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A recent study has revealed that over half of small to medium sized UK businesses have been targeted by crime. The research was commissioned by Victim Support and the security firm ADT and it found that crime was costing these businesses £2,625 on average for each incident and has collectively cost SMEs £25m.

The study found that criminals have been repeatedly targeting SMEs which has led to numerous days where they have been unable to trade.

Gail Hunter, a spokesperson at ADT, said: “This new research shows the shocking scale and impact that crime can have on small and medium businesses and disappointingly, the figures show that there is a strong possibility that it could happen again.

Our aim is to help prevent crime and give business owners and their staff peace of mind. We advise business owners to take proactive steps to help protect their businesses and livelihoods.”

There are many solutions that you can implement to secure your business premises against crime and this study further emphasises the importance of doing so. Criminals are constantly looking for new ways of breaking into your property and will target the weakest point. Therefore conducting a risk assessment and then addressing any vulnerable areas highlighted will go a long way towards strengthening your premises’ security.

Whether your business operates from commercial, industrial or retail premises, Gateway Automation provides a variety of security solutions and can provide you with a free, no obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your security requirements. Alternatively, you can download a brochure here or for more advice on securing your businesses property from crime please contact us here.

Biometrics is a term used to describe unique physiological characteristics such as fingerprints, DNA or the iris which can be used to identify an individual. These attributes can be used to authorise access to an individual and the technology involved in doing so provides one of the most secure access control methods.

Biometric identification is more secure and reliable than password, PIN, ID cards or fob based authorisation because the individual has to be physically present at the time. This prevents an individual from stealing the code or implement used to gain access to a restricted area. Using biometric identification also removes the need for individuals to remember passwords or PIN numbers and eliminates the need to replace cards or fobs when one is lost or staff leave the company. This also means that biometric identification is a more cost effective method of granting access because individuals can be easily added or removed from the system.

The FR-240 Biometric Fingerprint Reader provides a secure and reliable way to control access to restricted areas. Every fingerprint is unique and is defined by a series of ridges and channels on the surface of the finger. Even as the individual ages their fingerprint will remain the same. The fingerprints of individuals you wish to give authorisation to will be registered to the device and when their fingerprint is presented to the device they will be granted access. The FR-240 comes with a remote control to program the device and easy to follow instructions to ensure the management of your access control system is as simple as possible.

If your business needs to control access to restricted areas, Gateway Automation can assess your requirements and provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey. Click here for more information about FR-240 Biometric Fingerprint Readers, click here to arrange a callback or click here to download our free brochure.

What is clear in today’s world of highly organised and well equipped criminals is that securing your businesses premises is paramount. Criminal gangs will look for property that has the potential to house high value assets but is poorly defended so it is important you risk assess your premises and address the areas of weakness.

Blocking vehicle access points in the form of an automatic rising kerb is an ideal first line of defence. The GA8000 Automatic Rising Kerb is a tough and reliable method that will prevent a vehicle from accessing your premises. It acts as a visible deterrent with its yellow and black stripes and imposing height while its strength, height and width provides an un-compromising solution that prevents unwanted vehicle access.

The GA8000 is available in half-width sizes from 2 – 5 metres and at a height 340mm, 500mm or 800mm depending on your security requirements. At 340mm high the automatic rising kerb will effectively stop cars and vans, the 500mm high version will provide more security and to stop the biggest HGV’s the 800mm high version is recommended.

A state of the art programmable logic controller that controls the hydraulics and other access control equipment such as traffic lights allows the GA8000 to be used in manned or unmanned vehicle access points. This automatic rising bollard can be deployed quickly and if an unwanted vehicle does attempt to gain access by ramming the obstacle, it is virtually impossible to breach which is why they are an ideal first line of defence.

If your business premises has vehicle access points which need to be more secure, Gateway Automation can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your requirements. Click here for more information about the GA8000 Automatic Rising Kerb, click here to arrange a callback or click here to download our free brochure.

Gateway Automation’s offices will be closed from 4pm on Friday 18th December 2015 and will open again at 9am on Monday 4th January 2016.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our customers from all of us at Gateway Automation.

We see bollards in use almost everywhere we go. However the types of bollards that are used to restrict traffic in areas with high volumes of people, such as train stations, airports and football stadiums, are quite different to automatic bollards which serve a more security focused purpose.

Automatic rising bollards are steel structures which rise from the ground to control access and prevent intrusion on a site where entry needs to be restricted for security reasons.

A common reason for installing automatic rising bollards is to help secure car parks, which are often a prime target for vandals and criminals.

Equally, there has been an increase in private home owners installing automatic bollards in their driveways which can act as a strong deterrent against would-be burglars.

