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What Are The Best Security Solutions For Shopping Centres

best security solutions for shopping centres

Shopping centres are bustling places that attract large crowds of people on a daily basis. Often the beating heart of a city centre, they are great generators of local commerce and trade, popular meeting points, and increasingly places to eat and drink too.

However, with so many people coming and going, it’s important to have a robust security plan in place to ensure the safety of both customers and employees. Here are a few security solutions that are commonly used in shopping centres:

Security cameras

One of the most common security solutions for shopping centres is a network of security cameras. These cameras can be placed throughout the centre to provide continuous coverage and can be monitored by security personnel in a control room. In the event of an incident, the footage captured by the cameras can be used to identify suspects and assist with investigations. While CCTV cameras can be effective in apprehending shoplifting or petty criminals, they require manpower or a ready police presence to enforce detection and capture.

Security guards

Another common security solution for shopping centres is the use of security guards. These guards can be stationed at entrances and exits, as well as throughout the centre, to provide a visible deterrent against crime and to respond to any incidents that may occur. Security guards can also be trained to identify and intervene in potential security threats, such as shoplifting or suspicious behaviour. One downside to security guards is the costs incurred by hiring manpower.

Access control systems

An access control system is a security solution that is designed to restrict access to certain areas of a shopping centre. This can include the use of access cards, fobs or biometric scanners to allow only authorised personnel to enter certain areas. Access control systems can help to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive areas, such as storage rooms, staff-only zones or back

offices. They can deter unwanted trespass, and high-level organised burglaries and also protect staff.

Security training

Another important security solution for shopping centres is to provide security training to employees. This can include training on how to identify and report potential security threats, as well as how to respond to emergencies. By educating employees on security best practices, shopping centres can help to reduce the risk of incidents and improve overall safety.

Intercom systems

Intercom systems can be highly useful in shopping centres. They can be used by both staff and members of the public to communicate across long distances. For instance, they might be used as an emergency call system to report serious incidents or accidents or used in a more logistical manner for helping to aid entry to specific loading bays, delivery areas or staff-only areas.

Gates and barriers

With so many outlets, shopping centres can attract heavy traffic from delivery goods vehicles. It is important that these areas are effectively shielded from crime by strong perimeter security systems such as gates, barriers and bollards. Not only to prevent shoplifting and organised burglaries, but also from the perspective of preventing terrorist incidents.

Overall, there are many security solutions that can be used to ensure the safety of shopping centres. By implementing a combination of these solutions, shopping centres can create a secure environment for customers and employees. If you own or operate a shopping centre then it is important to seek specialist advice on how best to protect your assets.

Whether your run a small retail premises or a large-scale site, Here at Gateway Automation we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements.

We have over 40 years of combined experience and expertise and can also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days.

We supply spares and parts for all manufacturers’ equipment means that any problems can be dealt with quickly. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information.

/ By admin / access control • access control equipment • access control systems • perimeter security/ 0 Comments

How To Incorporate Access Control Into Your Perimeter Security

incorporate access control

Perimeter Security is an important aspect of protecting your business or property from unauthorized access. One way to enhance your perimeter security is to incorporate access control systems into your security plan.

What is access control equipment?

Access control equipment refers to a variety of tools that are used to restrict access to certain areas or zones within a location. These tools utilize modern technologies to provide security and peace of mind for business owners, their clients, and their employees.

Access control systems are designed to restrict access to certain areas or facilities by using various methods, such as access cards, biometric scanners, or keypads. Here are a few ways you can incorporate access control into your perimeter security plans:

Install access control gates

One way to incorporate access control into your perimeter security plans is to install access control gates at the entrances to your property. These gates can be activated using access cards, fobs, biometric scanners, or keypads, and can be programmed to allow access only to authorized personnel. Access control gates can help to prevent unauthorized vehicles or individuals from entering your property and conducting criminal activity.

Use access control barriers

Another way to incorporate access control into your perimeter security plans is to use access control barriers. These barriers can be activated using access cards, biometric scanners, or keypads. Access control barriers can be particularly effective at controlling pedestrian traffic and preventing unauthorized entry.

Implement ANPR

Access control software such as ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) is a tool that can be used to manage and monitor vehicular access to your property. This software reads number plates and cross-checks them against a list of approved visitors. By implementing access control software, you can have a comprehensive view of who is entering and exiting your property and when, and shut out any unwanted visitors.

