With the UK’s present recession expected to drive up the proliferation of abandoned sites, management must reconsider their approach to perimeter security and intrusion response. Greater use of remotely monitored security systems, deployed in place of or alongside onsite security, provides a means of maintaining security levels and doing more with less in the current environment.
Threat prediction
We all know security budgets aren’t unlimited, which necessitates efficient distribution of resources. The best way of cost-effectively protecting a site should therefore be built according to the traditional 5 D’s methodology of perimeter protection: Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay & Defend. To that, we can also add ‘Predict’ as criminals tend to stick to tried and tested methods in gaining entry to vacant properties. Knowledge of current crime trends can bring a lot of valuable intelligence to the conversation about how a facility should best be protected.
Generally, low-density rural areas tend to be particularly vulnerable to intrusions. The lack of foot traffic and poor lighting facilitates large-scale thefts targeting equipment, scrap metal and cables. Conversely, sites located in more densely populated and busy areas are more likely to be seen and be well-lit by streetlamps and are therefore less vulnerable to break-ins. However, urban areas often present legal restrictions such as height limits to physical barriers or privacy regulations around surveillance.
To achieve optimal security, each site requires a bespoke, comprehensive solution reflecting local geographical and demographic data. By conducting a site survey, threat assessment teams can identify vulnerabilities and access points that require security. Such information can then inform the allocation of resources to more effectively tackle these risks. In most cases, it’s not about making a site impenetrable. It’s about making a site secure enough that an opportunist deems the risk of getting caught too high.
Physical deterrents and access control
Physical barriers like walls, fences and gates remain an effective first line of defence against intrusions. Detering less sophisticated opportunists and limiting the scope of thefts by inhibiting the size of vehicles or containers used to transport any stolen property.
On the other hand, access control systems are crucial in preventing such security measures from impeding a project’s progress. By allowing the flow of authorised personnel and restricting access to unwanted individuals, security managers can monitor and control access to the site and specific areas of the premises. This not only boosts site security but also maintains employee safety by locking off hazardous areas.
Surveillance systems
Determined criminals will often scout out potential target sites to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities. It’s therefore smart to have measures in place to spot intruders at the perimeter. Deployed in place of or alongside traditional security measures such as manned guarding, modern vacant property security hardware can be deployed at short notice and retained for as long as needed. A remotely monitored camera surveillance system also circumvents the costs and infrastructure requirements associated with manned guarding such as ensuring appropriate heating, bathroom and break room facilities are available. It also eliminates many of the compliance issues that come with meeting the duty of care to lone workers who may be patrolling in dark, unfamiliar surroundings.
Whatever measures are put in place, they should be clearly communicated through prominent signage inside and outside of the location. A significant proportion of their value is in acting as a deterrent that discourages gangs from targeting a specific site in the first place. These systems should be placed clearly and prominently in strategic locations to deter thieves who are unlikely to try their luck against systems with both low-lighting capabilities and vocal warning systems. Camera systems can also be configured to prevent false alarms from passers-by in residential areas, meeting your site's assets and perimeter security needs while minimising inconvenience to the community.
Forensic marking
In the event of a break-in, vacant property owners can employ forensic marking solutions to provide definitive proof linking a thief to the scene of the crime. Deployed through spray systems, gels or as a liquid that is painted onto valuable assets, it is easily transferred onto a criminal’s skin, clothing and tools. A sample smaller than the full stop at the end of this sentence is then all that is needed to irrefutably connect criminals back to the scene of their crimes.
Given that the technology has a 100% conviction rate in tried court cases it is rightfully feared by the criminal fraternity. They are therefore much less likely to target locations where it is known to be deployed. Marked tools and materials are also much harder to sell, drastically increasing the opportunity for them to be recovered, should they be taken in the first place.
The future of vacant property security
Vacant property maintenance and security are set to remain a significant and expensive issue for businesses. However, the chances of the worst happening can be minimised by adopting a layered approach to security that prioritises crime prevention. In adopting such a strategy those responsible for site security can not only protect their business interests but additionally can provide added peace of mind to employees working on their properties.
