/ By Gateway Team / perimeter security • physical security • prevent intruders/ 0 Comments

How to prevent intruders on your property

How to prevent intrudersOne of the biggest headaches that property owners face is that of trespass. Trespassers and unwanted visitors can in a short amount of time create both temporary and permanent damage to your property that can leave you stressed and out of pocket. Whether through criminal damage, littering, or arson, there are many reasons to be fearful of trespass damage, and even more reasons to take pre-emptive action, as we will discuss here.

Vandalism

One of the most common annoyances that occurs as a result of trespass is vandalism. While many people picture youths with spray paint cans in hand, vandalism isn’t only restricted to graffiti. It also includes things like smashed windows or doors, slight structural damage, and fly-tipping. Vandals do not want to be caught in the act and will look for quick entry and exit points. You can slow down that process through good perimeter security choices.

Urban exploration

Increasingly, a new type of trespass has come to the fore, spurred on by the internet and enthusiastic photographers. Urban exploration is the act of visiting typically old, ‘abandoned’ buildings to take photographs and share your findings online.

While hobbyists may have the best of intentions, the result can wreak havoc for the owners of these buildings. Property can be damaged as explorers seek to gain access and make their way around a property, and the owners left to foot the bill. What’s more urban explorers might also be risking their health as buildings may be unsafe, containing hazardous materials like asbestos, or unsafe structures that could result in injury or even death.

While the law frowns upon urban exploration, there are risks for owners too. Under the Defective Premises Act and the Occupiers Liability Act they may be liable for any injuries that trespassers encounter whilst on their property. This is why it is critical to take pre-emptive measures to prevent access.

Arson

Arson is another undoubtedly serious threat to vacant and occupied buildings. Even the smallest of fires can spread rapidly and leave behind tremendous damage. Many arsonists plan out their attacks in advance and hope to be able to get away quickly from a scene, which is why it is important to showcase strong deterrents.

General trespass

Some types of intrusion or trespass are not motivated by criminal means but can be equally disruptive. Intruders on your premises or land may make use of your amenities without paying, leave behind rubbish, and cause damage to property through their presence. While there are legal routes to deal with unwanted visitors, it is much smarter to lock down your site with preventative measures.

Key actions to take to prevent intruders

A core fundamental of perimeter security is securing entry and exit points for premises. Gates need to be robust and too tall to climb, and fences resistant to simple cutting tools. There also needs to be sufficient thought given to gaps, which might be secured with wire, where appropriate.

Fences and gates

Fences, gates, and foliage can also act as a visual barrier to prevent criminals and trespassers. These measures will prevent trespassers from understanding how a site operates. Meaning any weaknesses that they might be able to exploit will not be easily discovered.

CCTV

Buildings should be well lit as it is critical for the work of CCTV cameras. It also acts as a deterrent for trespassers who might not want to be seen by passers-by. A risk assessment can help you identify which areas of your site might need additional lighting.

While it is good practice to have CCTV systems in place, they are not necessarily going to prevent an intrusion from taking place. If authorities are not able to respond quickly, and a criminal is disguised then the CCTV only serves to document a crime.

Gates, Bollards and Barriers

Tools like security gates, bollards, and barriers can be much more effective in restricting access, to begin with. You can also use access control equipment with turnstiles and barriers, enhanced with keypads, proximity cards, or intercoms to further reduce access once inside a building.

Vehicular access

Vehicular access should be considered in any risk assessment too. You can disrupt their efforts through the use of barriers and bollards, but also tools like road blockers and automatic rising kerbs.

Are you interested in finding out more? Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provides nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment.

To find out more, please contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure which can be viewed here: https://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/brochure

/ By Gateway Team / perimeter security • port security/ 0 Comments

The Importance of Perimeter Security at Ports

Perimeter security at portsThe UK’s port industry is internationally significant. The second-largest in Europe, it handles over 500 million tonnes of freight each year and employs around over 100,000 people. Moving food, energy, raw materials and goods, the UK’s 120 ports are – without a doubt – vital to the infrastructure and economy of Great Britain in the 21st Century. However, despite the critical importance of our commercial ports, they are traditionally have been a high-prize target for criminal enterprises. We discuss the importance of perimeter security at ports.

The fundamental importance of ports has made them a target for Terrorist activities from organisations seeking to cause maximum disruption to the nation by affecting vital supplies, and danger is also present for sea bearing vessels in the form of modern-day piracy.

The need for strong perimeter defences

The first place that port operators should look at when it comes to creating a robust and comprehensive security system and seeing off these threats is perimeter security. By installing strong perimeter defences, they can effectively seal off their ports from unauthorised visitors and deter criminal activity in their tracks.

Risk assessments

While commercial ports across the world share many things in common, they are all unique in their cultures, and operations, and thus require a bespoke approach to security. This is why any security reviews must begin with a 360-degree risk assessment to understand the potential strengths and weaknesses of a site and underline any key changes that need to be made to protect the maritime supply chain. In a nutshell, what may work for one port, may not be suitable for another.

Key perimeter security methods

Recommendations from a risk assessment may include a combination of solutions, such as heavy-duty gates, bollards, barriers and rising kerbs. It might also include high-tech options like access control.

Reduce pedestrian access

Pedestrian access can be limited through tools such as keypads, biometrics and fobs, while vehicle traffic can be controlled through automatic barriers, bollards and rising kerbs that ensure traffic can only go in the specified directions.
In the case of vessels, access control equipment can be effective in restricting access to key areas, blocking off important assets, and keeping accurate records of who is visiting specific places.

Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their site. They also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, please contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure here: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/brochure

/ By Gateway Team / burglary • crime • perimeter security • physical security • security • theft/ 0 Comments

How Businesses can help reduce the risk of burglary

BurglarNo matter the size or scale of your operations, burglary can have disastrous consequences for a business. From cash and asset losses through to negative press articles and the impact on employees caught up in the event, the fallout can be massive.

It is, however, worth remembering that the vast majority of burglaries are opportunistic in nature. Time and time again, police forces up and down the UK have warned that criminals hunt for easy prey. Businesses which fail to pay attention to perimeter security are high targets for criminals and gangs. Let’s take a look at some of the simple ways to help reduce the risk of burglary.

Risk assessments

In the same way that you would likely leave your home boiler repair to the gasman, your perimeter security should be handled by an expert. Every business is different and has their own unique operational and security-focused needs that need to be balanced when choosing perimeter security tools. A risk assessment will take into account the nature of your business when deciding which tools are going to be used.

Gates and barriers

Gates and barriers send a strong message out to opportunistic criminals. From the moment they first come across your property they will see that security is high on your agenda and that entry will be difficult. If entry is difficult then an escape will likely also be hard, effectively removing your business from their sights.

Access Control Equipment

One of the best ways to prevent a burglary is to think carefully about the layout of your site, and the location of valuable assets. Storing valuable items or data in specific locations can be a great way to prevent unauthorised access. Entry can be controlled with cards, fobs, keypads, or even cutting-edge biometric technology such as fingerprint readers.

Alarms and security systems

Tools such as CCTV and alarms can detect motion around your business and be used to alert the authorities. They play a role in protecting your business, but should simply augment other factors of your perimeter security. CCTV may record criminal activity but they do not prevent the incident from happening in the first place.

Lighting

Criminals do not want to be seen and identified. While you may think that lights may draw attention to your business, they can actually do the opposite. Adequate lighting not only increases your chances of a bypasser witnessing an incident but also helps other tools like CCTV to capture the likeness of an intruder. Don’t forget to regularly change bulbs that have been broken or otherwise damaged.

Control Vehicle and Pedestrian Access

Another key point to consider is how you manage access both on foot and in vehicles. Pedestrian traffic can be monitored and controlled by turnstiles. These turnstiles might be manned or unmanned with keypads, fobs, or fingerprint scanners. But they are a hurdle for criminals to overcome both before and after a crime.

Equally, vehicular access needs to be considered carefully. In recent years there has been an increased number of burglaries committed with the use of vehicles. Heavy-duty vehicles can be used to effectively ram their way into buildings and escape with valuable goods. To combat this you can install gates, bollards, rising kerbs, flow control plates, and road blockers. All of which can be helpful in cutting off access to road vehicles.

How we can help

Arranging effective perimeter security is not something that you should go at alone. No matter the size or nature of your business, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey. This will assess the security requirements of your organisation. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255.

/ By Gateway Team / business security • crime • physical security/ 0 Comments

Top 5 Physical Risks for Businesses

Security RisksIn recent years, internet and cyber security has become a hot topic. Ransomware, malware, phishing, and other malicious software all present very credible threats to businesses. And a failure to address these types of issues can, indeed, leave businesses in hot water.

However, while cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your business, it should never be a replacement for physical security. Here are five of the most credible physical security threats to brick and mortar sites, and key actions you can take to deter them.

1) Theft and burglary

One of the most prevalent forms of crime against businesses is that of theft. Theft, even in small amounts, can cause huge disruption to your operations. Cash or asset losses affect not only the overall health of your business. This can also affect customer confidence, and undermine the morale of your employees.

2) Vandalism

Vandalism can encompass a broad range of activities, many that can be toxic to your business. Graffiti is the most obvious, as well as small acts of arson, the smashing of windows or doors, structural damage, fly tipping and more. Any business can be a victim of vandalism, but properties that are isolated or currently unoccupied are particularly at risk.

3) Arson

Arson can completely devastate buildings, gut them entirely of any stock or equipment and endanger human life. However, what you might not know is that not all arson attacks are opportunistic. Many are planned out in advance, and sometimes even targeted due to a dislike or slight against a company. Fires can spread very quickly, which is why in this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure.

4) Unauthorized entry

Not all crimes happen during the twilight hours. Without proper restrictions in place, unauthorised visitors can make their way into your buildings and go on to commit crime. This can include theft of assets, destruction of property, or even assault against members of your workforce. Some crimes may even slip under the radar entirely.

5) Terrorism
For businesses in highly visible sectors such as governmental organisations, acts of terrorism remain a present danger. Terrorists seek to cause disruption and fear, making any governmental building a possible target due to their high profile and connection to power. Other targets might include sites with high traffic, including; schools and universities, nightclubs and arenas, or any infrastructure that is critical to the UK’s power and water supplies.

Preparing for the worst

With dwindling Police force budgets across the country, and mounting paperwork on their desks, it is understandable that stretched officers can no longer respond to crimes as quickly as they might have once done. However, this simply further underlines the importance of acting before the event with preventative measures such as physical perimeter security.

Security starts at your perimeter and tough measures can act as a deterrent to criminals looking to gain entry to a site. Interior and exterior protections such as gates and turnstiles can limit access to approved visitors. Vehicular access can be controlled through automatic barriers, rising kerbs and road blockers. While pedestrian access can be managed through keypads, biometrics and fobs, to name just a few of the solutions available.

It can be difficult to know where to start, so a business’s first port of call when addressing their needs should be to arrange a risk assessment through a qualified and experienced provider. Here at Gateway Automation we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security requirements. To find out more please contact Gateway Automation on 01522 682255.