Press information To download a text file of this release, go to www.parkfield.co.uk/winkelmann Press backgrounder: introducing Winkelmann UK, www.winkelmann.co.uk specialised manufacturer of counter-surveillance equipment Released 19 January 2006 Seeking information though illicit means to gain an advantage or discover weaknesses is a human activity as old as mankind itself. From the first time someone lurked outside a window to eavesdrop on a conversation being held inside the room, protecting sensitive information from detection has been important. Nowadays, technology has made it feasible to "eavesdrop" from the other side of the world by using IP-enabled covert microphones or video cameras, activated over the internet, to bug a room and to transmit the sound and picture to the remote operator. The principle is still the same, only the delivery mechanism has progressed. Everyone can empathise with the special challenges facing the intelligence services, police and military to ensure that they are secure, particularly in today's climate. Conversely, many commercial organisations would find the concept of their premises being bugged, the homes of their senior executives put under surveillance and their telephones being tapped too extraordinary to contemplate. However, research shows that this is what happens to millions of businesses across the globe on a daily basis. In any number of areas, time-sensitive information such as planned takeover bids can, quite literally, be worth a fortune to those who can profit by the illicit knowledge. Merchant banks, financial PR consultancies, lawyers, accountants and many other advisors will all be party to extremely important secret information - it only takes a bug in one boardroom for the whole operation to be in jeopardy. A quick search on the web will show a huge number of covert devices, available to anyone with a credit card. High resolution cameras concealed in a smoke detector or clock, or even in sunglasses or a button on a suit, can transmit full colour images for a mile or more. Audio recorders concealed in computer mice, in ventilation grilles or elsewhere will pick up the quietest whisper, and it's no good going into the bathroom and turning on the taps, modern electronics will easily strip masking background noise from a recording, leaving crystal-clear voices. Luckily, every advance in surveillance technology and equipment can be countered and the threat neutralised through the deployment of counter-surveillance detection and protection. Founded more than 10 years ago, Winkelmann UK has grown rapidly to become one of the world's leading specialists in the design, development and manufacture of a wide range of electronic countermeasure devices. We design, develop and manufacture our equipment at our UK headquarters. We deal directly with end user and intermediary customers throughout the world and we have a network of specialist distributors located in key markets that provide local commercial and technical support for our products. We specialise in Radio Frequency detection and analysis; our products are currently in operational service with NATO, European Commission, USA Army & UK MoD organisations. Our product range is extensive. Each type of device has been specifically developed to counter a particular type of threat to give the highest possible levels of detection and protection from unauthorised surveillance. Counter Measures Our MS300 is a highly sensitive broadband counter surveillance receiver which allows the detection of all major types of surveillance threat; the Hawk 450XD "Electronic Device Detector" is widely used in EOD search operations to detect hidden electronic devices regardless of whether the device is radiating, hard-wired or turned off. Communication Security Our TLA200/B Telephone Line Analyser is a system for checking hard-wired telephone lines for illicit bugging devices; with GSM phones getting ever smaller, they are increasingly being used in areas where they may compromise security. This technology is also becoming the preferred medium for bugs and other surveillance devices. We can detect GSM phones or surveillance units not only in variously sized rooms or building but also over much larger areas - at up to 200m. Audio, video and computer surveillance equipment As well as being a leader in counter surveillance equipment, we offer a number of advanced technology surveillance products for use by legitimate agencies. We offer a range of audio surveillance equipment for use in the field of law enforcement, counter-terrorism and hostage situations there is often the need for audio monitoring where access is restricted. Our Woodpecker family provides a means of remotely listening through the walls, ceilings or floors of a building. The wireless stethoscope's small size enables it to be placed easily on walls, floors and ceilings; acoustic vibrations passing through the building structure are detected by the extremely sensitive transducer, within the unit, amplified and transmitted via an RF link to the surveillance receiver. The Woodpecker fibre optic stethoscope (FOS) is based on a unique optical acoustic technology and yields excellent sound quality, enabling security professionals to listen and record through concrete walls, windows and doors without the need to be inside the room. A significant benefit of the device is that the optical part does not contain metal nor active device and therefore cannot be detected by conventional methods. The Kingfisher Fibre Optic Microphone is a proven surveillance product based on optical microphone technology. Only the tiny tip of the optical microphone is exposed in the room being monitored; small and immune to electro-magnetic interference, the sensor is extremely difficult to detect. Our range of Kestrel high resolution miniature camouflage cameras and video accessories are ideal for covert monitoring and can easily be implemented into existing video surveillance systems. The Falcon Keystroke Reader consists of a miniature burst transmitter and receiver module that can be installed in seconds. It takes power from the PC to which it is attached; the target system requires no software installation in order for keystrokes to be recorded. We have an aggressive programme of new product developments in place. As product miniaturisation and transmitter technology advance, we to produce counter measures to ensure that legitimate operations can protect their intellectual property against theft. *** Ends: body copy 927 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: Stephen Read Winkelmann UK Ltd Unit 59, Rowfant Business Centre Wallage Lane Rowfant RH10 4NQ tel: + 44 (0)1342 719024 fax:+ 44 (0)1342 719030 sales@winkelmann.co.uk www.winkelmann.co.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Communications Ltd Parkfield House Damerham Hants SP6 3HQ tel: + 44 (0)1725 518321 fax: + 44 (0)1725 518378 nigel.may@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk Winkelmann UK is a global leader in the design and manufacture of counter surveillance equipment for use by government agencies, the armed forces, law enforcement organisations and commercial organisations.