From the 1990’s onwards there has been a rise in the use of bollards for commercial security purposes. This means not only using bollards to restrict access to an area but also for anti-ramming and anti-terrorism purposes. The purpose is to resist impact from vehicles for government buildings and large organisations that might be at risk from terrorism. Gateway also provides a range of anti-terrorism bollards designed to meet this need.

Our GA7276H Automatic bollard employs a simple yet effective electro hydraulic mechanism which ensures smooth and efficient movement of the bollard. It is also fitted with obstacle detection sensors, a crown of LED lights, acoustic warning signals and a manual override facility.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site Gateway Automation can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your bollard requirements. Click here to arrange a callback or click here to download our free brochure.

Crime is a major threat to businesses of all sizes in the UK, with crime against businesses accounting for as much as 20% of all criminal incidents recorded. Many businesses are unaware of this fact and also don’t realise that an overwhelming majority of burglaries are unplanned. This underlines the importance of highlighting any weaknesses in perimeter security with a risk assessment, implementing it and dealing with any vulnerabilities. Here are 10 ways that you can ramp up your security efforts in and stop crime in its tracks.

1 – Barriers
Barriers can be used in a number of ways to prevent unwanted access to car parks, warehouses, construction sites, garages and other areas where vehicular access needs to be restricted. Automatic barriers are a high-tech option and are controlled by push-buttons, tokens, proximity cards, CCTV or by on site security guards while manual barriers are a cost-effective solution, especially for areas where power supply is limited. Height restrictive barriers are used to prevent large transit vehicles from entering a site illegally.

2 – Gates
While CCTV and alarm systems can record a crime they do not always stop it from happening. A strong security gate is one of the most effective ways of ensuring a business is protected by providing a physical barrier which prevents criminals from getting in or making a quick escape. At Gateway we offer a range of swing gates, sliding gates and bi-folding gates.

3 – Turnstiles
Manned guarding is a good way to monitor who is coming and going, but a more cost effective solution can be to install full-height or waist-height turnstiles which only allow access to those who are permitted entry, either through use of a keypad, proximity card, token or through intercom access.

4 – Access control equipment
In addition to these methods of improving security, there is also high quality, low cost access control equipment available to help you stay on top of the visitors to your site, limit access to certain areas and provide protection to your members of staff. These can include intercom systems, proximity devices, traffic lights, keypads, biometric fingerprint readers and more.

5 – Security posts
A simple yet effective way of restricting vehicular access, security posts work in a similar way to static bollards but can be folded down into a lowered position for when you want to allow access to approved vehicles.

6 – Speed ramps
Speed ramps are used to successfully restrict the speed of vehicles on your business site and can be altered to deliver more or less speed reduction according to your needs.

7 – Flow control plates
Another effective way to control traffic is through flow control plates, which encourage a one-way flow of vehicles. Typically they are used in car parks, goods-loading yards, bus lanes and also in some residential areas to reduce non-residential traffic.

8 – Automatic rising kerbs
Tough, reliable and un-compromising – automatic rising kerbs act as a barrier against unwanted vehicle access in vehicle parking areas, completely blocking access to unwanted visitors and utilising the latest hydraulic technologies.

9 – Crash tested road blockers
If your site requires a higher level of security, such as to provide protection against a potential terrorist threat, then you should consider crash tested road blockers. A formidable 1050mm high when fully raised, Gateway’s own GA10000 received a 100% pass rate and “0” penetration when tested at the Motor Industry Research Associaton.

10 – Anti-Terrorism Bollards
Another potential solution to guarding against terrorist threats is anti-terrorism bollards. Frequently employed in sensitive sites such as airports, embassies, storage facilities and government offices they provide a strong barrier against terrorist threats.

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

Educational facilities such as schools, colleges and universities are constantly busy and experience heavy footfall and with this comes the potential for criminal activity to take place.

Educational facilities are at risk from a range of different crimes, ranging from petty theft and vandalism to more serious criminal damage and theft. In a recent article we looked at how proximity cards can be used to limit access and keep educational facilities safe and secure, but turnstiles are another effective measure that can be employed to increase the security of your site.

The first line of defence
Turnstiles should be the first line of defence in educational facilities and can prevent criminals from using tactics like tail gating to gain access to a building.

Tail gating involves a criminal quickly following behind a person who has been approved entry, shielding them from view as they go in to a building or area. While you can train staff and security to pick up on signs of tailgating, installing turnstiles is the best way to deter this practice. They restrict entry into a single flow, slowing down traffic and allowing for better monitoring by your manned guards and CCTV operators.

