Risk assessments – the first step in securing your premises

The perimeter of your property is the boundary between your buildings and land and the outside world. As such, the strength of the physical security around your perimeter is the first line of defence against criminals. It acts not only as a deterrent, but also a means to physically delay or completely stop a criminal from gaining access to your site.

Crime remains a major threat to businesses and organisations in the UK with crime against businesses accounting for as much as 20% of all the crimes recorded. What’s more, a large proportion of these criminal activities are unplanned and opportunistic - meaning that criminals spot vulnerabilities in a business’s perimeter security and decide there and then to exploit them.

Time and time again, we find businesses that rely solely on only one or two forms of perimeter security, perhaps only installing CCTV cameras or relying on outdated or broken equipment which leaves their property vulnerable. The problem with this approach is that it fails to consider every eventuality and does not deliver the 360 degree approach that is needed for adequately securing premises. For example, CCTV may be able to witness a vehicle entering your site as a robbery takes place and alarm systems may notify authorities, but a piece of equipment like a Crash Tested Road Blocker may prevent the vehicle from ever gaining access in the first place.

When it comes to securing your property the absolute first step you should take is to ask a professional company to undertake a risk assessment. This means that, rather than relying on guesswork as to how best to deter criminals, you will have cold hard facts as to where you are vulnerable and which products would best suit your needs.

Taking in the needs, processes and operational style of your business, a risk assessment will help to create a security solution that works for your business. Looking at your organisation and how it operates, what threats you face and the constraints of your location, buildings or other factors it will help you and your employees to feel safe and secure in the face of criminal activity.

Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements. For more information or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here.

Why you should choose a Gate Safe installer every time

Here at Gateway Automation we are proud to be certified as Gate Safe Aware. This is a specific accreditation handed out only to those who have undergone training and assessments to show that they have a fully comprehensive understanding of the guidelines surrounding responsible installation.

The importance of having your gates installed by an accredited professional should not be underestimated. The dangers of failing to do so is highlighted by the cases of Semelia Campbell and Karolina Golabek who were both tragically killed in accidents involving automated gates in the space of just a few weeks in 2010. Semelia was trapped while playing hide and seek and Karolina was trapped while playing with a cat. The company deemed responsible for Semelia’s death was handed a £50,000 fine and a publicity order for leaving their automated gate in a ‘lethal state’.

A strong security gate is one of the most effective forms of access control and creates a physical barrier that acts as an obstacle and a deterrent to criminals. However, it is critical that businesses have their gates fitted by professional installers who are aware of how to make a gate safe as well as secure. Further to this it is equally important that those gates are maintained to a high standard, rather than left to become a dangerous hazard over time. Neglecting to do so can lead to fines, damage to your company reputation and in some cases, and worst of all, a devastating loss of life

Gateway Automation provide a range of gates to help businesses and individuals to secure their sites and also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. We are proud to be certified as Gate Safe Aware Installers. To find out more, please contact us on 01522 682255 or take a look at our brochure which can be viewed here: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/brochure/.