Use RFD readers

RFID readers are a cutting-edge technology that can be incorporated into perimeter security strategies. These readers are connected to a network and can be installed at gates or certain areas of a building. When a token is held near the reader, the system checks if the individual is allowed access. If access is granted, a green light flashes; if not, a red light flashes. RFID readers can be particularly useful for reducing the need for physical security guards or limiting access to certain areas to specific personnel.

Radio Receiver

Another tool for controlling access is a radio receiver. Remotes can be linked to a radio receiver unit that can be placed inside or outside of a site, as it has a protective coating that can withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, the controls can be operated remotely, allowing you to open gates or garage doors without physically being at the location.

LED traffic lights

LED traffic lights can be utilised to enhance vehicular access control measures. These lights are often used for traffic control purposes such as at loading bays, weighbridges, and ports to safely guide visitors to a site. LED traffic lights can be paired with an automatic barrier that is activated by an illuminated keypad or intercom system.

Intercom systems

Another tool in the access control arsenal that can be used in several ways is an intercom system. They can be used as a tool to provide access to delivery drivers, staff and visitors, or used as a means of communication in large warehouses or units.

By implementing a combination of access control gates, barriers, software, and signage, you can create a secure perimeter and protect your business or property from potential threats.

Use access control signage

In addition to physical security measures, it’s also important to use access control signage to clearly communicate access restrictions to your property. This can include signs indicating authorized personnel only, or warning against unauthorized entry. Access control signage can help to deter potential intruders and to prevent unauthorized access to your property.

Gateway Automation can help businesses and organisations to protect their assets from serious crime with minimum disruption while maintaining safe and comfortable working environments for clients, contractors, customers and other highly important individuals. For a free no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey please contact Gateway Automation on 01522 682255. Alternatively, you could download our brochure can

/ By admin / vacant properties • vacant property security/ 0 Comments

A Guide to vacant property security

A Guide to vacant property security

A common headache for owners of multiple properties is what to do with a site that becomes vacant for a prolonged period of time. A property that sits unoccupied, whether commercial or residential, is very likely to become the target of criminals, and therefore strong consideration should be given to methods of security.

Your first steps

First of all, there are many common sense steps that you can take that will help to reduce the threat level against your property. These include actions like developing strong ties with your neighbours or nearby businesses, emptying bins and mailboxes frequently and keeping your property in as good a state of repair as you can reasonably manage.

Broken windows theory

Vacant properties are often the target of crimes like vandalism and trespass. However, a property that is well maintained and looked after, is going to present questions to a would-be vandal. They may consider the general physical environment of a property and deduce that the site is visited frequently and therefore they may be caught committing their crime.

Indeed, the broken windows theory – first proposed by the late criminologist James Q. Wilson in 1982 – states that visible signs of crime and disorder create an environment that actually escalates crime levels. So, by looking after the exterior of your property, and quickly fixing any minor issues, you can in theory lessen the chances of criminals targeting your property.

However, while this theory may play a part in reducing petty crimes like graffiti and minor vandalism, more often than not, more serious steps need to be considered.

Stepping up your security

Whether facing off vandals, trespassers or even arsonists – owners of vacant properties need to think carefully about their current security arrangements and the message they might be sending out to would-be criminals.

Your first step should be to work with a trusted perimeter security provider that has specialist knowledge in this field. Many operators will provide you with a one-size fits all approach, but you should be sure to ask for a risk assessment instead.

Risk assessments for vacant properties

By taking the time to prepare a risk assessment, you can be confident that your chosen company has given proper thought to the nature of your property and how it might need to be protected.

The results of this survey will be a series of recommendations as to means and methods of preventing unwanted visitors from accessing your site.

Every site is different, but this may include suggestions such as installing heavy-duty gates or barriers to make access by foot or vehicle difficult.

It might suggest restricting specific areas of your site through access control equipment, or automated technology that requires credentials like fobs and key codes to gain access.

Equally, it might suggest more general recommendations such as installing lighting in dimly lit areas, turning off access to utilities, or applying anti-climb paint to warn off trespassers.

Reach out today

If you own a property that is currently unoccupied or is likely to be in the future, then now is the time to reach out and explore your options.

Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe.

