When you think of security most businesses just think of
CCTV or intruder alarms, that just isn’t the case there are six layers of protection
you can add to your business in order to maximise protection and security for
your assets, property and staff.
Physical Perimeter
The first layer needed to fully secure your business is a
physical perimeter, this can be done in multiple ways to fit the footprint of
your site. Secure fencing is a great option to secure the perimeter whether
your are covering a large or small area. Fencing is versatile and customisable
to suit your aesthetic and budget.
Electric gates and barriers are a perfect way to control what
vehicles or people enter your business. These can be supplied in a variety of sizes
to fit your opening and can be as simple to use as pressing a fob or entering a
code in a keypad. Intercoms can be linked to these systems so you can be sat in
your office and control the access from there. Also with the sophisticated technology
in cameras you can link it with an ANPR camera so your electric barrier or gate
can automatically open for pre-registered number plates
CCTV/ Perimeter Beams
The next layer is to protect the area with a CCTV system
and/or perimeter beams. The CCTV options are practically endless with today’s
technology and is the most effective way to identify unwanted vehicles or
humans on your premises.
IP cameras provide the most advanced technology to be able
to detect either vehicles or humans movements, as well as being able to send
notifications to a mobile device or a monitoring centre when the set areas have
been triggered. IP cameras are available in different specifications to meet
your requirements and budget.
Perimeter beams are a cost effective solution to set up
around your business, like cameras they will trigger if that beam has been
broken and make you aware of an intrusion on site.
Door and Windows
This layer may seem obvious, however it is crucial and is
sometimes overlooked. It would be a waste of money to install the latest CCTV system
or intruder alarms, if you have poorly maintained, unsecure windows and doors. Having
the correct locks can significantly reduce the intruders time to gain access to
your building which will either slow down enough for the police or monitoring
centre to arrive or either deter them all together since it just isn’t worth
the hassle.
Intruder Alarm
This layer may seem like the most obvious one however if it isn’t
fit for purpose and suitable for your business type, it isn’t going to give the
protection needed. Less is more sometimes, placing devices in a strategic way
will give you the most cost effective solution with the highest level of
protection. When it comes to intruder alarms there are lots of different brands
and options to choose from whether that be wired Texecom or a wireless AJAX.
The most important thing you are looking for is that all the entry/exit points
are covered whether that be a door or window. When it comes to intruder alarms
it’s critical to check your insurers requirements to make sure your insurance is
valid.
The final point to mention when it comes to intruder alarms
is to make sure it is monitored by an external monitoring station, having a
loud noise isn’t going to also deter intruders, however knowing that when the alarm
goes off at 2am in the morning a trained alarm response office is going to
attend will deter intruders and give you the peace of mind that things will
dealt with and you wont be putting yourself or your staff at risk by attending
the unknown.
Panic Buttons
This layer is an extra addition to the intruder alarm system
and in the unfortunate event that an intruder surpassing the previous four layers
of protection you can have these installed and linked to a monitoring centre.
These really do what they say on the tin and if one of these devices are activated
you can put the steps in place to attend.
Safes
The final layer of protection if you hold cash or high valuables
in your business. This is an effective way to keep those high value assets
secure and protected. When it comes to safes it is the grade that you need to
focus on, each grade of safe offers a different level of cover for your insurance,
based on the value of cash or goods. For example, a grade 1 safe will cover you
for £10,000 of cash or £100,000 in valuables, a grade 4 safe will cover you for
£60,000 of cash or £600,000 in valuables. Knowing the grade is critical.
When you’re looking at protecting your business make sure all
layers are considered and whatever you install it needs to be fit for the purpose
of your business and meet your insurers requirements.