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3 Steps For A Successful Perimeter Security Strategy

perimeter security strategy

In uncertain economic periods, crime always booms, and businesses need to be prepared to protect themselves, not only in terms of their commercial outlook but also in their physical security. Let’s look at 3 steps for a successful perimeter security strategy that all businesses can implement.

Step one: risk assessments

The number one step in perimeter security preparation is to have a professional risk assessment. The old saying of “fail to prepare and you prepare to fail” rings true here and you must employ the advice of experts.

Rather than relying on guesswork to deter criminal activity, a risk assessment should deliver cold hard facts as to where any vulnerabilities lie and the steps and products that can help you to address them.

A good risk assessment should involve plenty of conversation to understand the needs, procedures and operational requirements of your business. It should look at the threats you face, the location of your business and the nature of the site, as well as geographical constraints and any other factors that might come into play.

Step two: integration and technological advances

No business is the same and it might be that you already employ some aspects of perimeter security at your site. If this is the case then you should consider how up-to-date your current defences are. Advances in technology mean that many traditional forms of defence including gates and barriers can be enhanced with access control equipment like fobs, keys, pin pads and even biometrics like fingerprint scanners. Equally, you might be able to take advantage of cutting-edge technology like automatic number plate recognition systems.

Step three: maintenance and repairs

Like anything in life, security equipment needs a little bit of TLC every now and then. After all, a faulty gate, turnstile or barrier will be of no use in protecting your business from crime.

Perimeter security tools can be impacted by weather conditions like wind, rain and snow and certain materials can naturally degrade over time. Equally, more technologically advanced equipment may need to be updated or given maintenance periodically.

Any security company that you work with should be able to not only tell you how best to maintain your perimeter security tools against the elements but also be able to come to aid quickly should more serious problems arise.

For example, if a vehicle were to crash into one of your gates and leave them unusable, your key barrier in preventing unauthorized access would be ineffective until you could arrange for an engineer to call out to you.

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

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Maintain your security solutions with these easy steps

maintaining security solutions

Most business operators are well aware of the risks of crime. While a great deal can be done to help businesses establish a formidable barrier against potential threats, it’s key that they factor in maintenance and repairs into their plans.

Just like with almost all big purchases or investments (for instance, cars or houses) there are going to be times when you will need to invest in the upkeep and fix any potential problems before they grow out of control.

While you may be reluctant to spend more money on repairs or maintenance, it pays to be proactive and nipping issues in the bud early on can mean that you may avoid having to replace expensive equipment later on down the line.

Step one – identify the risks

Security equipment- in particular those housed outdoors – are subject to several risks of which you need to be aware. By identifying what they are, you can then put in place actions and habits that can help you mitigate them effectively.

Weather conditions are a common culprit for equipment failure. High winds, heavy snow, and rainfall can all lead to problems. Windy conditions may dislodge or break parts while heavy snow and rainfall can lead to build-ups of grime and dirt that can reduce the effectiveness of your equipment.

Another common problem for outdoor security tools is traffic. If a vehicle clips or crashes into a security tool like a gate, bollard, or barrier then it may again reduce the effectiveness of a piece of equipment or break it entirely.

Step two – establish a plan

Once you have identified the risks, it becomes much easier to begin planning how you will deal with any problems, and prevent any issues from arising.

You should create a comprehensive overview of all of your measures and tools, the potential problems that could crop up, and how you will deal with them.

In practical terms, this might mean creating a regular schedule of cleaning, making sure that items are fixed and secure, and periodically reviewing their operational effectiveness.

You should outline who is responsible for maintenance and reporting, how often duties should be carried out, and find a way to log what has been discovered.

Step three: Work with a trusted provider

The last and final step that you should consider when it comes to maintenance is to establish a relationship with a trusted provider. Some small maintenance tasks like cleaning and tightening bolts can be carried out by you or your employees with little training. However, there may be times when bigger, more complex repairs are needed.

If you find yourself in this situation then you will be faced with the possibility of halting your operations and dealing with financial losses or leaving your business exposed to criminal threats due to faulty equipment.

This is why we offer a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days meaning that we can get to you quickly to repair any damage and keep your business safe and secure.

To find out more about our servicing and repairs options, please visit https://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/servicing/repairs/ or contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security needs.