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Our Guide to the NEW POD Turnstiles

Our Guide to the NEW POD Turnstiles

Turnstiles make up one of the most tried and trusted forms of perimeter security available on the market. Used by venues and businesses in a wide plethora of industries, turnstiles help business operators to maintain control over entry to their facilities in an efficent manner.

Where turnstiles have been adopted in sporting and music venues, data centres and government facilities they have almost always represented excellent value for money. Assisting operators to manage peak flows of traffic, they reduce the need for manned guards and reduce the liklihood of unathorised access through tailgating or piggybacking.

As technology has advanced, turnstiles have begun to become more advanced and even more effective in what they can offer to business owners. The latest being the creation of POD turnstiles.

What is a POD turnstile?

The POD turnstile is the coming together of a traditional turnstile operation with high-tech access control measures such as facial recognition and cloud based computing.

Designed to offer a secure, easy to deploy and easily moveable access control unit – it is already being rolled out in environments as diverse as the construction industry, to warehouses, airports, colleges, medial facilities and even music festivals.

How does it work?

The POD turnstile utilises facial recognition to grant access to a particular site. By using expertly developed algorithimic software, it can easily decipher the credentials of a visitor and either permit or prevent access to your property.

Using visual cues, it is able to understand ethnicity, facial changes such as beards, glasses, or signs of ageing and correctly grant access to employees, customers or general members of the public.

It can be used as a form of time stamping for providing accurate details of attendance for your payroll, log entrance of contractors, or used in more public facing environments.

Equally, POD turnstiles can be used as an internal measure to restrict access to sensitive areas of your site that are off limits to unapproved visitors or staff members.

Gateway’s POD turnstile offering

Here at Gateway, we are proud to be able to offer POD turnstiles that can be installed ready to go with a firm base and a power supply available in 24v, 110v or 240v.

Designed for heavy industrial usage, they are built to last with galvanised steel frames and powder coated cladding. Our POD turnstile is designed to be autonomous with hands free operation, but remains user friendly with passage indicator lights, a fire alarm, emergeny break glass and audible sounder.

Our POD turnstile’s can be equipped for a wide variety of uses including enforcement of legal compliance and the tracking of time and attendance of employees or contractors. Our system is customisable but comes ready to go with standard reporting sets available.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, Gateway Automation can help you to make the most of new technology such as the POD turnstile. We provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment. We also offer a nationwide reactive call-out service to deal with any equipment issues and are proud to be Gate Safe accredited. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information.

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Guide to ANPR Systems

Guide to ANPR Systems

Like many other areas of technology, perimeter security has seen huge advances in recent years and many technologies that were once the preserve of those with outlandish budgets are now becoming economical choices for a whole plethora of business owners. One of those advancements comes in the form of ANPR – or Automatic Number Plate Recognition.

What is ANPR?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition devices are mass surveillance devices that perform optical character recognition on images to decipher license plates.

First introduced in the 1980s to assist police forces with road traffic management, these devices are now commonly used across commercial industries to verify credentials, monitor suspicious activity, and log incidents.

The adoption of this new technology in the private sector is increasing as businesses look for ways to facilitate free-flowing movement without compromising their own security protocols.

How does ANPR work?

If used correctly, ANPR is positioned at key locations on a business’s premises. It is then able to use sensors to detect when a vehicle passes these checkpoints and trigger a snapshot of that vehicle’s number plate. This number plate can then be crosschecked with a database to identify the vehicle and the driver or log how long a vehicle has been on site.

How can ANPR benefit businesses?

Automatic number plate recognition systems can serve many purposes for businesses. First of all, they represent a huge deterrent to would-be criminals. If a criminal is known to the police or blacklisted on a database then the presence of these systems means that they are likely to avoid your premises. Equally, opportunistic criminals may be deterred by the fact that they could be easily identified and face prosecution in the future, should they commit a crime.

ANPR can be used in other ways too. It can be used as a traffic management tool, allowing or preventing specific vehicles into an area of your site, monitoring how long a vehicle has stayed in your site or allowing them to leave premises only if they have paid a surcharge.

Where the latest tech can often present a price barrier to businesses. ANPR can prove to be highly economical. Not only can it prevent the risk of costly criminal activity, but it can also reduce the need for manned guarding or reception staff as you can automatically whitelist specific vehicles to provide them entry to your premises.

