Perimeter

CCTV

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are now well within the reach of most businesses. Whether hiring or buying, digital systems provide an excellent deterrent and accurate evidential record for use by security staff or police. Modern systems can be overt and/or covert, operate in low light conditions and be linked to alarm systems and/or digital recording systems. Free advice is available from your local Police Crime Prevention Officer.

Lighting

Good lighting will deter thieves who generally prefer to work unseen. Lighting can be passive or active, working on heat or motion sensors and/or infrared to improve night time visibility. Good lighting will have the additional benefit of reducing the fear of crime for your staff and visitors and assist in the recognition of offenders from CCTV images. The type of lighting needed will depend on the level of risk, the geography of the area and the type of surveillance in place. BS 8220 covers details of the adequate security lighting according to level of risk. Contact your local police Crime Reduction/Prevention Officer for free advice.

Staff

A significant amount of crime is supported by ‘inside' information. Staff who come into contact with stock or details of routes, schedules and product details should be vetted to minimise the risk of collusion with and/or corruption by criminals. Staff should also be on their guard against disclosing information to telephone callers as a recent trend has been for criminals to impersonate customers, security and police to acquire detailed information about loads, routes and drivers. Staff should be encouraged to request verification by calling back to a landline and having requests to re-route deliveries confirmed in writing, by fax or email.

Access Control

Gates are an essential feature of perimeter protection. They should be constructed so that there is no possibility of access underneath and should be impossible to lift off the hinges. Additionally they should be secured with a welded locking plate and quality close shackle padlock or high security locking bar with an integral high security lock. Security guards should not be sited at exposed/remote locations on the perimeter or if unavoidable, should have some form of panic/attack alarm and/or code signal in the event of attack.

Warehouse

Goods should be arranged as far as possible so that valuable items are stacked where they are under immediate observation and away from entrances, rest rooms, lavatories and exits. Access should be reduced to a minimum and only authorised personnel admitted. The same warehouse crews should not be permitted to load for the same driver on a permanent basis if this can be avoided, as this will encourage collusion in the theft of your goods. Consider the use of CCTV and a thumbprint scheme within the goods in office to prevent bogus collection note thefts.

Alarms

A properly installed alarm system can help to protect your property. The technology in alarm design is continually improving and systems can range from audible-only to fully monitored types. For the business user a 24/7 centrally monitored system is strongly recommended. Alarms should comply with BS 4737 or BS 7042 (high security systems) or, if wire-free, to BS 6799. Contact your local police Crime Reduction/Prevention Officer for free advice.

Load Security

Fully loaded trailers left in yards overnight or at weekends present a tempting target for organised criminals. Experience has shown that they will bring their own tractor units into industrial premises and steal unattended trailers left with no additional security. Consider additional security devices such as king pin locks and/or devices to prevent landing legs being lifted and security sheeting to prevent curtain sided vehicles being cut open. Contact TruckPol for advice.