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2 6 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Special Feature: Perimeter Surveillance
Postnord, Sweden's postal service provider, has faced
challenges from organised criminal gangs targeting
high-value goods. With critical operations between
Sweden and Denmark, Postnord's Helsingborg terminal
became a key target.
In response, Postnord developed a security strategy
with advanced surveillance solutions to protect its as-
sets.
Postnord has developed a security strategy with advanced surveillance solutions to
protect its assets.
Axis Object Analytics make sure that the surveillance cameras are pointed in the right
direction.
Security strategy with advanced
technology combats organised theft
2 6 · d e t e k t o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l
Editor: Lennart Alexandrie
Postnord was founded in 2009
through the merger of the Swed-
ish and Danish national postal
services, Postnord has expanded to
over 400 locations in Sweden. In
2022, a major security breach at
the Helsingborg terminal saw the
theft of a trailer with goods valued
at 250,000.
Alexis Larsson, Head of Secu-
rity at Postnord Sweden, recalls:
"Our usual procedures would
not allow a loaded trailer to remain
on-site without being unloaded.
However, in the summer of 2022,
a driver was forced to leave a trailer
on our premises after traffic delays
led to a missed ferry crossing. This
trailer, loaded with bikes worth
around 250,000, became the tar-
get. Criminals breached our fence,
accessed the depot, and drove away
with the entire trailer."
Caught by the camera
Footage from Axis cameras re-
vealed the thieves had cut through
a fence, slashed soft-sided trailers
to search for valuable goods, and
tampered with the gate to prevent
it from closing. Once the security
guard left, the thieves drove in
with a truck, hooked it to the
trailer, and escaped.
This incident, along with oth-
ers, marked a trend, prompting
Postnord to enlist Avarn Security
for advanced surveillance.
"In the autumn, another theft
occurred. A single incident might
be addressed with preventive
measures, but a second occurrence
shows a pattern," Larsson notes.
"The camera footage was
alarming, and it led us to realise
these were not isolated incidents.
Our investigation revealed that
Postnord wasn't the only target;
Mineralgatan had the highest
rate of reported transport crimes
in Sweden. We decided to take
action."
Surveillance and
remote monitoring
Postnord's first move was to up-
grade surveillance at the Helsing-
borg depot. With Avarn Security,
they installed the Axis D2110-VE
Security Radar alongside existing
Axis cameras. This radar's 180-de-
gree scan detects anyone on the
grounds outside operating hours
and automatically directs Axis
PTZ cameras to track the target.
Using Axis Companion, Postnord
can remotely monitor cameras and
radar.
Using a bait trailer
After a third intrusion, where
no goods were on-site, Postnord
took more direct action. Working
with the police, they set up a
"bait trailer" loaded with goods
as Larsson explains, "something
attractive to steal." A security
operative monitoring the site's
cameras set the alarm elements to
service mode, and on a Saturday
after closing, Postnord awaited
the criminals. When they struck,
the cameras captured everything
from the criminals assessing
potential targets to breaching the
gate when they found the trailer.
"Axis Companion offered us a
live view, and Axis Object Analyt-
ics ensured our cameras were
pointed in the right direction. This
was crucial for keeping the police
informed, as they waited several
kilometres away to avoid drawing
attention," Larsson explains.
Arrested gang leader
Helsingborg Police intercepted
the truck shortly after it left the
depot, capturing a man believed
to be the gang's ringleader, with
Postnord's recordings acting as
critical evidence.
"The police were thrilled, and
the impact was immediate. Min-
eralgatan, once a hub of Swedish
transport crime, has seen no re-
ported crimes on Postnord's site or
nearby since," Larsson comments.
Collaborative security
enhancements
The partnership between Postnord,
Axis, and Avarn Security has led to
continuous security upgrades.
"Securing our sites is a sig-
nificant challenge, with unique
requirements at each location.
Every year, we meet with Axis
and Avarn at Axis headquarters
in Lund to review our current
setup, discuss new hardware,
and plan next steps," says Jonas
Westerberg, Head of Security
Protection at Postnord Sweden.
"At Postnord, we may not be
experts on the products, so this
relationship is invaluable. When
we encounter a challenge, Axis is
always ready to find a solution."
Integrating technology
for future security
Postnord is now transitioning
to Axis Camera Station, a video
management system (VMS) that
will replace outdated technology
and streamline surveillance. This
upgrade will allow full use of Axis's
cameras, enhancing both efficiency
and evidence collection.
As Postnord advances these
initiatives, Alexis Larsson remains
vigilant.
"Crime evolves," he notes.
"But with our Axis systems, we are
prepared for new challenges. Our
technology provides the evidence
needed for convictions, contribut-
ing to a safer environment for our
operations and the community" he
concludes.