Property security is crucial for properties of all nature; both residential and commercial, public and private. Ensuring sufficient measures are implemented provides property owners with the peace of mind that their property is protected from vandals, intruders, trespassers and squatters. However, there are a wide range of potential measures that can be put into place for the security of properties and it can be difficult to choose from these.
The most common types of security tends to be separated into 2 distinct categories:
- Electronic security: such as alarms and Closed-Circuit Television cameras (CCTV)
- Physical security: such as fencing and barrier security.
Physical security can also include manned security including security guards, site marshals and guard dogs (source: Secure Site). There are advantages to using each type of security with each incurring different costs.
Because of the plethora of options around, it is crucial to understand some of the most common types of each category of security so your property, be it large or small, an office or a pub is suitably and adequately secured when it is vacant. It may be the case that you are in the process of building a new property, having just secured construction finance and you do not want the building site to be unprotected. There are a lot of potentially valuable items and assets on building sites that are appealing to burglars and trespassers.
Electronic Security
This category refers to any electronically powered form of security, of which there are many. Some of the most common types of electronic security are CCTV systems, alarms and lighting; all of which are powerful deterrents and preventers of unwanted visitors, vandals and trespassers.
CCTV Systems – These systems range from basic arrangements where there are just a few cameras that record, not needing to be checked until such time their footage is required to more complex systems that utilise motion detection technology and infrared night vision capabilities. Furthermore, CCTV cameras can be overt (visible to all) or covert [hidden]. The beauty of CCTV is that there are options for residential and commercial properties as well as for building sites. They are an effective way to secure prosecutions as any trespassers or potential burglars are caught on film to be handed to the relevant authorities.
Alarm Systems – Alarm systems are one of the most effective deterrents any site or property owner can utilise. Using motion detection; upon being set, any motion in the areas covered by the alarm sensors will set off the alarm, drawing attention to the site in question. Moreover, many alarm systems are monitored by alarm monitoring companies, sometimes alongside CCTV which allows them to alert the local police to any intruders. Just the site of an alarm box displayed on a property or site perimeter is a strong deterrent to burglars and intruders who tend to steer clear of properties and sites covered by alarm systems.
Physical Security
The most effective and cost-efficient methods of physical security tend to be barrier-related security which forms a physical barrier between any potential intruders and the site or property. Alternatively, for higher value properties and sites as well as those that are suited to it, having security guard, often with guard dogs is one of the strongest deterrents available.
Barrier Security – There are many types of fencing, hoarding and barriers that can be put in place to make intrusion and trespassing extremely difficult. For example, in the case of derelict or empty properties, a popular solution that isn’t too expensive is boarding up all windows and doors with steel or ply-wood panelling. Additionally, for sites where fly tipping, travellers and vehicular trespass are all possible, concrete bollards and hoarding can be implemented, making it impossible for the offending parties to enter without authorisation.
Manned Security – This is one of the most effective methods to protect a site or property; manned security will entail at least one security officer or marshal who will usually be trained to the minimum Home Office Standards (holding an SIA licence) being present on site. They may perform mobile patrols or them may man a static post such as the entrance or other vulnerable point of the site. Sometimes, and depending on the exact arrangement with the security provider, guard dogs may be provided to add an additional level of security.
