Security at a steal
Cost need not deter developers from protecting their sites, writes security specialist Sandy Busek
While high profile developments such as the Olympic Village in London conjure up images of high security, we are amazed at how few new buildings and renovations factor in even simple security and protection measures.
And yet these are often sizeable financial projects, with tight time schedules and painful penalty clauses.
The consequences of inadequate security can be crippling. A property development business, which came to us after the horse had bolted, had been renovating a commercial property when they had a break-in.
Portakabins on the site were robbed of valuable equipment, as well as plant and project plans. The developer had to replace expensive equipment (some of which was leased), and also faced considerable disruption and downtime while replacements were sourced.
This caused a delay in the project which could have resulted in a hefty penalty from their client. So why isn’t security and protection included in renovation project planning when so much is at stake?
From our experience, three assumptions get in the way:
– The first myth is that protecting and securing the site is a hassle. When projects are up against deadlines and budgets, security measures can be seen as a luxury. But, developments in technology and ID systems mean that security measures can actually help efficiency and aid many a site or project manager. For example, the presence of CCTV gives certain messages to the contractors working on the projects. It can also help to provide observation and evidence of health and safety procedures or breaches.
– There is often an assumption that security is too costly. Some feel that equipment such as CCTV and access control systems are fine for completed properties, but are prohibitive for a site that is only going to be in existence for a short period. But security equipment can be re-used in different locations and the cost of the investment spread over multiple projects.
– Another concern we come across is that security equipment technology isn’t suitable for a development site’s environment. People are often surprised that developments such as radio (wireless) equipment, remote control systems, highly sensitive sensors, tracking devices and even DNA marking are all now available in the market for use in renovation and development projects. And for controversial renovation sites or those that may attract the attention of protestors or terrorists, there are biometric fingerprint reading, wireless transmission to remote buildings and networking technology.
– Security and protection technologies and systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated to respond to different methods of construction, the changing tactics of intruders and health and safety legislation. These require highly technical expertise and experience that the industry’s professional bodies work hard to foster and measure.
Secure standard
Firms should look at consultants and suppliers which have been accredited by either or both of the following professional bodies: The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) – the trade association for the professional security industry in the UK.
One of the BSIA’s top priorities is the maintenance of high standards within the industry, and it places rigorous requirements on member companies.
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) – the leading approvals and certification body that inspects companies providing home security, business security, and fire protection services. Its top level of accreditation is its GOLD standard and this should be sought on all projects.
Secure design
Designing homes to beat burglars and vandals has proven to be a cost-effective remedy. That is the findings of Secured by Design, a police initiative to help reduce crime during the housing design process.
Refurbishing a single dwelling to Secured by Design standards costs in the region of £650. Furthermore, a comparative survey of estates in West Yorkshire with Secured by Design status and those without found that non-secured properties were twice as likely to be the target of crime.
“We consider the whole life cost issues associated with housing and pay particular attention to the potential payback associated with reduced incidences of burglary,” explains Gary Fisher, northern England and Northern Ireland crime prevention design adviser.
“We then look in detail at the enhanced component specifications, which influence durability, as well as improving security.”
The range of design and component issues covered by Secured by Design include:
– Natural surveillance (routes and public spaces are overlooked by property)
– Minimisation of access and through routes to reduce escape options
– Clearly defined private spaces as a buffer between public spaces and dwellings
– Management of maintenance to ensure cleanliness to convey the message that anti-social behaviour is not tolerated
– Physical security to make committing a crime more difficult.
Securing and protecting a renovation or development project should be seen as an essential. Without safeguarding the property against highly viable risks, you are potentially putting yours and your client’s business in danger.
Sandy Busek is a CCTV expert, and managing director of Absolute Security
To find out more about Secured by Design, visit www.securedbydesign.com
