Security efforts to save Banksy artworks in Ukraine revealed

By Dean Murray via SWNS

Security efforts to save Banksy's Ukrainian artworks have been revealed.

In fall of last year, paintings by the mysterious street artist appeared in Ukrainian cities and became one of the symbols of support for the beleaguered country.

After an attempt was made to steal one of the paintings in December, authorities initiated a project to safeguard the pieces.

Ukrainian firm Ajax Systems were tasked with delivering a solution for protecting works in the Kyiv region.

The project was developed by the initiative of the Kyiv regional military administration and local administration.

Ajax wireless security systems were installed on four Banksy paintings in Borodyanka, Irpin, and Horenka.

They ensure the pieces are protected against potential vandalism and weather conditions.

Ajax explain: "Objects are monitored 24/7 by the Sheriff security company. The rapid security team will instantly respond to stealing or damaging attempts. The paintings will be protected until delivered to the museum.

"Banksy’s works have cultural and historical value for the country as a reminder that light will win over darkness.

"It is important to resist possible vandalism attempts that have already happened."

So-called MotionCam Outdoor PhOD motion detectors and DoorProtect Plus opening detectors protect against attempts to damage or approach the artwork.

The installed motion detectors have built-in sensors that react to shocks and vibrations.

In case of an alarm, a siren activates, and the rapid response team arrives.

Transparent polycarbonate walls protect the artworks from the external environment.

Ajax add: "The picture of a judoka in Borodyanka also has a temporary protective structure with the LifeQuality smart air quality monitor inside.

"LifeQuality monitors the CO2, temperature, and humidity levels. The WallSwitch relay helps maintain the microclimate conditions to keep the painting safe."

Heorhii Yerko, acting head of the village council of Borodyanka, commented: "We are grateful to Ajax Systems for fast responding and protecting the paintings. These art objects are war artifacts that we must preserve for Ukrainians.

"Our cities have suffered from significant destruction, and these art objects represent an unbreakable belief that life will definitely win."

The security system includes twenty detectors and four control hubs. The detectors do not depend on a constant power supply and the control panel can be located in a remote room.

The hub maintains communication with the devices at a distance of up to 1,700 meters (5577 feet) and transfers alarms in less than 0.15 seconds.

Valentine Hrytsenko, CMO at Ajax Systems, explains: "Protecting such objects is a challenge for any security system or installer.

"There were many obstacles: from destroyed buildings with paintings to no power supply.

"But with the assistance of the Kyiv Regional Administration and the Ministry, we were able to find and bring necessary solutions to life.

"We are happy to see Ajax products protect culture even in such challenging times."

Oleh Torkunov, the deputy head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, said: "We are grateful to our partners and security engineers. They have found and delivered a successful solution in a challenging environment."