Keeping business premises secure does not mean making them look like fortresses. Good design, landscaping and lighting and careful management and appropriate use of security technology will do much to create a good impression whilst generating safety and security for the building, staff and visitors.

No perimeter protection can be guaranteed impregnable but it can delay or deter criminals and assist their interception. By restricting vehicle access, you can minimise the quantity of goods that can be stolen.

Fencing
A variety of fencing systems is available on the market.

A mesh construction, which allows natural surveillance - both in and out (but with mesh small enough to prevent finger or toe holds) should be used.

Welded mesh, expanded metal or steel palisade are the best choices for fence material. Chain link is no more than a boundary marker and is unsuitable for any degree of security.

A range of toppings from barbed wire to revolving spikes are available as well as the addition of electrification, but these should only be used to address identified risks. Appropriate technical and legal advice must be obtained before installing such measures. For high security requirements, alarm sensors and other surveillance technology can be included.

Fence height should be appropriate to the risk and site geography. In general, the minimum acceptable height for industrial estates is 2.4 metres - these will require planning permission.

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Walls
Solid walls do provide a strong and durable line of defence providing they are of sufficient height. But walls also have disadvantages in that they can hide criminal activity and muffle sound.They are also much easier to climb than fences.

Greater protection can be afforded by the use of anti-climb paint and/or topping with rotating cacti, razor wire etc.

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Gates
These should be constructed to the same height and standard as the fencing or walls. They should be fitted close to the ground, to prevent burrowing under, with anti-lift hinges and good quality close shackle padlocks and lockable drop bolts on pairs of gates. This will deter ramming.

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Landscaping
Ground cover should be kept below 1 metre in height and tree canopies kept no lower than 2.4 metres. This will allow for the natural surveillance of the site. Remove screens, behind which criminals may hide. The temptation to hide car parking or unsightly structures should be resisted.

Ensure that taller shrubs and trees do not create climbing aids to gain access to building roofs, upper windows or overhead phone lines etc. Remember also that telegraph poles make good climbing aids. These should be re-sited or made impossible to climb.

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Security Lighting
Good lighting is essential, not only as a security measure but also as a valuable aid to reducing fear in your staff and visitors and in creating a safe environment. The type of lighting needed will depend on the level of risk, the geography of the area and the type of surveillance in place. Your supplier should advise you.

A wide variety of lighting operating systems are available including: timers, photoelectric cells, or manual switches. Heat and movement detectors can be used to reduce running costs and ensure that the lighting only operates when people are moving in the protected area.

Care must be taken. Poorly sited lighting assists intruders. Ensure that lit areas are always under some form of surveillance.

External lighting must be carefully designed to work with other security equipment such as CCTV.

Lights should be regularly checked to ensure that they are operating effectively.

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Maintenance
Care of the area around business premises is vital. It is the first impression that visitors get when they arrive at the site and can give criminals many clues to the attitude and preparedness of the company to deter crime.

Neglect is infectious, a broken window or daubed wall will soon be joined by more. Regular checks should be made and litter, vandalism and graffiti should be dealt with immediately.

To prevent arson, waste should be properly stored prior to collection. Care should be taken when disposing of packaging such as computer boxes - Do not announce that there are expensive new items in the building.

Bins should be shackled away from the main building to prevent movement for use as climbing aids or to start fires in.

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Ram Raiding

The most effective deterrent to ram raiding is a strong physical barrier placed some distance in front of the wall or windows of your building.

Examples include: a row of bollards or heavy planters containing flowers. The latter can also help make your building look more attractive. You might also consider installing rising barriers in front of vulnerable doors.

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Cycle Racks

Staff will feel happier about using sustainable methods of transport such as cycling to work if secure storage for cycles and wet weather clothing / accessories is provided.

Car Parks

Car parking areas should be well lit, even when the building is unoccupied. This is particularly important when small numbers of people are working late and may need to cross the car park to reach their cars unaccompanied.

It is important to ensure that the car park can be observed from the building and is not obscured by landscaping or temporary constructions etc.

Climbing Aids

Movable items such as wheelie bins should be secured in compounds away from buildings to prevent them being used as climbing aids or adding to the risk of arson.