Frequently Asked Questions
What are the critical threats to my perimeter?
An unprotected perimeter often presents several opportunities for break-ins. Critical threats often include:
- The potential for criminals to climb up walls or fences
- Bins that can be used to climb over a wall or can be a target for arson
- Tools or materials left out that can be used to break in and cause damage
- Hiding places for intruders to hide undetected
- Poorly lit areas in which the perimeter in which intruders can pass undetected
Your site risk levels may also be affected by its geographical location. A site in an inner-city urban area could be more likely to be vandalised or casually invaded.
Will I require planning permission for gates and fences?
Planning permission must be considered before establishing whether gates and fences are viable options to protect your perimeter. Gates, walls and fences require planning permission or Building Regulation approval if:
- They are more than 2m high.
- They adjoin a highway and are more than 1m high.
A site that includes listed buildings is in a conservation area or has other environmental protection (e.g., is subject to Tree Preservation Orders or is alongside a Site of Special Scientific Interest) may have different and potentially more onerous rules regarding such structures. This should be verified before any work is planned.
What is the best approach to perimeter protection?
When assessing the best way to protect your perimeter, it’s important to have a clear strategy. The following measures should be taken:
- Companies should consider a layered approach to protecting a boundary, in which several measures are taken rather than one standalone solution. This ‘strength-in-depth’ strategy increases the chances of detecting and deterring crime.
- Any physical solutions should stand up to the associated threats regarding being adequately strong, tall or deep. Each solution should withstand the rigours of potential stress in any given application.
- Physical perimeter security measures in the form of fencing should meet all legal and best practice standards.
- Organisations should clearly communicate the presence of any perimeter detection systems through ancillary elements such as lighting, signage and PIDS.
Are there any legal requirements for using your CCTV on our business premises?
There are several essential considerations and rules around the usage of CCTV that you need to be aware of. Companies must uphold the law by ensuring staff and the public are fully informed about using cameras (data protection) and storing the feeds and footage (GDPR). We’ve created an article on the rules of CCTV for businesses and will also advise you on compliance if you choose to work with us. Read more about the legal requirements of CCTV here.
Can you provide a site assessment?
Yes, and we recommend doing so. This discovery session enables us to highlight and pinpoint any ‘blind spots’ and advise on the setup of your commercial CCTV systems. We can then provide a more accurate quote for the setup, installation, and maintenance.
Will you maintain the CCTV?
Yes, our installations are contingent on a regular maintenance contract, as this is the only way we can guarantee continued performance. We will arrange routine maintenance of our CCTV systems to ensure they are working as expected. A regular maintenance schedule is necessary to reduce any outages that may occur.
How Do ANPR Systems Work?
Intelligent camera technology recognises the presence of a vehicle and will automatically scan for a number plate, which is cross-referenced against an approved database of registration numbers.
The system can be programmed to permit or refuse entry or issue a signal when an unexpected vehicle requires an inspection before entering your site.
ANPR systems demonstrate their versatility as a traffic management asset. They store and retain entry and exit information, and can even confirm whether car-parking facilities are properly paid for, depending on the duration of the stay.
Can ANPR Cameras Interpret Foreign Number Plates?
Indeed they can – if you receive deliveries or visitors from overseas, an ANPR camera will scan the number plate in the same way and recognise the alphanumeric characters.
How Do ANPR Systems Improve Visitor Experiences?
ANPR cameras have a range of potential features, depending on your requirements.
The system database can be prompted to allow entry immediately when an authorised vehicle approaches and can be programmed for specific times or days.
Visitors can enter without delay, and instant notifications can alert the relevant personnel to their arrival.