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Physical Security Checklist for Businesses

Physical Security Checklist

After a prolonged period of business closures and uncertainty, the threat of an economic downturn still weighs heavy on the mind of many business owners. Not only for their futures but also the risks of a boom in crime so often associated with economic slumps.

Here is a list of our most essential recommendations for most businesses looking to shield themselves from criminal activity. Here is our physical security checklist for businesses

1 – Start with a risk assessment

Every business is different and when it comes to perimeter security there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. An experienced security provider should be able to explain the reasoning behind their recommendations, rather than just trying to sell you the latest technology for the sake of it.

Indeed, often the most simple forms of perimeter protection can have the most profound impact, so your first step should be to identify potential areas of weakness. This could come in the form of missing equipment, equipment in need of repair or replacement, or other more general considerations that can help you level up your security.

2 – Have you secured your entry points?

In terms of sending a message, gates can have a strong impact on the psyche. Robust, well-maintained gates send a message to criminals that your business takes their security needs very seriously. Gates are a critical step in dissuading the opportunistic type of criminal. They also give staff and clientele reassurance that your premises are safe. Heavy-duty security gates can come in the form of automatic, bi-folding, cantilever, or manual swing gates.

3 – Are you making the most of technology?

Advancements in technology mean that perimeter security has now come a long way from the lock and key methods of old. While there is a place for this type of equipment, keys can be easily lost or cloned causing headaches for business owners. Access control equipment uses the latest tech that is both secure and hard to bypass. This may come in the form of electronic keys, key cards, phone entry, registration plate recognition, or even biometric fingerprint readers.

Access control equipment can be used both internally and externally, equipping entry points, or perhaps used internally to block off specific areas where sensitive information or high-value goods might reside.

4 – Are you considering vehicular traffic?

Depending on the nature of your business, you may have vehicles visiting and driving around your premises. However, it may be important for you to be able to restrict access to approved vehicles and manage their movement during their stay.

Gates and barriers can be either manned or unnamed and fitted with equipment to regulate access. Gates and barriers can be opened manually, or automatic styles can be operated through passes, fobs, pin codes, registration readers, and other types of credentials. Having these types of tools in place can prevent unauthorised access from the off.

Should you need to manage vehicles as they move around your site then equipment such as flow control plates to focus traffic in a certain direction, speed ramps to control speed, and rising kerbs or security posts to block off specific areas might also be used.

Security might not be your only concern in this scenario. Sometimes it is important to shield pedestrians and employees from heavy goods vehicles, or other forms of traffic that might endanger them as they go about their business. This can be achieved through the use of automatic or manual bollards and barriers.

5 – Stop unwanted visitors

Another important consideration for many brick-and-mortar businesses is how to stop unwanted visitors who arrive on foot. Without the proper equipment and checks in place, it may be easy for someone to slip inside unnoticed – stealing equipment, documents, cash, or sensitive data. You can guard against this with the use of turnstiles, which are available in a variety of different sizes and styles. Turnstiles are commonplace in settings as diverse as corporate offices and music arenas, and effectively halt the progress of a pedestrian until their credentials have been checked – either by technology or actual personnel.

6 – Have you briefed staff?

Many of the investigations initiated after a crime throw up instances where employees may have been able to thwart criminal activity in its tracks. No one expects your employees to be law enforcers, but knowing the signs to look out for, and a culture of reporting strange behaviour can go a long way towards reducing your vulnerability.

7 – Have you protected your business out of hours?

A great deal of crime is conducted outside of working hours. It is important, especially in isolated areas, that you consider how you might be able to guard against this. As well as alarm systems, security lighting can help to prevent intruders, who largely want to remain undetected.

8 – Get in touch to discuss your needs

Here at Gateway Automation, we provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation process free of charge. This means you can be sure that you are spending your money only on areas where it can make the biggest impact.

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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Court House Physical Security Tips

court house security

Despite being the home to justice, courthouses are not immune from threats of crime or the actual crime itself. A recent report from The Guardian newspaper highlighted how thousands of pounds have been spent in recent years upgrading security for judges and members of the court. Indeed, polling underlined that 22% of circuit judges, who try the most serious criminal cases, 21% of court appeal judges, and 19% of high court judges feared for their own personal safety. This deep concern was shared by 15% of judges across the board.

