Andy Marsh, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at TAKEX tells SJUK why the company developed its new vaping and smoking sensor.

Can you tell me about your role at TAKEX?

I’m the UK & Ireland Sales Manager at TAKEX.

I’ve been in the security industry since 1984, starting in intruder alarm sales before moving into distribution, specialising in detection, access control and CCTV.

Today, I support distributors and national account managers across the region, providing system design and site survey support to installers.

With over 40 years of experience, I focus on helping customers find the right solution for their specific needs.

Can you tell our readers about your new VS‑1000E Vape & Smoking Sensor and how it works?

VS-1000E is our latest innovation: A sensor designed to offer fast, accurate and discreet detection of vape and smoking activities.

Using a high-sensitivity particle sensor combined with advanced detection algorithms, it can reliably identify aerosol particles from vaping and smoking in environments like restrooms or locker rooms.

What makes it really stand out is how easy it is to install and use.

There’s no software, no tools and no licenses needed; it’s flexible enough to fit into any building management system, so it can be integrated into schools, offices and public facilities without overhauling their existing setup.

And for those concerned with privacy, VS‑1000E contains no cameras or microphones.

It’s strictly about real-time detection with no surveillance features, making it ideal for monitoring areas like toilets, changing rooms and low-traffic zones discreetly and effectively.

What are the key reasons you developed the VS‑1000E?

The VS‑1000E Vape & Smoking Sensor was developed in direct response to the alarming rise in youth vaping, particularly in schools.

Research shows that around 25% of 11 to 15-year-olds in the UK have tried vaping, with frequent use reported in 10% of secondary school pupils.

Schools are under increasing pressure to detect and deter vaping quickly and effectively, with VS-1000E enabling them to take quick action to help protect student wellbeing.

Another driving factor was the need for a solution that respects privacy.

Many current systems involve cameras or microphones, which aren’t appropriate in places like toilets or changing rooms.

VS‑1000E avoids those issues entirely while still providing reliable, real-time alerts.

Finally, we made sure VS‑1000E is practical and cost-effective.

There are no annual license fees and it offers maintenance-friendly features and a five-year warranty which ensures continued reliability over time.

What is on the horizon for TAKEX in the near future?

This is an exciting year for TAKEX. We’ve already unveiled some innovative products and technologies, but there’s still more to come – we’re gearing up to launch a new type of sensor that can detect even the slightest human motions and can operate fully out of sight and out of mind.

As always, everything we develop is driven by our commitment to quality.

Our goal is to create sensors that don’t just work well out of the box; they keep working reliably for years, long after others might fail.

At TAKEX we’re staying focused on what matters most to our customers: Performance, value and privacy.

This article was originally published in the May edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.