which they had attempted to cut from the facility before abandoning their efforts to flee.”

At 4:20 AM, the RCMP arrested the second suspect in the area. The third suspect was located and arrested around 5:00 AM with the help of the RCMP Police Dog Services. All three individuals were charged with breaking and entering, mischief, theft of copper wire, and possession of stolen property.

During the incident, the Lynx team maintained eyes on the ground and close communication with neighboring staff to ensure their equipment was inspected for potential damage. After the suspects were apprehended, they conducted a thorough walkthrough of the facility with the RCMP to collect and hand over evidence.

“This incident highlights the effectiveness of our security measures and the importance of swift, coordinated responses. The timely notification from Verkada, the prompt action of our team, and the diligent work of the RCMP ensured the safety and integrity of our facility. This collaborative effort not only prevented significant theft but also reinforced our commitment to maintaining a secure and operational environment."

Benefits and Outcomes

Real-Time Intrusion Detection and Monitoring

The Lynx team oversees vast spaces and outdoor yards with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, which offer live remote video monitoring. Multiple operators can access the Verkada Command platform on their mobile devices to zoom in and monitor activities on-site, enhancing situational awareness.

With Sentry Mode activated, the PTZ automatically captures people who enter its field of view to safeguard assets during off-hours, detect unauthorized access, track the movement of individuals, and zoom in to gather identifying details – even without a live operator.

If an alarm is raised after hours:

1. Monitoring agents will immediately review the associated footage.

2. Integrated cameras provide real-time visibility into alarm events.

3. Monitoring agents will dispatch police to intercept threats.

Using the Horn Speaker, operators and monitoring agents can talk down to intruders from a desktop or mobile device, or even communicate emergency messages to employees in real-time.

Priority Police Response and Incident Management

By integrating video security with alarms, Lynx expedites emergency response and supports priority police response. Calling in a video-verified alarm helps increase the chances that police will respond quickly for two reasons: 1) they know that it is not a false alarm and 2) they consider it an “in-progress event,” meaning there is a higher likelihood of catching the perpetrator.

With features like People and Vehicle Analytics, AI-powered search, timelapse, and motion search, the Lynx team can quickly search across their camera fleet to find the footage they need in seconds. In a few clicks, they can share archived footage – or even a live camera feed – with law enforcement through an SMS message, email, or a direct link. Incident Management tools also enable teams to organize footage and document findings with the same speed and ease.

Enhanced Trust, Safety, and Operations

The modern physical security technology has significantly improved the perception of safety within and outside of the company, demonstrating Lynx Energy’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and strengthening trust with stakeholders – including the local community. Knowing that their workplace is proactively protected boosts job satisfaction and efficiency, with the added benefit of preventing potential operational disruptions.

“Beyond the tangible financial benefits, this investment [in Verkada] also brings invaluable intangible rewards. It strengthens employee morale by reinforcing a safe working environment and supports the company’s reputation as a leader in innovative security solutions.”

The Verkada system also supports Lynx in maintaining compliance with industry regulations concerning safety and security – meeting and exceeding industry standards. From two-factor authentication to role-based permissions, Lynx has various controls to strengthen the privacy and security of their systems, including:

• Geographic region-based data storage on Canadian soil

• Audit logs for transparency into user actions

• Role and site-based access permissions

• Live-only viewing options, face blurring, and additional privacy features

Looking Ahead

“Adopting the Verkada camera system is a prudent move towards fortifying Lynx Energy’s security posture. It is an investment that not only addresses current security challenges but also equips the company to proactively manage future risks, thereby sustaining its commitment to operational excellence and stakeholder trust.”

For Lynx, the deployment of Verkada’s security system represents a strategic investment in safeguarding assets, personnel, and operational integrity. The scalability and low maintenance requirements of the Verkada system make it an adaptable and effective solution for future security needs. Moving forward, Dwayne plans to continue enhancing its security infrastructure with Verkada’s solutions, supporting a proactive approach to risk management and operational safety.

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