Whether facing threats from organised drug gangs, violent criminals, or warring families, courts require a robust approach to physical security and must be protected from dangers. The key way to ensure that a courthouse is protected should therefore be to create a complex, and multi-tiered approach that plans for the worst possible eventualities and helps prevent these dangers from coming to fruition at any stage.

Balancing the scales

One of the most common conundrums for courthouses are that many of their buildings are antiquated. While their historic nature provides a purpose in underlining their importance, it can present challenges when it comes to security. This is why it is essential that a risk assessment is carried out to factor in the uniqueness of each building, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach that may be more suited to wide, spacious, open buildings.

Another problem that courthouses face is their need to balance security with the rights of visitation. Whether it be those having their day in court, members of the judicial, the public, or members of the press. Entry needs to be secure, yet quick, to maintain busy court schedules.

Another concern, particularly with high-profile cases, is that of media and public interest. These types of cases may bring increased attention from members of the public, or press, and therefore crowd control and interior access controls can become a high priority that needs to be addressed. It is important to liaise with both media outlets and policing officials in advance in order to assess the risk factors of these types of cases.

Exterior security

Security should always begin with the perimeter and in the case of courts, this often means considering car parks and entry points. It is essential that car parks are limited to authorised visitors and that protection is given to important vehicles. This might be achieved through
automatic barriers with pins or biometric devices, or through cutting-edge ANPR systems that reserve entry to whitelisted vehicle number plates.

Interior security

Indoors, turnstiles and barriers can be used to manage human traffic and allow security personnel to carefully search, and later monitor visitors. Equally, access control and barriers can be used to reserve access to specific areas, such as jury rooms, courtrooms, or staff rooms.

Together with other solutions like manned guarding, barred windows, supervisors, and crowd control, you can develop a comprehensive security protocol that ensures proceedings go ahead safely and securely and that the security of both visitors and the judiciary is respected. To begin this process you should endeavour to undertake a comprehensive risk assessment which accounts for all of the aforementioned factors.

Gateway Automation provides a range of products including access control equipment to help businesses and individuals secure their sites against crime. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, and how we may be able to help, please call us on 01522 682255.

/ 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 / 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.

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

Essential Elements of Physical Security

Security essentiaCrime is on the rise, and with a gloomy economic outlook forecast by most, it is widely expected that things will get worse before they get better. Not only do businesses need to be prepared for how their businesses can thrive through difficult market conditions, they also need to consider how they might best protect themselves from an inevitable onset of commercial crime.

Whether your business has fallen victim to crime recently, or you are simply looking to prepare for the future, perimeter security is a term that you should aim to familiarise yourself with, as soon as possible. Here we discuss the essential elements of physical security.

Perimeter security explained

The simplest explanation of perimeter security is defined as systems and tools that protect an area. Perimeter security can encompass mechanical or electronic tools, systems, and structures that share a unified goal of shielding physical premises from crime.

Assessing the risks

One of the most common failings in perimeter security that we see is when businesses rely too heavily on particular forms of security. For instance, CCTV cameras, which are often easy to disable or easy to avoid. They may well be useful in identifying a vehicle, or a trespasser, but they do not prevent the crime from happening in the first place in the same way that a more robust form of perimeter security may provide.

To avoid these types of mistakes, it is important to seek out advice from experts with experience in this field. A comprehensive risk assessment will help to identify where your premises may have weaknesses that criminals could exploit. It will also ensure that you are only spending money on tools and systems that you require.

A 360-degree assessment should take into account the nature of your business, your operational needs, and any other constraints or considerations that might affect the level of security required. The end result should be a bespoke set of suggestions that will protect you from criminal activity, and provide peace of mind to both you, your suppliers, and any employees that may work at your site.

Key options for perimeter security

After a risk assessment and feasibility survey has been completed, what type of security solutions might be available to you? Advances in technology mean that there are many new and effective tools available to the modern business owner, however, many older and more established forms of perimeter security remain just as effective. Let’s take a look at some of the options available.

Heavy-duty gates

Often the first object that springs to mind when we think of perimeter security is a gate. Security gates are effective for many reasons. They are useful in controlling pedestrian and vehicular access, but they also send a visual message to opportunistic criminals that a site takes their security needs seriously. A great many types of crime are committed in an opportunistic fashion, and a heavy-duty security gate such as an automatic, bi-folding, cantilever, or manual swing variant can signal that their criminal efforts may be wasted.

