RiskUKOctober2017

Opinion: Mind Your Own Business
Access control is vital, so service and fire
doors should be locked when not in use and,
preferably, not used as an out of hours access
point or a way for personnel to exit the building
to have a cigarette break. It’s advisable to use
high quality door frames and doors, steel
reinforcing and anti-thrust bolts on doors and
bars on windows, while dropbars and magnetic
door locks should be regularly inspected for
damage or technical faults, as indeed should
any installed security fogging systems.
Grilles and shutters are an excellent way of
deterring burglars, while fixing bollards into the
ground surrounding a given premises will
protect against ram-raiders. Planning
permission could be required for such a move,
though, so do make a point of checking on this
before embarking on any work.
Window glass is also available in a number of
different formats. Laminated glass in particular
is very difficult to break through because it’s
manufactured by bonding a layer of tough
plastic between sheets of glass. If this option
isn’t feasible, then an alternative cheaper
option is plastic film, which will increase the
strength of the glass and, when a ‘mirrored’
option is used, restrict a burglar’s view into rear
storage areas.
Cause for alarm
Burglars will often try to overcome an intruder
alarm system by cutting the signal and filling
exterior alarm bells with substances such as
foam to prevent then from sounding. A common
ploy is to set the alarm off repeatedly and wait
until the point at which the police service and
key holders stop responding to it, thus giving
burglars more time to act.
It’s also worth remembering that, although
traditional alarms may alert staff or passers-by,
they offer limited police protection. Due to an
increase in false alarms, police services will not
respond to a ringing bell or siren unless there’s
evidence of an offence in progress.
A monitored alarm can provide a confirmed
signal to pass to the Emergency Services (often
a requirement of insurers).
Likewise, a CCTV system must be maintained
and fit for purpose at all times, covering both
internal and external areas. Recorded images
should be set to record for a minimum of 30
days, while stringent Codes of Practice need to
be followed. Stipulations here will include
ensuring that the date and time are
incorporated into the recording before video
evidence can be successfully used in a
prosecution case within a Court of Law.
If for any reason an alarmed zone is switched
off, ensure that it’s switched on again and
make certain secondary alarm equipment is
moved if building layouts change or seasonal
displays are put in place for retail outlets.
It makes sense not to leave tills with money
in them and to hide expensive stock from view.
Safes and secure cages are now available that
are fitted with sensors. Similarly, key security is
vital. Only authorised staff should have access
to certain keys or combination locks. Those
individuals must thoroughly understand their
responsibilities for locking and securing
fastenings on windows and doors, offices,
safes, rooflights and other exits.
Although cyber security should be on the
radars of all organisations, it’s worth
remembering that access to servers and other
IT equipment must also be restricted in order to
secure vital data. Just as importantly, any
Internet Protocol-based devices including CCTV,
access control and intruder alarm systems
should be secured in order to thwart hackers.
Train to gain
A security strategy can only be successful if
everyone within an organisation is given the
correct level of training, such that they can then
keep a watchful eye out for suspicious
behaviour. The old and established saying that
‘a chain is only as strong as its weakest link’ is
relevant here as it’s often those who are Front
of House – such as receptionists – that are in a
prime position to monitor and identify any
questionable behaviour.
Retail environments should adopt an
‘intelligent guarding’ approach that combines
technology – and the data realised by it – with
individuals who can deal with the outputs of
these systems. Knowledge of counter-terrorism,
loss prevention, report writing, behavioural
analysis and profiling, Health and Safety and
data and intelligence gathering – in unison with
First Aid and excellent customer service
abilities – are now vital for the modern day
security officer, as is the ability to work as part
of a team with non-security based personnel.
In the unfortunate event that an organisation
experiences a commercial burglary, the most
positive thing it can do is learn from it and
ensure that measures are put in place to
prevent any reoccurrence. Preventative security
using a common sense approach is the only
way in which to maintain a deterrent effect that
will reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
Dan Hardy:
Managing Director of the
National Business Crime
Solution (NBCS)
*Mind Your Own Business is the
space where the NBCS examines
current and often key-critical
business crime issues directly
affecting today’s companies. The
thoughts and opinions expressed
here are intended to generate
debate and discussion among
practitioners within the
professional security and risk
management sectors. If you would
like to make comment on the
views outlined, please send an
e-mail to: brian.sims@risk-uk.com
**The NBCS is a ‘Not-for-Profit’
initiative that enables the effective
sharing of appropriate data
between the police service, crime
reduction agencies and the
business community to reduce
crime and risks posed to all. By
providing a central repository
where business crime data is
submitted, shared and analysed,
the NBCS is able to gather the
necessary intelligence and support
to more effectively detect, prevent
and, subsequently, respond to
crimes affecting the UK’s business
community. For further information
access the website at:
www.nationalbusinesscrime
solution.com
“A centralised intelligence hub for the police service and the
business community is starting to connect crimes which
would have traditionally been viewed as being independent”
17
www.risk-uk.com