High-Security Detection: Your Silent Guardian When You Least Expect It

As we approach the festive season, this blog will examine a typical construction site and highlight how a few basic security adjustments can make the critical difference between resuming work in January without incident and having to contact your insurance provider because tools, materials, or consumables have been stolen.

The Cost of Neglecting Site Security

In the construction sector, tool theft alone accounts for an astonishing £98 million annually. To put this into perspective, 4,514 separate incidents of stolen tools from sites, storage units, or vehicles were reported to the police. This data underscores the importance of a modest investment in site security to mitigate potentially much higher losses from tool replacement.

Strategic Investment: Where and How?

To provide tailored advice, First Fence employs a security framework encapsulated in the acronym D.E.E.R:

• Detect
• Evaluate
• Engage
• Resolve

Let’s explore what each stage entails.

Detect

Detection focuses on identifying the presence of a moving object—whether it’s an animal, a passer-by, or a potential intruder. At this stage, identification is unnecessary; the primary goal is to detect presence. The Ajax system used in RapiDetect simplifies this process by minimising nuisance alarms. Importantly, we avoid using the term “false alarm” because any alarm might hold value.

Evaluate

The evaluation stage determines whether the detected presence poses a threat. Is it a genuine concern, or merely a harmless passer-by? The Ajax system automatically assesses factors like height, speed, and noise, ensuring notifications are reserved for likely human intruders. Manual evaluation also becomes crucial here.

Understanding site-specific risks is essential:

• Protests: Are your works controversial due to planning, production, or potential local impact? If so, determine the likely demographic of protestors to streamline identification.
• Opportunistic Intrusions: Is your site adjacent to a public footpath? If so, it may become an easy target for opportunists, especially if tools or materials are left visible. A clear stock and storage strategy can significantly reduce such risks.
• Youthful Misconduct: Have you noticed vulnerabilities such as gaps in fencing or easy climbing points? Children’s curiosity can lead to trespassing, theft, or even injury. Address these issues before leaving the site unattended over the festive period.

Engage

RapiDetect is an advanced Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) designed to monitor and secure boundaries against unauthorised access or potential threats. The RapiDetect Ajax system incorporates a loud audible alarm designed to disrupt unauthorised access. Noise draws attention, significantly reducing the time an intruder has to achieve their goals. Additionally, the Photo on Demand (PHOD) system captures clear images of intruders, providing valuable evidence for law enforcement or enabling you to create a “watch list” for individuals who may have previously scouted your site.

Resolve

Finally, resolving security vulnerabilities ensures future incidents are less likely. Actions may include:

• Installing privacy screening
• Securing lockable units
• Removing tools and valuables over holiday periods
• Investing in full-time, manned security

Using a RapiDetect system this Christmas can safeguard an empty site, ensuring that any unauthorised entry attempts are detected and deterred. In most cases, this proactive approach will prevent theft or disruption.

Conclusion

By following the D.E.E.R framework and implementing these measures, you can look forward to returning in January to a secure and fully operational site. A small investment in security now can save you from significant losses later.

For more information or if you would like to order our Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems, then please give our sales team a call on 01283 512111 or email sales@firstfence.co.uk