Access control equipment

Modern tech has enabled many advancements in the realm of perimeter security, and access control equipment is just one of them. Access control equipment can be utilised both indoors and out and can help you to limit access to specific areas. Tools such as intercoms, keypads, and fingerprint scanners can all help to create a sophisticated protocol plan that matches personnel and visitors with their applicable levels of clearance.

Turnstile security

Another essential tool in the arsenal of perimeter security is the turnstile. Turnstiles are installed in a variety of different situations from corporate buildings, to sports arenas, and can help to control access to only authorised visitors. They also present a significant cost saving as they can reduce the need for security or reception personnel who would otherwise have to manually approve access.

Vehicular management

An important consideration for many businesses is how to restrict vehicular access to their sites. Vehicles typically offer a quick and easy way for criminals to escape after a crime has taken place, and they can also be used as ramming mechanisms to force entry. So businesses must consider how they can prevent this from happening.

Solutions here include speed ramps to restrict speed from oncoming traffic, flow control plates to guide vehicles in specific directions, rising kerbs to shut off entry points, and security posts that can be raised or lowered during different periods of the day. Equally important are barriers which can be both automatic and manual, and can be controlled by security guards, proximity cards, tokens, push buttons, key entry pads, or CCTV systems. An excellent tool in premises where manpower is limited, or the deployment of a manned security guard may not be possible.

Get in touch

Perimeter security is a growing concern for businesses in the current climate, and it can often be hard to know who to turn to. Here at Gateway Automation, we provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey and quotation process free of charge. This means you can be sure that you are spending your money only on areas where it can make the biggest impact.

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 / access control • automatic barriers • automatic gates • barriers • bollards • business security • perimeter security • physical security/ 0 Comments

Questions to ask when choosing physical security

SecurityIf you’re reading this blog; then the chances are that you have identified perimeter security as an area of your business that needs to be addressed. Like many businesses, you may be concerned about the massive derailment of operations that can result from a serious security breach. If this is the case then read on to discover how perimeter security is fundamental to safeguarding your income, reputation, and peace of mind. And importantly, what questions you should ask when discussing your needs with a provider.

Whether in the middle of a recession, or in times of prosperity, crime remains a constant source of worry for many businesses up and down the UK. Even the most minor security breaches can result in repairs, losses of income, delays to operations, and can be a detriment to the confidence of customers and shareholders.

What is perimeter security?

Perimeter security entails the protection of your buildings and assets through the deployment of tools and equipment designed to limit access, deter criminals, and ultimately safeguard your property. However, before you begin planning, or reviewing your current measures, you should ensure that you have a good understanding of which measures will be right for your business.

How is my business different?

One size doesn’t always fit all. One of the most common sources of headaches for businesses that we discover in conversation comes from a lack of personalisation. Without a proper understanding of their operations, owners may be “upsold” to products that are either not suited to their particular type of business, or that they don’t need at all. This is why you should always seek out an experienced supplier and discuss with them how your business works and what needs you have. Afterall, no one knows your business as well as you.

What are my current security protocols?

It is rare to find a business that hasn’t at least invested in some rudimentary forms of physical security. However, there may be blind spots in your current blueprints that need to be addressed. It is important to identify weaknesses in your current strategy, as this is exactly what criminals will aim to do. If you can beat them to the mark, then you stand a good chance of deterring them from ever trying to take advantage.

How up to date are my current measures?

Like owning a car or a computer, security measures sometimes need to be reviewed and replaced. While products may be well built, time can wear on some, and repairs might be required to maintain their effectiveness. Equally, advances in technology may mean that your current measures are now outdated and need to be upgraded with advancements such as biometrics.

How do I build a strong perimeter?

To adequately protect your business, you need to start from the outside in. In the same way that castles would rely on drawbridges to keep safe, you too need to consider your entry and exit points.

Gates are one of the strongest forms of physical security out there and offer up both a physical and mental barrier that can upset criminal plans. Installed with thought and care, and given proper levels of maintenance – swing gates, sliding gates, and bi-folding gates should be a cornerstone of any physical security approach. Other fundamentals of external security include security posts, bollards, and outdoor turnstiles which provide effective solutions in specific environments.

How do I manage vehicular access?

Unwanted vehicles can be another sore point for some businesses. This may come in the form of unwanted heavy goods vehicles, caravans, or other unauthorised visitors. At the same time, vehicles can be a powerful tool for criminals, allowing them to use brute force to enter sites, or providing them with means of escape.

