The risks of inadequate security are multifaceted, with potential consequences spanning financial, legal, reputational, operational and safety, says Alexandra Security’s Dave Bond.

We all know that we must protect our homes with alarm systems, high-quality locks and secure gates.

You may even go so far as to get a big, scary dog to protect your space from unwanted intruders and burglars or implement timed lights to make it appear as if people are home when it’s empty. 

However, when it comes to business premises, the bare minimum is often trusted to keep intruders at bay.

Now, businesses are known to be less secure than private properties and criminals have caught on. 

So, contrary to popular belief, commercial properties often present softer targets than homes.

The 2022 Commercial Victimisation Survey underscores this vulnerability, indicating that 9% of businesses experienced burglary that year alone.

Additionally, 28% of all business premises had been victims of a crime during the last 12 months. 

When it comes to security, complacency is the enemy of protection.

To combat commercial burglaries, organisations must at least look like they’ve considered the threats and invested in protective measures.  

One of the best ways to do this is to have a tall, strong fence around the property’s perimeter.

Fences fulfil several roles.

They hinder trespassing, vandalism, and theft by making it difficult for criminals to breach perimeters.

They also create a clear boundary and a formidable visual deterrent.  

Imagine, for example, that you were a criminal planning to target a shop.

You’d need to consider entering the premises, finding what you want, and then exiting, before the burglar alarm has time to fulfil its purpose.  

If the property were protected by a fence, however, getting in and out would be trickier.

It may not be possible to complete the crime before emergency services arrive and you may not even be able to manoeuvre the goods you came to steal over the fence. 

But that’s not all.  

Fences can also be equipped with additional security features, such as barbed wire or electronic surveillance systems, to further inhibit criminal activities.

By establishing a formidable obstacle, fences ultimately reduce the opportunities for criminal activities to occur. 

That said, different types of retail burglaries pose varying degrees of risk and complexity.

Smash-and-grab burglaries involve forceful entry methods, which result in the loss of possible high-value items and can cause costly damages to the premises.

Opportunistic burglaries lack planning, targeting vulnerable entry points with minimal regard for alarm systems.

Sophisticated burglaries, on the other hand, involve meticulous planning to bypass alarm systems and target valuable assets, sometimes with the aid of inside information. 

To deter burglars effectively, businesses should implement layered perimeter security measures.

Businesses can prolong intrusion attempts long enough for security teams to arrive by introducing obstacles that delay intruders, such as sturdy fences, security gates, and surveillance systems.

This delay increases the likelihood of detection or abandonment, making the risk of burglary much higher for potential criminals.

Thus, robust perimeter security not only protects assets but also acts as a deterrent against opportunistic and sophisticated burglary attempts. 

Which sectors are most at risk? 

While retail spaces may be the first thing that comes to mind when burglaries are mentioned, specific sectors have been identified as high-risk due to their strategic significance, cultural value, or high-reward options.

These sectors often harbour critical infrastructure, sensitive data, or valuable assets, rendering them prime targets for criminal or malicious activities.  

Military and government facilities face heightened risk due to potential breaches in national security caused by inadequate border control measures, posing threats to public safety.

Similarly, disruptions in the transportation sector can lead to severe breakdowns in essential supply chains, exerting profound economic repercussions.

Lapses in security within the nuclear sector hold the potential for environmental catastrophes.  

Airports, serving as international gateways, demand enhanced security measures to counter foreign terrorist threats, while the utilities and industrial sectors, forming the backbone of modern society, are vulnerable to disruptions that could trigger significant societal impacts.  

Finally, cultural and heritage sites, as well as VIP or residential areas, house irreplaceable cultural treasures and high-profile individuals.

This means they require robust security protocols to safeguard their integrity and occupants. 

The potential consequences of inadequate security 

Inadequate security measures can cause chaos across the board.

The risks are multifaceted, with potential consequences spanning financial, legal, reputational, operational and safety.

Financial losses can stem from property damage, asset theft, and operational disruptions, while legal liabilities may arise from harm caused by criminal activities on poorly secured premises.  

Security breaches can also erode trust and damage the organisation’s reputation among customers, stakeholders and the public, while operational disruptions resulting from security incidents can lead to downtime, decreased productivity and revenue loss.  

Additionally, compromised confidentiality of sensitive information due to security vulnerabilities may result in regulatory non-compliance and damage to business relationships.

Ultimately, the ramifications of inadequate security underscore the critical need for robust measures to safeguard assets, data and personnel. 

What are the top perimeter security options? 

As security has become a top priority across many industries and areas, many great options exist to address specific vulnerabilities and enhance overall defence.

One of the most fundamental elements is fencing, which serves as the first line of defence by delineating boundaries and deterring unauthorised access.

Beyond traditional fencing, advanced options such as electrified fences or anti-ram barriers offer heightened protection against determined intruders.  

Gate systems complement fencing by controlling access points and surveillance technologies like CCTV cameras provide real-time monitoring and recording of activities along the perimeter.  

Intrusion detection systems can further bolster security by alerting personnel to unauthorised breaches, while motion sensors and infrared detectors offer additional layers of detection.

Lighting solutions, including motion-activated and perimeter lights, enhance visibility and deter nighttime intruders.  

By combining and integrating security solutions, businesses can fortify their defences, mitigate risks, and safeguard assets. 

Potential negatives of perimeter security 

While perimeter security measures are indispensable in safeguarding businesses against external threats, nothing is without drawbacks.

One notable concern is the risk of creating a fortress mentality, wherein overly protected perimeters may unintentionally isolate businesses from their surrounding communities or detract from aesthetic appeal, which can lower a neighbourhood’s perceived value.  

Stringent security measures could also inconvenience legitimate visitors or customers, leading to dissatisfaction or reduced foot traffic.  

Additionally, the cost associated with implementing and maintaining robust perimeter security solutions can be substantial, posing financial challenges for some businesses, particularly smaller businesses.  

Lastly, reliance solely on perimeter defences may create a false sense of security, meaning vulnerabilities within the premises or among personnel get missed.  

To avoid these issues, it’s best to integrate perimeter security with internal security measures, community engagement efforts and risk management strategies.

By fostering a culture of security awareness and collaboration, businesses can effectively mitigate risks while preserving accessibility, community relations, and cost-effectiveness. 

This article was originally published in the April Edition of Security Journal United Kingdom. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.