Global articles on espionage, spying, bugs, and other interesting topics.

Contract Cleaners Caught Stealing from Security Exhibition!

ASIS International recently held their 2010 international conference and exhibition in Dallas, Texas USA. I was lucky enough to have attended this exhibition and was absolutely amazed at just how many vendors were displaying state-of-the-art closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. Every step you took, was under surveillance. It is for this reason that I am shocked and amused to think that someone would be foolish enough to steal anything from such an exhibition, not to mention one of the world’s largest security exhibitions! Well, believe it or not, it happened!

Apparently, on the second morning of the ASIS 2010 Conference, several exhibitors reported that various items had been stolen from their exhibition stands. That’s right – a security exhibition is robbed! One of the victims was smart enough to approach a nearby exhibitor, who had several overt surveillance cameras pointing in the direction of the theft.

Milestone Systems had set-up surveillance cameras to demonstrate their ‘XProtect IP’ video management software, which thankfully recorded the theft. An Axis camera was pointing directly at the laptop with the events being recorded by their advanced recording technology. A quick review of the evidence revealed two cleaning contractors stealing the laptop as well as a few sweets in the process!

Authorities were advised and the Police were able to identify the thieves, one of whom confessed to stealing the laptop – and a number of other items, mostly computers and electronics! As it happens, the Police uncovered a crime ring, comprised of cleaners who worked for a number of corporate offices and trade shows. They apparently gained access to offices or venues, slowly pilfering items, using their rubbish cart to conceal the stolen goods.

Below is the real video of the cleaners stealing the computer. Be sure to look at the impressive intelligent post-monitoring feature offered by Milestone Systems.

Milestone video’s computer theft at ASIS 2010.

Whilst there is an element of humour to this moronic act, given the vast amount of surveillance at this conference, there is also a very serious side to this event. Corporate organisations, governments and executives are constantly susceptible to the theft of sensitive information, including intellectual property… and most computers contain just that! This is not the first time we’ve encountered cleaners who’ve been stealing goods and particularly information from companies. It is imperative that measures be implemented to mitigate the likelihood of this occurring within your organisation.

For a brief overview on how you can protect your organisation from spying and espionage, please click the below link.

“How To Protect Your Business From Spying…”