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The need for a fully functioning and integrated security system has never been greater but the vast array of choices can make the task daunting. What follows is some advice gained from a thirty plus year career protecting businesses and homes with security systems ranging in price from a few hundred to well over a hundred thousand dollars and in complexity ranging from a few well placed screws and window bars to an integrated electronic system comprised of Biometric Access Control, Infra-Red CCTV, Intrusion Detection, Security film on glass, Bullet resistant glass, Burglar bars, and Security gates.
First of all a security system is not an alarm system, although the alarm system plays an important part in the overall security plan. In fact, no single component should be seen as most important, although as I will explain some measures provide greatest value for the security money you will be investing. The first step though is a survey of the premise, including how it used, for what purpose and by whom, and of course the physical layout. Risk factors and loss potential are scrutinized as these greatly influence the budget.
Barrier security will be the first step in the implementation of the security system and devices such as window bars, security gates, security film, security grilles and good locks provide the greatest value for the money you will be investing. Barrier security can also be achieved through installation of security films which are fitted onto existing glass, security films such as PROFILON tm, made by HAVERKAMP in Germany provide a near invisible coating that transforms glass into transparent armor. Security films are especially useful for strengthening glass in offices and homes. However not all glass types are appropriate for security films and all films are not created equal. Typically thicker films work best for security applications and 14 mil security film is currently consider minimum for commercial applications but residential applications can be effective with 8 mil security films. The reason for the difference is the thickness and area of the glass pane. Security films work best on larger surface areas. Installation is very important and as important to the barrier security as the choice of film. The glass type is also important with ordinary annealed glass as the design favorite. However if possible the glass should be changed to a laminated glass as that is the best substrate for security film. Installing on tempered glass should be avoided due to break characteristic of that glass. This is of utmost importance as door glass must conform to a safety code as doors are almost always done with tempered glass and forced entry through glass accounted for two thirds of all break-ins. Unless the glass is changed to annealed or laminated glass single pane commercial doors should not be fitted with security film. It simply will not work. The mechanical bond of security film to the edges will add to or decrease the value of security film as barrier security and if possible security film should be fitted under the glass retaining stops. Advice should be sought from those familiar with films and their application in security before selecting security film as barrier security. To increase the effectiveness of security film in the security system the alarm system should include glass break detectors of the dual technology type or signature type. Very loud siren horns and or strobe lights outside over the glass is an excellent way to augment the effectiveness of security film in the security system.
The first line of protection in barrier security are the locks and their effectiveness as a security barrier depends entirely on the small details of the installation. Striker plates should be secured with screws that are long enough to engage beyond the door frame and into the meat of the wall. Burglar bars, window bars, security bars, different names same meaning are available over the counter or custom built and are available in many shapes and sizes. Window bars are probably the best single investment of barrier security and because burglar bars have been used in the security system for thousands of years many examples of good design are readily available. Security bars are especially useful for protecting basement windows or for protecting windows in warehouses as they provide visual deterrence as well as providing barrier security. Scissor gates, like those manufactured by Xpanda provide a visual barrier after hours during the day leaving an unobstructed view. A visual display of security is very useful when planning a security system for low risk situations as opportunistic thieves can be easily persuaded to move elsewhere by carefully planned barrier security.
As risk increases the security system becomes layered so that thieves are forced to spend valuable time after detection but before penetrating the barrier security to get to the reward. The devil is in the detail and the effectiveness of your security system is much more than the sum total of the alarm system, burglar bars and other devices in the security barrier. A good security system does not come cheap but value for your money is still paramount. Asking these questions will make the process a lot easier.
Ask for references. Were jobs on time and on budget and did the contractor follow through on their promises?
Ask for a copy of the company’s insurance coverage, are they covered for fail to perform?
Ask if the company uses sub contractors and are they and employees checked for criminal records?
Planning and designing an effective security system is a much art as science, but more than anything else involves common sense and while there is temptation to rely on high technology my observations have been the opposite. The best system is simple and relies heavily on barrier security with electronic systems as back up.
