Vandalism; first defined by the Romans, this ever-present threat continues to give property owners something else to think about when maintaining their asset. In the absence of a single solution to eradicate this problem, those with something to protect must a construct a physical force field, covering both the outer and inner perimeters of their owned area.
The idea behind implementing a watertight security strategy is that almost immediately, the power is handed back to its rightful owner. Vandals like to think that they can stroll into a property, inflict hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds worth of damage and exit without trace. This sense of control can be denied by introducing two lines of defense, policing key outer and inner zones of a property.
These are two of the most important areas to protect and, along with natural access control, almost define physical security. With both inner and outer lines covered, here’s what a typical security plan will involve.
The outer perimeter
Covering – The best way of halting a stream of attacks is to cut off the source – its entry point if you will. Vandals cannot inflict damage on your property without physically getting into it, so you must provide a strong line of security at the cut-off point. This is the outer perimeter, a line that can be crossed on foot or by car that defines where your property starts. This area, technically, is where you have made your initial investment and any damage inflicted from within will have to be repaired by yourself.
Solutions – Possible solutions for policing an outer perimeter can be anything from a large hedge to more extreme measures, like a barbed wire fence. Some will decide to point their security cameras to this area, or hire a guard to stand by it. These solutions aim to draw a clearly visible line around the property, alerting criminals of where they’re not welcome. In deciding which type of what type of outer solution would suit your own business, you need to weigh up the risk of vandals and assess exactly what might be targeted.
The inner perimeter
Covering – In the event of your outer perimeter being breached, you must have a second line of security to shield off attacks on your building. The inner perimeter is less of a line and is more or less attached to the asset, so think security measures for halting access via doors, windows and any other entry points.
Solutions – Although a sturdy lock and key remains at the forefront of this strategy, technology plays an integral role in covering other areas of the inner perimeter. Protecting this line can usually be accomplished through the use of alarm systems and security cameras, which can stop vandals in their tracks without even being activated. A CCTV camera almost acts as a warning sign, informing vandals that if any break-in is attempted, their actions will be captured and relayed back to the police. The same goes for an alarm system, the use of which will be well sign posted to tempt vandals out of committing their act.
Regardless of how big the requirement is, taking care of these two lines really will give you the protection you need. All you’re required to do is assess the risk at hand and contact a professional security company to discuss possible solutions. Never underestimate the threat and opt for the best you can afford. After all, your investment could save you a significant amount on damages.
Author Byline:
Finley Talbot is a keen blogger with a deep interest in security systems and the upcoming technology in homeland defense. He is also a season ticket holder for Arsenal Football Club, as well as being an armchair critic of everything happening in football.
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