ANPR systems are suited to a wide variety of industries and are commonly seen at shopping centres, car parks, petrol stations, schools, and industrial and warehousing sites.

accessGUARDIAN

Gateway Automation offers ANPR systems which are accompanied by accessGUARDIAN. This provides business owners with access to a specialist server holding crucial details of white-listed or blacklisted vehicles.

It enables them to fully control their automatic barrier and decide who can enter or leave their site. They also provide traffic monitoring services through eyeTRAFFIC – allowing users to search records of up to 25,000 registration entries by date time and location, along with access to high-resolution photos of vehicles.

Get in touch

No matter the size or nature of your business, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to 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.

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How to choose Perimeter Security to fit your budget

How to choose Perimeter Security to fit your budget

At this time of the year, many business owners are wisely spending their downtime considering their moves for the year ahead. While the end of the year always presents ample opportunity to forward-plan, it can be especially prudent considering the current economic state of play.

It’s well known that crime figures rise in tandem with economic periods of fragility, and therefore businesses should pay close attention to their security protocols to stay lean and agile. However, it is important to choose your tools wisely, to afford unnecessary costs.

Here we will take a look at the best way for business owners to safeguard themselves from crime, without breaking the bank.

1 – Think of the bigger picture

Time and time again we speak to businesses who have fallen foul of flashy and expensive security systems that look impressive but don’t do what they need them to do. Rather than relying solely on one type of tool – for instance CCTV – businesses should think about the big picture. A CCTV system is great at recording crime, but you should aim to stop it in its tracks. Tools like gates, turnstiles and automatic barriers can help you do just that.

2 – Begin with a risk assessment

Before rushing into any rash or expensive decisions, you should seek out a thorough review of your needs with the help of a perimeter security provider. A good facilitator should take into account several different factors. For example:

  • How does your business operate?
  • What industry-specific needs do you have?
  • Are there any geographic or business constraints to consider?
  • What threats does your business face?
  • Are you vulnerable right now?

These are just a few examples of the types of questions that need to be considered in a full and thorough risk assessment.

3 – Consider the long-term benefits

It is important to pay a fair price for your chosen security tools. There are many businesses out there that will charge far more than the appropriate value and are happy enough to recommend the wrong products. However, beyond the immediate costs, you should think about how those products could save you money too.

For example, while a tool like an automatic barrier might represent a higher cost than a manual one, it may also reduce the need for you to operate the barrier yourself, or pay manned guards to do so.

Access control equipment like fobs, keypads or even automatic number plate recognition can be used to grant entry and save on your personal costs.

4 – Breakdown cover

As well as the obvious upfront costs, you should also be wary of hidden costs that may arise such as in the event of damage to your tools.

Imagine the scenario – a heavy-duty goods vehicle has skidded on ice and damaged your security gates. You’re due to close for the Christmas period and you find yourself unable to secure a technician who has the parts required to repair your gate. Not only could your festive plans be scuppered, but you could also be leaving your business open to criminal threats while you are away.

This is why it is important to choose a provider who can both repair and replace parts easily should the situation arise.

5 – Don’t cut corners

Never cut corners when it comes to perimeter security. Choose experienced providers with plenty of feedback and reviews online. This can ensure that you not only receive a good quality product but that it is installed to a high standard and won’t let you down in the future.

The solution

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, Here at Gateway Automation we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements.

We have over 40 years of combined experience and expertise and can also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days. We supply spares and parts for all manufacturers’ equipment means that any problems can be dealt with quickly. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information.

/ By Gateway Team / winter security/ 0 Comments

Winter Security Tips

Winter Security Tips

Colder weather and darker nights bring challenges for businesses all around the UK. Are you prepared for the arrival of winter? Here are some security-related tips and advice to help you on your way.

Prepare for adverse weather

Here in the United Kingdom, the winter months bring vast changes to the climate. On average temperatures during these months range between 0 to 7°C and although sunny days are possible they will still feel cold.

If you are a properly prepared business, then you will likely have some key perimeter security measures in place already such as gates, fencing, and barriers. However, like any piece of equipment, they all require a degree of upkeep and cold weather such as rain, wind, sleet and snow can speed up degredation. To prevent this, you should maintain a simple programme of upkeep to protect against the elements. This may mean regular programmes of cleaning up leaves and other debris and washing or scrubbing down your tools.

Equally, you need to be wise enough to know when to call in the experts. A sudden onslaught of high-speed winds or other disruptive weather could cause damage and if you can’t get an engineer out in time then this could cause real disruption to your business, or your holiday plans.

