The same survey estimates that crime costs businesses GB pound 19 billion every year. With crime continuing to preoccupy owners across the UK, the BSIA is urging security managers to look again at basic protection and prevention measures.
The Association’s members are always keen to promote an holistic approach to security using an appropriate level of protection for a given premises. While the use of new technologies can bring many advantages, it’s imperative that security managers don’t overlook the value of basic measures when reviewing the security of their premises.
That very issue is one which the BSIA is keen to highlight to businesses this summer by way of its Back to Basics Campaign.
Backbone of the security system
“There is much to be gained from going Back to Basics when it comes to security,” said Alex Carmichael, the BSIA’s technical and membership services director. “By ensuring that core security functions are in place, security managers can rest assured that they have a comprehensive first layer of security protecting their premises and people. This can then be built upon if the level of risk that their business faces changes, or if budgets allow for further layers of security to be added.”
The backbone of any security system consists of physical solutions, from locks and safes through to fencing, grilles, shutters, gates and bollards. A focus on quality should be paramount when purchasing such solutions. This month’s Big Issue (below) by Clive Baker demonstrates the risks that businesses place themselves under if physical security provision is sacrificed in any way.
Electronic security supports physical measures by impeding unauthorised movement and enabling the detection of intruders. “Intruder alarms should not be forgotten,” added Carmichael. “They are a very effective means of deterring crime. New technologies can be used to great advantage in many businesses. However, for smaller firms in particular, a basic, monitored intruder alarm can realise many benefits in deterring crime and alerting the owner, passers-by and/or neighbours of any potential incident.”
Simple access control and CCTV systems should not be overlooked as affordable means of preventing loss, deterring crime and detecting incidents. For many businesses, a simple CCTV system comprising one or two cameras may be sufficient. Basic access control may, for example, only be used to prevent access by the public to unauthorised areas. Finally, property marking offers a way of deterring loss and recovering stolen items.
