Strengthen security at your business premises in 2018

In a recent blog we spoke about a worrying rise in crime stats in the UK. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics crime has risen almost 13%. These trends affect not only civilians but also businesses who are commonly targets of crimes such as criminal damage, arson, shoplifting and burglaries. With this rise in crime showing no sign of slowing down, what are some of the practical steps businesses can take to defend themselves from criminals in the coming year?

1 – Perimeter Security
Perimeter security is essential to safeguarding any time of property. For businesses, gates and barriers are one of the first steps to making a property secure, acting not only as a barrier but also a deterrent to criminals. We offer options for barriers such as automatic barriers, manual barriers and height restrictive barriers available on a range of budgets and installed to meet the specific requirements of your property. Gates are also a critical element of perimeter security and can help to stop criminals from both gaining entry and from exiting your property, keeping them long enough for manned guards or police to arrive therefore preventing a speedy getaway. We offer specialist bi-folding gates, sliding gates and swing gates.

2– Internal security
Another important role in protecting your business from criminals is to be able to prevent pedestrian traffic, and unwanted visitors from gaining access and then roaming freely around your site. This can typically be achieved through solutions such as turnstiles (full-height or waist-height) and access control equipment. Turnstiles can be operated through keypads, proximity cards and intercoms and mean that criminals cannot gain access either full-stop or not without attracting the attention of security. Access control equipment can be added to doors with proximity devices, intercom, keypads and even biometric fingerprint readers to shut down access to only authorized persons. You can use access control equipment either to secure access to an entire site, or specific areas depending on your needs.

3 – Unwanted vehicular access
Another nuisance for businesses is that of unwanted vehicles entering their sites. Here at Gateway we provide a number of solutions for this problem. One being security posts, a simple solution that can be raised and lowered depending on when you want to provide access to an area. Speed ramps are another option which can be used to prevent irresponsible driving on your site and can be customized to deliver a specific amount of speed reduction. Other options include flow control plates to drive traffic in a specific direction and automatic rising kerbs to shut off access in car parks, loading yards and bus lanes at specific times.

4 – Preventing terrorism
2017 has brought with it a huge rise in the amount of terrorist attacks by vehicular means. These attacks typically take place randomly and in public locations. This spike in terrorism has led many businesses to consider how they can effectively manage traffic and prepare for the worst case scenario – particularly if they operate in busy public areas. Here at Gateway we help businesses to counter terrorist threats through heavy-duty crash-tested road blockers. Click here to read more about them.

No matter the size or nature of your businesses, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess the security requirements of your organization. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255.

4 unexpected ways access control can improve your business

Access control equipment is one of the key ways to protect your business from crime. Businesses of all sizes are recognising the importance of upgrading from traditional locks and keys to prevent opportunistic thieves. However, beyond safeguarding against robbery there are other benefits to access control - let’s look at four of them.

1 – Improve punctuality and monitor staff
Whether you are a company owner, admin manager or HR manager the accurate monitoring and management of staff is a difficult task. Paper systems can be tampered with and employees may cover for their colleagues and tell little white lies on their behalf. If you are concerned with levels of absenteeism, then one of the best things you can do is incorporate access control equipment such as biometrics. Fingerprint activated readers will mean that only the employees themselves can log in to your system and enter the buildings, reducing the chances of employee fraud and encouraging punctuality.

2 – Improve peace of mind among staff
As well as monitoring your employees, access control equipment plays another role among employees – it helps them to feel safe and secure. Intercom systems, key pad entry  and turnstiles can all offer added protection, safeguarding against opportunistic criminals who may steal from your property, commit vandalism and intimidate or even attack members of your staff.

3 – Improve energy efficiency
A lesser known benefit of having access control equipment in place is that you can monitor which are of your buildings are busy at specific times. In an age of rising energy bills, many businesses are looking for opportunities to be frugal with their energy consumption and access control can provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and reduce your wastage.

4 – Improve your corporate image
Finally, an often-overlooked aspect of installing access control equipment is the opportunity to improve your image with clients and customers who are visiting your premises. With turnstiles that create a reception point where guests are greeted, you show them from the off that you are committed to both their safety and the safety of your business. Here at Gateway we provide both full-height and waist-height.

Gateway Automation provides a range of products to help businesses and individuals secure their sites. We also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more please call us on 01522 682255.