Always maintain your equipment, have regular performance checks, and opt for a supplier that is able to provide reactive callout services to deal with any damage.

Prepare for darker nights

Criminals are opportunistic by nature and many crimes are carried out in the depths of the night when lighting is less abundant. This lowers their chances of detection and increases the liklihood of a getaway.

To weigh the odds back in your favour, your first port of call should be to develop strong perimeter security that both reduces the chances of an intrustion, and also sends out a strong message to criminals that your permises is not an easy target.

You should also ensure that any security lighting is in good working order, placed effectively to target particular zones or areas, and that any dark areas are free of any dangers. For instance, a bin that could be used as a climbing tool to scale a fence, any loose pannels that could be broken to gain entry.

Consider storage

While it is not always avoidable, you should try and ensure that high-value goods or machinery are either carefully locked down, or taken indoors during any periods of closure. Criminal gangs are known to target plant and machinery and leaving them out in the open, and in the darkness can lead to you becoming a target for theft.

Equally, any tools that could be used as weapons to damage facilities or gain entry should be secured or placed indoors out-of-hours.

Risk assessments

Your number one defence against crime, not just in the winter, but all year long is to have strong perimeter security tools in place. However, it can be difficult to know exactly where to focus your attentions. With a risk assessment from an experienced provider, you can pinpoint any weaknesses and begin to address them in a way that suits your operational needs.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, Gateway Automation can help. We provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment. We also offer a nationwide reactive call-out service

to deal with any equipment issues and are proud to be Gate Safe accredited. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information.

/ By Gateway Team / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Keeping Your Business Safe During Christmas

Keeping your business safe during Christmas

Christmas is a season of goodwill. A time to come together with family and friends and celebrate the good times. However, for criminals, Christmas represents something different entirely – an open goal and a period of lax security measures that they can easily exploit. Read on for ways that you can avoid returning from your holidays to an unpleasant surprise.

Prepare and enact a closure plan

There are a number of tasks that need to be checked off before you can begin your holidays. You should develop a strong checklist that covers every aspect of your operations from cyber security through to physical and perimeter plans. Here are a few things to include:

  • Lock any external windows and doors and fasten any grills or covers.
  • Lock any external gates and barriers into place
  • Lock or remove any bins and waste units that could contain confidential data or items of value
  • Turn off any machinery or electrical items that do not need to remain on during closure
  • Turn off any heating or water devices that do not need to remain on
  • Check external areas for any items of value that can be moved inside
  • Check window displays for any items of value in view and close curtains or shutters
  • Check that any security lighting or CCTV units are working correctly (this should be done periodically to avoid any last-minute issues)
  • Shut any internal doors and passageways to limit fire risks
  • Ensure that your building is empty of personnel and then set alarms correctly

Designate keyholders

Keyholders are tasked with the job of responding to any incidents that arise on your premises such as police calls or alarm triggers. It is important that those tasked with doing so are aware of their duties, and keep their means of communication within sight during any periods of closure. A failure to respond quickly could mean that criminals are left to do as they please.

Access control

Not every business can shut down completely over the Christmas period. If you are to continue operations then you should consider how access will be controlled at both exterior and interior levels. Traffic should be recorded and logged and unmanned entry points can be accessed through tools like automatic barriers or number plate recognition systems. While interior units can be given tiered access through fobs and keypads – for instance, if you want to protect high-value goods or sensitive data.

Maintain a strong perimeter

When criminals decide which properties they are going to target, they will almost always go for those that show either a lax approach to perimeter security or none at all. To send the right impression, you should ensure that your external site is protected with key measures such as gates, barriers and bollards and that signage is displayed to warn off intruders.

If you feel that your business could be vulnerable this Christmas, then you should waste no time in reaching out for support and advice. Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe.

/ By admin / business security/ 0 Comments

Why You Need A Layered Approach To Protect Your Business

protect your business

While investing in comprehensive perimeter security tools can have a financial impact on your business, failure to do so will almost always cost you more in the long run. With a recession looming and crime rates set to spike, it’s never been more important for UK businesses to firm up their defences and need a layered approach to protect your business.