To combat this, businesses can employ a range of measures. Height restrictor barriers are often seen in car parks to block access to specific types of vehicles, while allowing permitted ones to enter. Security posts offer versatility in blocking access at specific times of the day, such as when your business is closed. Elsewhere, speed ramps can be used to reduce traffic speed, and automatic rising kerbs can be used to inhibit access in a formidable way.

What about internal security?

While a great amount of thought is often put into external security, there is an ever-growing need to address internal measures. In specific sites, entry may be granted freely, which means that there is a risk of visitors obtaining access to areas that need to be restricted. Equally, you may have high-value assets that need to be accessible by specific staff members only. Adopting tools like turnstiles and access control equipment can be a good place to start.

How do I know I’m making the right choice?

A quality supplier should leave you with no doubts about the options available to your business, and which tools should be used in cracking down on crime. A comprehensive risk assessment can be undertaken to address weaknesses and advise on the best course of action.

Here at Gateway Automation we provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation process free of charge. We also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days. This means any problems can be addressed in a timely fashion, and disruption can be kept to a minimum.

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 / access control • biometric fingerprint readers • biometric security • biometrics • business security • physical security • security/ 0 Comments

7 Physical Security Measures Every Organisation Should Implement

SONY DSCNo matter whether you are a small, medium, or large organisation, there is always a place for physical security. Your business is home to your data, your employees and more so you must ensure they are protected as much as possible. Not only does physical security help protect your premises from an in-person attack but it also helps boost the strength of a company’s cybersecurity as well. Here are seven physical security measures every organisation should implement.  

Set up surveillance  

Although a business should have other security measures to stop people from breaking into the premises, it is important to know that if the worst-case scenario were to happen, you can have video evidence of who the intruder is. When installing a surveillance camera, ensure you place it in the optimum position to get a good, clear view of the entrance and exit points. Not only can surveillance cameras monitor the site continuously, but they can also use motion detectors and only record when there is movement. Most surveillance cameras now come with a notification process where it sends a warning to a mobile to say there is suspicious activity.  

Ensure you have supporting signage near the surveillance cameras that state they are in use. People need to be warned there are cameras in operation, but they also have the added effect of being a physical deterrent for potential criminals. 

Lock the server room  

The server room is a vital location on any business premises as it contains sensitive data which would be detrimental if it fell into the wrong hands. If criminals attack your server room it can lead to significant downtime and cost to a company. Have sturdy locks on the door and have access control where possible, to ensure that only authorised personnel has access. 

Have access controls  

A business should have a method of access control in place. Access control equipment can vary in sophistication and range from a keypad that requires a keycode to be entered, to using a keycard or even fingerprint recognition. So, depending on your budget, there is still a way for you to use this technology to create a more secure environment.  

Use ID cards for staff 

Using ID cards has been proven to be an effective security measure that all companies can adopt. If you have a security guard, it should be a protocol that all ID cards are checked before they are allowed onto the premises. The ID cards can also be used in conjunction with access controls for even tighter security. For example, if a business has an entrance foyer, turnstiles can be installed that only allow access to those who have their ID card. 

Have car park security  

It is not just the building itself that should be secured. If there is a staff car park, security measures should be in place here as well. For example, gates, barriers, fences, bollards, and surveillance cameras. If there is no physical security around your car park it can lead to criminals gaining close access to your building, especially if they can park right next to the building. Having these measures also help make the staff feel safer whilst they are at work. 

Install Exterior Lighting  

Whilst it can easily be overlooked, a great form of physical security can be the lighting. This low-cost option can have a major impact. Having exterior lights around the proximity of the property can help deter any criminals as they cannot hide in the dark. Staff will also feel safe entering or exiting the premises if they know there is sufficient lighting. 

Provide regularly security training  

All members of staff should be trained to understand the importance of physical security and know what measures are in place. To remain as secure as possible, a company needs to adopt a security culture in the workplace. Everyone should understand what the risks are and what measures they need to follow. Even one staff member who does not follow the correct procedures can end up putting the whole company’s data and assets at risk. 

This list is just the start of things organisations should consider implementing to protect their business. They are the most essential security measures that businesses should implement now if they haven’t already done so. Although there is an investment, the benefits they provide outweigh the cost as they provide peace of mind that you have done everything you can to keep your business safe and secure.