Security firm’s ‘Banksy protection package’
TWO security companies have joined up to launch a package to protect Banksy artwork. The ‘Banksy Protection Package’ offers a round-the-clock response team who, within one hour of receiving an enquiry, will dispatch a team to install a customer security system to protect the verified brand-new artwork.
Verisure and Arlo have launched the initiative to protect Banksy artwork in light of the artist’s latest work in Bristol, ‘ Aachoo’ - which appeared earlier this month in Vale Street, England’s steepest street.
In a statement, the firms said: “The property is now protected by a Verisure monitored alarm system and integrated Arlo cameras which have been installed to watch over the masterpiece and give the homeowners peace of mind.
“After being trusted to protect this important part of British art culture, Verisure and Arlo will now offer this bespoke ‘Banksy Protection Package’ to future verified Banksy works.
“Created in response to previous Banksy artwork that was targeted and destroyed by vandals due to lack
of security, the Verisure and Arlo initiative offers a 24/7 professionally monitored alarm and camera installation for future families and their homes that are targeted by the mystery artist.”
The protection package includes cameras and lighting and a system to let homeowners get alerts and live video direct to their smartphone.
Horacio Perez, UK operations director at Verisure, said: “The property owners have found themselves in a very unique situation where they must now protect their property in a way they had never considered before.”
A previous Banksy mural in Cheltenham was damaged by vandals after it appeared back in 2014 in the Fairview area of the Gloucestershire town. The mural was eventually lost during building work.