Perimeter security combats rising crime

Perimeter Security combats rising crime

With the UK officially in recession, and this being likely to trigger a rise in acquisitive crime, Jeremy Procter, the Managing Director of Procter Fencing Systems, explains how perimeter security fencing can help to deter and prevent theft.

The UK is officially in recession and it is unfortunate that many companies will not only find that business conditions are tough, but they could also fall victim to the rise in crime that Government Ministers are reported to be expecting.

In fact, it is logical that as people find life harder, a minority will turn to acquisitive crime, which means that businesses and other organisations need to take extra care to deter intruders and prevent theft from their premises. One of the most efficacious and cost-effective measures is perimeter security fencing.

First impressions are always important, so intruders will often be deterred from attempting to enter premises with good perimeter security fencing. Potential intruders may also feel that if a business has paid attention to its perimeter security, further security measures will also have been implemented inside.

However, there will be some for which security fencing is not a deterrent. In which case, the type of fencing can make a significant difference in the level of resistance it offers. If a fence takes longer to cut through, there is an increased chance that the intruder will be detected in time. Alternatively, if the intruder attempts to climb over the fence, various styles and types of topping can make breaching the security more difficult. These range from extensions with barbed wire, to purpose-designed rotating metal or plastic spikes.

Perimeter security fencing should be considered within the context of the overall site security, which often includes CCTV (closed-circuit television). If CCTV is being used – or may possibly be implemented in the future – this is an argument in favour of, say, welded wire mesh (weldmesh) panel fencing rather than palisade. This is because CCTV can ‘see through’ mesh panel fencing better than it can with a palisade.

Other factors to consider when specifying perimeter security fencing include the access points (gates and barriers), access controls, and even the optimum type of fence post for the application. There are various fencing-related British and European standards with which to comply, plus local planning restrictions must be taken into account. Aesthetics should also be considered carefully, as employees and customers will find a prison-like appearance very off-putting.

To help people navigate through the complex process of specifying perimeter security fencing and associated measures, Procter Fencing Systems has published All-Round Protection – A Specifier’s Guide to Perimeter Security Fencing. To request a free copy, please email Procter Contracts or visit the Free Downloads section of the website  (registration required first).