Security is about protecting assets. Warehouses, by nature, offer rich pickings to ad-hoc criminals and organised gangs alike. Distribution centres may have hundreds of TVs, laptops, iPads and other goods generally sought after by thieves.
Other warehouses may contain tools, car parts and toys. All of these items are a source of income for criminals. That’s not to mention, warehouse workers stealing goods from under the noses of their bosses.
In this blog, we take a quickfire look at how to improve warehouse security in five easy steps.
They are:
Table of contents
- Have a security checklist
- Reduce the costs of security with remote monitoring
- Improve the first layer of defence with perimeter detection systems
- Make sure you have an effective CCTV system installed (internal and external)
- Use access control systems to manage access and track staff whereabouts
- Key fob door entry
- Intercoms
Looking for a security system for your warehouse?
CCTV, remote moniroting, access control and intruder detection.
Have a security checklist
Security is the responsibility of the business owner. However, everyone can play their part. We always recommend having a daily security checklist.
Have you locked all windows? Even the ones in the toilets?
Have you locked the doors and set the alarm?
Is there a designated keyholder?
What happens when they are on holiday?
Does somebody regularly check the perimeter fence? Any easy access points through rusting fence wire?
Looking for ideas? You can get some by reading our business security checklist.
Reduce the costs of security with remote monitoring
Many warehouses employ physical guards who cost a lot of money in salaries.
Remote monitoring enables businesses to have their cameras viewed remotely by a team of security professionals.
When an alert is triggered, your off-site CCTV monitoring team views the live footage and performs the role of a security guard.
They can contact the authorities or even communicate (warn) the intruder via Tannoy that they have been spotted.
Looking to find out more about CCTV monitoring?
Why not read these blogs?
Improve the first layer of defence with perimeter detection systems
A site’s perimeter is the first layer of defence.
Security lighting often helps to warn off would-be intruders. This is fine, but only serves one purpose- a deterrent. Criminals are smart, they know they have time.
Safeguard Systems has designed and installed many perimeter protection and detection systems at a range of sites in the UK.
Here are a few systems that can boost a site’s perimeter protection.
CCTV
Cameras monitoring the perimeter should help spot threats and deter criminals. For this setting, PTZ, thermal and long range turret cameras are suitable choices.
For more information and insights, read our article covering the different types of CCTV cameras for warehouses.
ANPR
These number plate recognition cameras can be installed to track the number plates of vehicles approaching the perimeter. If the system logs the same plate late at night several times, this could mean you have someone scoping the premises.
Beams and sensors
Just like in Mission Impossible, beams can be set to trigger and alert when the path of the beam is broken.
Make sure you have an effective CCTV system installed (internal and external)
You would be surprised to learn that not all warehouses have CCTV. The bare minimum is having alarms, as it is a requirement by insurers.
External cameras can and will deter criminals.
Internal cameras can deter employee theft, keep staff safe, and spot incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Looking into CCTV for your warehouse?
Here are a couple of blogs to help improve your knowledge:
- The best surveillance camera systems for warehouses
- The different types of CCTV camera systems for businesses
Use access control systems to manage access and track staff whereabouts
Here we will look at two types of access control.
- Key fob door entry
- Intercoms
Key fob door entry
These door entry systems help to manage access effectively in, out, and around the site.
Staff can be provided access to the areas they work in. Access can be restricted, to areas they don’t have or where sensitive information, hazardous areas, or cash needs protecting.
Intercoms
Video intercom can screen guests and visitors giving reception staff peace of mind.
Furthermore, audio intercoms can be used to grant access internally to sensitive areas of the site where access is generally restricted.
If you would like to brush up on your access control knowledge here are a couple of blogs for you:
- Access control system advantages and benefits
- Are key fob entry systems the best form of access control?
Looking for a security system for your warehouse?
Talk to an expert today about your requirements.
