Safety Risk Mitigation: 5 Ways to Mitigate Property Safety Risks With Security Systems

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• PID Security
• Alarm monitoring

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Did you know that the installation of safety risk mitigation technology in commercial property can have a huge impact on your insurance premiums?

Security systems cover a range of functions, from automated motion detectors to physical barriers, surveillance networks, alarm units and security doors.

Picking the right options is essential, based on the risks your property or business is most exposed to and depending on the way you use your facility.

In this article we’ll explore five of the most popular security systems for property safety risk mitigation and discover how they can contribute towards minimising risk – and, potentially, reducing the cost of insuring a premises that would otherwise present a high-risk prospect.

1. Technological Security Alarm Systems

CCTV

The first and often most prevalent form of security system relies on technology. CCTV cameras can monitor activities across any site, whether indoor CCTV units, outdoor weatherproof cameras, or mast-mounted CCTV models and towers that cover larger areas.

CCTV acts as a deterrent against prospective intruders, and the evolving tech incorporated into these security assets means there is a solution for every property. For instance, we can fit CCTV cameras with AI-based video analytics, facial recognition abilities and automatic number plate recognition.

Intruder Detection

Another security option that may work in conjunction with CCTV cameras is an intrusion detection system, which can operate on pre-set hours or be automated to raise an alert whenever unusual or suspicious movement is detected.

These alarms can inform on-site security personnel or patrolling guards when movement has been identified and within which zone, allowing them to investigate and determine whether a security threat exists.

Alternatively, intrusion detection alarms can be fitted in specific zones or spaces and linked to CCTV cameras and audible alarms if the glass is broken, a door is opened, or a lock is forced when the area is not in use.

Security Alarms

Alarms are available in a huge array of formats and configurations but primarily exist to sound an alarm when either they are manually activated, or because something occurs that is designated a potential security issue.

They may operate based on commands from a motion detection system or can be adapted to different types of risks – such as an emergency evacuation alarm, a panic alarm or a burglary alarm.

Having security alarms and CCTV cameras under 24/7 monitoring is ideal. This service ensures that an alert is never ignored or assumed to be false, particularly if the alarm is not audible when the property is empty. Responders can evaluate the authenticity of the warning and initiate the appropriate security response.

2. Specialist Vacant Property Security Solutions

Some security solutions are suited to any property or premises, but an empty building – whether a residential home, a construction site or a commercial building – is at an elevated risk when vacant. That may be because of a temporary pause in development works, because the property is between tenants or because it has been vacant for the long term.

Vacant property security is essential for many clients, including:

• Landlords and property developers
• Retailers and warehousing companies
• Estate agents
• Hospitality managers responsible for leisure facilities and hotels
• Local authorities and housing associations

Solutions designed to safeguard a vacant property are normally a combination of technological and physical protection. Steel security screens and doors are a good example, where any windows or entry points are concealed behind a tamper-proof, tough shield.

Only authorised visitors or attendees with the appropriate security fob or key can access them. These screens cannot be pried away or smashed, making them excellent for any property likely to be vacant for more than a few days.

Other vacant property security services include alarms and CCTV that are adapted to the environment. That could involve hiring CCTV or fitting wireless, battery-operated intruder alarms that do not require any mains power connection.

3. Physical Entry Controls

Physical barriers and access controls reinforce technological monitoring and can prevent anybody from entering a site or reaching a high-value part of your property or facility. There are multiple options you may wish to consider:

• Heras mesh fencing panels can provide a barrier around your property boundary or facility, often accompanied by concrete blocks.
• Barrier blocks are immovable without specialist equipment and prevent vehicles from entering the space – whether to close a rear entry route, avoid the risk of ram-raiding and theft, or deter intruders such as fly-tippers and squatters.
• Bollards and entrance gates extend across entrances and may be operated manually or using an integrated access control solution, where authorised users scan a pass or have their face or registration number pre-approved in a database.

When looking at your security systems and physical defences, it’s also worth paying attention to the basics, which may be easy to overlook. For example, commercial-grade locks on all doors and windows, deadbolts or mortice locks on roller shutter doors and reinforced glass can all make a property significantly less exposed to risk.

4. Perimeter Security

A perimeter security solution may incorporate some of the measures we have already mentioned, such as anti-climb fencing, concrete barrier blocks, long-range CCTV surveillance cameras and motion detectors.

The larger the layout of the site, and the more ground you need to cover between your property and any potential entry points, the more complex perimeter security may be – but introducing ground-level sensors and pressure detectors can be a good way to ensure any unusual movement is swiftly identified.

See inView Detect – our latest PID System

5. Staffed Guarding and Patrols

Our final security suggestion is to think about staffed guarding. You might have a stationary guard posted at a main entry point, an overnight patrol, or an access control guard allowing verified visitors to enter your site.

Much depends on whether you have a residential property, a vacant building or an active business premises. For example, vacant property owners often schedule regular inspections, which an experienced property security consultant carries out.

During the inspection, the surveyor can note signs of possible tampering or attempted entry while also ensuring the building is in a good state of repair and that all locks, security screens and alarms are working properly.

Should you require further information about any of the property safety risk mitigation measures covered here or need advice about the best way to protect your property from intrusions and criminal activity, please get in touch with the Clearway team at any time.