Crime in the UK against businesses

Physical theft, burglary, arson, and cyber-attacks are just a few of the threats that brick-and-mortar businesses face. The latest Commercial Victimisation Survey (CVS) estimated that 38% of businesses operating in the wholesale and retail sector in England and Wales had recently fallen victim to crime. Worryingly, almost half of the respondents claimed to have witnessed an increase in violent crime since the beginning of the pandemic.

The right tools for the job

While there is a wide range of tools, equipment, and services out there to choose from, not all of them are created equally. Far too often, businesses invest in poorly designed equipment, and expensive technology that isn’t right for their situation or fail to consider the bigger picture of their overall security plan.

Developing a comprehensive security plan

For a security plan to work: there must be a symbiotic nature to an overarching plan. This means not only choosing the right tools for the job, but also considering how these products and services can help or hinder a particular outcome.

Risk assessments

Your starting point for any good plan of action should be, to begin with a comprehensive risk assessment. This enables you to develop a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of your current perimeter security. It should take into account the threats that you face, and relay concrete suggestions to counter them.

An experienced provider will be able to draw on previous case studies and examples to explain how and why particular products will benefit you. They will take time to understand how you work, and also any constraints (geographical, operational, or otherwise) that may affect your plan.

Making the most of technology

Technological advances are not only of benefit to the consumer market. Rapid growth in computer science and manufacturing has meant that equipment that was once reserved for the upper echelons, has now filtered its way down and is available to businesses at an affordable price. Fingerprint scanners, automatic number plate recognition systems, and robust anti-terrorism defences are just a few of the items that can now be integrated into plans.

Integration

It’s all well and good installing high-tech solutions, but they are just one part of a much bigger picture. These tools should be used to enhance or upgrade existing facilities, or to develop cornerstones of your plan – such as heavy-duty gates or barriers. It’s also critical to consider smaller touches such as security lighting, intercom systems, and key fobs that can all have a role to play in a thorough plan of action.

Here at Gateway Automation, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey. We also offer a nationwide reactive call-out service to deal with any equipment issues and are proud to be Gate Safe accredited. Call us today on 01522 682255 for more information.

/ By admin / access control • access control equipment • access control systems • unauthorised parking/ 0 Comments

Is Your Business At Risk For Unauthorised Access?

unauthorised access

No matter the size or stature of your business, preventing unauthorised access and entry to your site is likely one of your key objectives when it comes to security planning.

While no two businesses are ever the same, almost all will hold assets, data, money, or staff members that need to be protected from criminal activity. Failing to do so can result in serious financial damage, reputational impact, poor staff morale, and even litigation.

Let’s take a look at some of the risk factors, and how you can protect yourself, starting today.

What is Unauthorised Access?

Unauthorised access is the action of gaining entry to premises without the proper credentials or approval from those in charge of a building or site. Trespassers may include criminals looking to exploit a business, employees gaining access to areas they are not allowed, or simply members of the public who should be restricted from hazardous areas for their safety.

Dealing with Threats

Now that we understand what unauthorised access is. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that entry is commonly gained and in turn, how it can be prevented.

Tailgating

One of the most common ways that criminals gain access to properties is through tailgating. This is when an unauthorised person follows behind someone else who has gained access in a lawful manner – such as an employee or approved visitor. Tailgating can be prevented through the use of turnstiles, bollards, barriers, and gates.

Forced Entry

Another way that criminals gain entry is through brute force or opportunism. For example, a weak security door, an old and poorly maintained gate, or a window that has been left open. Here, it is important to not only have a robust security plan in place that employees know to follow (i.e. shutting windows and locking doors) but also that the integrity of your security equipment is high. Choosing high-quality, robust equipment, and ensuring that it is properly looked after is key.

Key Cloning

Keys can prove a headache for many businesses. Physical keys can be easily lost or even cloned to provide easy access to criminal gangs. To guard against this – you can take advantage of high-tech equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers, and automatic number plate recognition systems to accompany gates or barriers.

Insider Access

Unfortunately, a sad reality is that occasionally access is given to criminals by existing employees. They may be looking for a quick and easy financial payoff, or even be forced against their will to co-operate with criminal gangs. No one knows your operations better than your employees and so their knowledge can lead to a smooth experience for thieves and burglars. To prevent this, you should install interior access controls so that staff are afforded entry rights according to the needs of their role, and seniority.

If reading these scenarios, you feel that your business could be vulnerable, then you should waste no time in reaching out for support and advice. Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe.