{"id":21842,"date":"2024-03-13T15:12:05","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T15:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/?p=21842"},"modified":"2024-03-18T10:32:11","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T10:32:11","slug":"shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/","title":{"rendered":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not everything feels particularly good in the dark.<\/p>\n

Most humans naturally fear it, most likely dating back to our ancestors\u2019 phobias about night-time predators when sleeping in the open. And, it\u2019s a normal part of childhood development that many adults never completely leave behind.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s flick a switch and\u00a0illuminate<\/em>\u00a0the situation.<\/p>\n

Regarding security at an empty commercial property, it\u2019s logical to assume that, as day turns into night, the building becomes more exposed to risk as an inverse relationship. This article examines the importance of lighting, its effectiveness, and how the correct\u00a0illumination solution\u00a0<\/em>could play a key role in looking after your property when it\u2019s not in use.<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Night and Day<\/h2>\n

Intrusion into or damage to an unoccupied office, retail outlet, or warehouse can happen anytime during a 24\u2013hour period \u2014 not just at night.<\/p>\n

In fact, moving away from the commercial side for a moment, we all know that residential burglaries often occur in daylight. If an opportunity presents itself, an open window on a sunny day will give an intruder all-too-easy access. Equally, any not-in-use commercial property will become vulnerable simply due to a lack of human presence.<\/p>\n

Yet, an absence of light, especially during the longer, darker winter nights, can make things worse. Or, increase the concern that the property is more susceptible.<\/p>\n

As dusk descends, your empty commercial premises emits a seductive siren call; trespassers, vandals, fly-tippers and would-be squatters may have designs on your unused commercial property, and tonight could be the night \u2013 their very own hidden blanket of shadows offering them all the cover they need.<\/p>\n

What Is The Purpose of Lighting for Vacant Commercial Properties?<\/h2>\n

Lighting works hard to keep your buildings and land safe until your new tenants take up occupancy.<\/p>\n

As a detective.\u00a0<\/strong>It provides light to assist detection. Consistency and uniformity in its layout and use will allow potential incomers, damage, or objects left lying about to be observed and recorded.<\/p>\n

As a visual deterrent<\/strong>. Effective lighting can be highly off-putting to an intruder along with motion sensor detectors, CCTV and alarms. To put it another way, \u201cglare\u201d lights, for instance, create a feeling of uncertainty, as they may not be able to see what\u2019s behind the lights.<\/p>\n

For proof<\/strong>. As a commercial landlord, you are putting someone in the spotlight who does not want to be there. Well-lit, focused images can be passed to the authorities to help apprehend those unwise or impulsive enough not to beat a hasty retreat. Moreover, they won\u2019t be keen to feature in filmed, admissible evidence in a courtroom.<\/p>\n

To increase visibility<\/strong>. For perimeter lighting in particular, robust lighting can increase the number of people on the streets around your property\u2019s edges. By making an area more conspicuous, there\u2019s nowhere to hide.<\/p>\n

In effect, you could call this\u00a0situational crime prevention<\/em>.<\/p>\n

For marketing<\/strong>. Yes, you may not realise it, but your branding on an illuminated sign on a fence or wall\u00a0can<\/em>\u00a0help to increase people\u2019s memory retention of your business name.<\/p>\n

To prevent accidents<\/strong>. Clearway refers to this issue regularly in our articles, but should an endorsed third party, when entering your property trip, fall or suffer an injury due to insufficient illumination, you will be responsible. This also applies to unauthorised individuals, however frustrating this may seem. You are accountable for everyone\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n

As an investment in the neighbourhood<\/strong>. To coin a phrase, improving community conditions with high-quality lighting is positive\u00a0optics<\/em>\u00a0for your business. People feel safer because they are safer; their surroundings are more secure.<\/p>\n

The Limits of Lighting?<\/h2>\n

So, Clearway recognises that robust lighting can be a crime-fighting superhero.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, not everyone may agree.<\/p>\n

Some challenge its effectiveness, claiming that it could encourage and support the criminal in certain cases. Potentially, an intruder can see what to attack or steal, fully appreciate how \u201chigh-quality\u201d his graffiti is, find it easier to get through locks, and identify more locations to target.<\/p>\n

And, when the police arrive, a clearly illuminated escape route helps him jump over the nearest wall to run off into the night. Therefore, great lighting\u00a0per se<\/em>\u00a0may not be the best way to reduce crime. It has to be thought out carefully and implemented with other security considerations to be effective. It complements more apparent solutions such as access control, CCTV and alarms. Nevertheless, it still stands tall in the safeguarding environment.<\/p>\n

The principles and concepts behind artificial lighting are detailed, so don\u2019t be in the dark.<\/p>\n

Get in touch<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0with us for advice on installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

What\u2019s YOUR Best Lighting Scheme?<\/h2>\n

Each lighting scheme has its distinct benefits, so again \u2013 our advice is to\u00a0take advice<\/em>; most definitely, you don\u2019t want one design to compromise another. Here are a few key types to consider:<\/p>\n

Perimeter Lighting<\/h3>\n

Perimeter lighting provides a well-illuminated strip around a protected area, meaning a potential trespasser must pass through this highly-lit area. Ideally, it will cause a physical delay, keeping them under observation for a short period.<\/p>\n

Glare Lighting<\/h3>\n

This produces a very bright, high-intensity light directly towards the intruder, disabling or reducing their ability to see what lies beyond and behind the illumination. Fittings need to be spaced closely together, thus ensuring that any patrolling guards cannot be seen behind a perimeter fence.<\/p>\n

Event Activated Lighting<\/h3>\n

This lighting system enables an unauthorised approach towards vacant premises to be picked up. Activated by movement, it switches into light through sensors.<\/p>\n

Entrance\/Check Point Lighting<\/h3>\n

The lighting levels around entrance points tend to be higher than normal for safety reasons. In addition, this forces drivers to slow down before going through an entrance gate. If you need to identify car paint colours, confer with Clearway about the lighting type you will need. Remember that you must meet BS 5489 standards regarding minimum levels for road traffic, if necessary.<\/p>\n

Time-Switch Lighting<\/h3>\n

Through ambient, light-level cell sensors, you can control the lights at your perimeter or those mounted onto your building or entrance points. They adjust automatically according to changing day length. Alternatively, remotely operated time switches can be used to complement CCTV cameras.<\/p>\n

This solution could make it seem like your property is occupied, even when empty.<\/p>\n

Some Illuminating Essentials<\/h3>\n

Adding security lighting into the mix must be done with care and attention; there are specific standards to meet, which include the following:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • It must not be dangerous or cause a hazard<\/strong>. Are there vehicles travelling in the vicinity \u2013 contractors, estate agents, tradespeople, for example?<\/li>\n
  • Don\u2019t let it be a nuisance<\/strong>. The neighbouring properties may be thrown into bright, sharp relief; you\u2019ll need to consider the community at large.<\/li>\n
  • Don\u2019t disadvantage security patrols<\/strong>. Lighting could affect them if they move between areas with different illumination strengths.<\/li>\n
  • Is it cost-effective?<\/strong>\u00a0It will need to be affordable to run and offer value for money.<\/li>\n
  • It must be safe<\/strong>. Some lighting may contain toxic materials. Always check whether this applies to your property.<\/li>\n
  • It must be resilient and reliable<\/strong>. Buy cheap, buy twice. Malfunctioning lighting will not earn its keep. And \u2013 is it weather-proof?<\/li>\n
  • It must comply with Local Authority and other statutory requirements<\/strong>. Ask Clearway about this: we have the knowledge and experience you need to remain compliant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What Clearway Thinks<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Lighting can often be overlooked, but in Clearway\u2019s opinion and experience, it\u2019s critical. Knowing that, even when you\u2019re hundreds of miles away, your vacant property is well-lit offers you much-needed peace of mind. In our experience, illuminated areas discourage potential criminals by creating visibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
      • Also, lighting reduces the risk of accidents and ensures that people feel safe, should they need to enter or walk around the property for any reason. And don\u2019t forget: with exceptional lighting, the efficiency of security cameras could be next-level – with pin-sharp detail just when you need it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          \n
        • Then, there\u2019s your insurance. Adequate lighting may be on your must-have list. With outstanding lighting, the efficiency of security cameras can be next-level. Did we mention property values? Security lighting adds value, making your commercial asset more attractive to prospective buyers or tenants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          All in all, the future safeguarding and protection of your property looks bright.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Not everything feels particularly good in the dark. Most humans naturally fear it, most likely dating back to our ancestors\u2019 phobias about night-time predators when sleeping in the open. And, it\u2019s a normal part of childhood development that many adults never completely leave behind. Let\u2019s flick a switch and\u00a0illuminate\u00a0the situation. Regarding security at an empty…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":21843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"area":[64,54,53],"class_list":["post-21842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-services","area-fire-and-security","area-property-services","area-vacant-property-services"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nShining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Clearway\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-03-13T15:12:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-03-18T10:32:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Gideon Reichental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Gideon Reichental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/\",\"name\":\"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-03-13T15:12:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-03-18T10:32:11+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/c93d068b31b7c1b611c9b2c9aa8ccda9\"},\"description\":\"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"Clearway\",\"description\":\"Temporary and Fixed Technology Solutions, Vacant Property Services and solutions.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/c93d068b31b7c1b611c9b2c9aa8ccda9\",\"name\":\"Gideon Reichental\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f660ab912ec121d1b1e928a0bb4bc61b15f5ad44d5efdc4e1c92a25e99b8e44a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f660ab912ec121d1b1e928a0bb4bc61b15f5ad44d5efdc4e1c92a25e99b8e44a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Gideon Reichental\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway","description":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway","og_description":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/","og_site_name":"Clearway","article_published_time":"2024-03-13T15:12:05+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-03-18T10:32:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Gideon Reichental","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Gideon Reichental","Estimated reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/","url":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/","name":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Clearway","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp","datePublished":"2024-03-13T15:12:05+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-18T10:32:11+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/c93d068b31b7c1b611c9b2c9aa8ccda9"},"description":"Shining a Light: Does More Lighting Mean Less Crime? - Read the full story here at Clearway - leaders in property protection - securing tomorrow today.","inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/shining-a-light-does-more-lighting-mean-less-crime\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/light.webp","width":1200,"height":800},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/","name":"Clearway","description":"Temporary and Fixed Technology Solutions, Vacant Property Services and solutions.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/c93d068b31b7c1b611c9b2c9aa8ccda9","name":"Gideon Reichental","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f660ab912ec121d1b1e928a0bb4bc61b15f5ad44d5efdc4e1c92a25e99b8e44a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f660ab912ec121d1b1e928a0bb4bc61b15f5ad44d5efdc4e1c92a25e99b8e44a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Gideon Reichental"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21842"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21842\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21884,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21842\/revisions\/21884"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21842"},{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=21842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}