While CCTV footage can pick up on criminal activity in retrospect and be used in court to help convict a criminal, it doesn’t necessarily prevent the act from taking place. A turnstile stops criminals from gaining access in the first place as only those approved by nearby security, or with an access card can gain entry to the site.

In addition to this, they act as a powerful deterrent by sending a message to would-be criminals that the educational site is well secured and provide students, staff and visitors with peace of mind that they can conduct their learning without the fear of falling victim to crime.

Half height turnstiles
Waist & half height turnstiles offer a stylish and modern looking security solution for protecting an educational site which means that students, staff and lecturers can feel safe but not intimidated by security measures that are put in place.

They can be integrated with a number of different access control options including proximity cards, tokens, keypad entry and voice/video intercom control and can be customised to meet your needs. Here at Gateway we offer 4 different styles of waist & half height turnstiles – the TriFlo console, TriFlo Premier, TriFlo Sentry and Rotogate SI.

We also provide free feasibility surveys to assess your requirements and non-obligation quotes. Click here to arrange a callback or click here to download our free brochure.

We have recently added a new page to our website explaining the different servicing and repairs options that we are pleased to offer here at Gateway Automation. By offering these services, we aim to provide you with complete and total peace of mind when it comes to your gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment.

We know that once you have purchased perimeter security systems and devices that is not the end of the story and that it should not be the end of your relationship with the installer either. Gates, barriers and other items of security equipment need to be well maintained in order to keep performing at their very best. It is a bit like after having purchased a car you need to ensure that it has a regular service and MOT so that it keeps doing the job that it was designed to do. After all, many of these items are going to be used all day, every day, and so need to be properly looked after. Once customers have gone through the process of searching for and choosing a manufacturer and installer, they don’t then want to have to go through the whole process again to find someone who will maintain the product. They would generally rather that it was done by the company that made and installed the product, and therefore knows the product best.

We also know that even if a gate or barrier is well maintained and looked after, there are occasions where something will break down or go wrong, a bit like a car that is well maintained can still have a problem or can break down. So, your gate or barrier might need fixing, or might need a spare part to replace one that has broken or warn out. We find that in these situations, people would rather go back to the company that made and installed the product rather than having to find someone else to sort it out.

So, we offer a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days. This means minimum disruption for your business, your employees and your clients, as we know what an urgent problem it can be if your barriers, gates, turnstiles or other access control equipment suddenly stop working. We also offer nationwide maintenance contracts on our own products and on existing equipment made by other manufacturers and supply spares and parts for all manufacturers’ equipment. We have local and reliable service engineers based all over the UK and Ireland to ensure a fast and efficient service.

In short, we don’t believe that our relationship with our customers should end once the product has been purchased and installed, and as a result we offer a one stop shop solution when it comes to barriers, gates, turnstiles, access control equipment, bollards and other types of perimeter security equipment to ensure that your premises remain secure as intended.

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

Related articles:

• The benefits of barriers
• Choosing gate security for your premises
• 3 types of security gates you should know about

Security gates are used widely across public, private and commercial settings to protect against unwanted access. Often, once businesses have risk assessed their properties, security gates are high on their agenda and here at Gateway we offer 3 key types that you should know about.

1 – Swing gates
Swing gates are a traditional form of gate which protect against unwanted intruders, or unauthorised access.

These types of gates are particularly versatile and are used at all kinds of properties, including schools, businesses and private sites.

In order for a swing gate to be installed there needs to be enough room for the gate to open and ground needs to be level so as to avoid catching.

The GA9600 Automatic Swing Gate meets all the necessary legislation and its control panel is neatly housed away adding to its professional appearance.

Swing gates are a traditional form of gate which protect against unwanted intruders, or unauthorised access.

2 – Sliding gates
Sliding gates are a perfect solution for properties or sites where there is a shortage of space and a swing gate might not be able to achieve its full arc when opening.

Sliding gates open horizontally and are more difficult to force open through impact from a vehicle.

We offer two types of cantilever sliding gates in the form of the GA9000 Automatic Sliding Gate and the 6A9000M Manual Sliding Gate.

3 – Bi-folding gates
A third option is bi-folding gates which are also known as speed gates as they can open and close very quickly. This can be important for high-security areas where the risk of tailgating needs to be minimized or areas where there will be high levels of traffic.

Our GA9500 Bi-Folding Trackless Speed Gate opens typically at more than twice the speed of a traditional swinging gate and can be fitted with spiked tops, warning lights and sirens if required.

There is no such thing as one-size fits all when it comes to perimeter security and here the type of gate solution that you opt for will very much come down to your site’s specific requirements.

Here at Gateway we offer free feasibility surveys to help assess your requirements. We also provide non-obligation quotes. Click here to arrange a call back or click here to download our free brochure.