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In this article, we cover a range of warehouse protection systems. Warehouses are vulnerable to criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and arson. These crimes can result in significant losses and damage to a business’s reputation, leading to financial and operational setbacks. 

As a result, it is crucial to implement effective warehouse protection measures to detect and deter criminal activity. In this article, we will explore five ways to protect warehouses from crime.

You can read this article in full or navigate to a section of interest via the table of contents, below.

Looking for an effective warehouse protection solution?

Find out more about our specialist warehouse security systems and solutions. 

Table of contents

The importance of warehouse protection systems

As mentioned at the start of this article, warehouses need protection against a range of threats. An effective, well-designed warehouse protection system can be deployed to deter thieves, detect employee theft, and ensure the smooth running of the operation.

Later in this article, we offer a detailed overview of each system

Specialist warehouse CCTV monitoring systems act as a robust deterrent, and when coupled with advanced detection solutions, can be deployed to catch criminals in the act. Furthermore, perimeter security systems act as the first line of defence against a range of threats such as theft and vandalism.

Lastly, access control systems can prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining entry to a site. These systems include intercoms, gate automation and ANPR cameras.

In the next sections of this article on the different types of warehouse protection systems, we focus on the main threats these businesses face.

What are the security threats warehouses face?

Warehouses are often targeted by criminals because they store valuable goods and equipment. Criminal threats that warehouses may face include:

  • Commercial burglary
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Arson
  • Employee theft
  • Unauthorised access
  • Accidents

We offer a snapshot of each below, or alternatively, for a  more detailed analysis, read our article covering the different types of warehouse threats and risks.

First up, we look at how warehouses are at risk of commercial burglary.

Commercial burglary 

Commercial burglary is one of the most common crimes that warehouses face. This threat can fall under two distinct categories – ad hoc and organised.

Opportunistic criminals may spot a weak spot in a site’s perimeter, and look to steal goods, and inventory. On the other hand, organised criminals may spend weeks planning a robbery at sites that hold valuable items such as laptops, iPhones, and other electronic items.

Example of warehouse burglary:

Vandalism & damage to property 

Vandalism often occurs when individuals break into a site and damage property. This can come in the form of graffiti, damage to trucks and vans, and smashed windows.

Often, vandalism is more of a nuisance than a significant security threat. Typically, it’s carried out by drunk youths and careless individuals. That said, when trucks, lorries and delivery vehicles are damaged, it can disrupt operations causing financial loss and strained client relationships.

Theft – external and employee theft

Theft is another common crime, where goods or equipment are stolen by employees or outsiders. There is a lot of overlap between theft and burglary and the above section on commercial burglary covers this adequately.

Warehouses and logistics centres are often susceptible to employee theft. Thieves often look to steal boxes of disposable vapes, iPhones, and other items that are easily accessible when no-one is looking.

If you are concerned about internal theft and are looking for an effective solution to catch thieves in the act, read our article covering covert CCTV cameras.

Example of the impact of theft from warehouses:

Arson and fires

Arson and fires are key security threats to many commercial premises. Whilst arson covers setting fire to property deliberately,  accidental fires can occur too.

When it comes to arson, disgruntled ex-employees, and psychologically-impaired pyromaniacs are often the culprits. Arson is a significant threat, not only to operations but to the safety of staff and warehouse operatives.

Unauthorised access

For warehouses, unauthorised access presents a significant security risk.

Firstly, external visitors entering the warehouse and site pose a threat to health and safety. Secondly, poor access control protocols leave the warehouse open to theft.

Unauthorised access presents ad number of threats including:

  • Risk to health and safety
  • Theft
  • Assault and sex offences

In the last section of our overview of the security risks warehouses face, we look at accidents and how they impact operations.

Accidents

Warehouses need to keep staff and visitors safe. Accidents can be caused by wet floors, forklift truck operators not complying with H&S protocols, and falling boxes of goods.

Accidents in the warehouse can cause a range of issues. This can include personal injury, operational disruptions and as the article below mentions, significant financial loss.

Article highlighting the importance of good warehouse safety protocols:

What are the five key warehouse protection systems & solutions?

In this section of this guide to warehouse protection, we look at five systems you can deploy to detect and deter crime. We offer a quick overview of each and the security risks they help to mitigate.

Furthermore, we’ve also included links to other relevant articles and services we offer to our warehouse customers. 

In this section, we cover:

  • CCTV & surveillance cameras 
  • Access control
  • Perimeter protection & detection 
  • Security alarms
  • Creating a warehouse security checklist

Let’s get started with this section of our short guide to warehouse protection. 

CCTV cameras

CCTV cameras are one of the most effective security measures to protect warehouses from criminal activities. Well-designed surveillance systems serve to deter criminals from committing crimes.

Additionally, CCTV cameras provide evidence of criminal activities, which can be used to identify and prosecute offenders. 

When it comes to warehouse protection, there is a range of CCTV cameras on offer: They include:

  • Dome and bullet cameras. These CCTV cameras are fixed devices that are mounted on walls or ceilings. Together, They provide a wide-angle view of the warehouse and are ideal for monitoring large areas.
  • PTZ cameras. These advanced surveillance cameras can move in different directions to capture specific areas of interest. If an intruder is spotted, a security operative can zoom in on the target, and track their whereabouts in real time.  
  • Thermal and infrared cameras. Using heat signatures to detect motion, thermal and infrared cameras should be deployed to monitor the warehouse at night or in low-light conditions.

What security threats do CCTV cameras tackle?

CCTV cameras serve to detect and deter a range of threats including:

  • Internal & external theft
  • Break-ins and burglary
  • Arson
  • Vandalism

Related reading

Access control systems

Access control systems are another important warehouse protection and security measure. These security solutions help control who enters and exits the warehouse and will prevent unauthorised access. 

Access control systems include:

  • Key fob and swipe card entry systems. These popular door entry systems are easy-to-deploy and are used and provide a secure way of granting access to authorised individuals. Additionally, they are used to restrict access to other areas of the site for crime prevention as well as  health and safety purposes
  • Intercoms. Video and audio Intercom systems are a valuable security measure as they allow visitors to communicate with staff before being granted access to the site
  • Gate automation & ANPR cameras. To secure access to a site, ANPR cameras are deployed to manage and grant entry for authorised vehicles. On the other hand, gate automation systems are used to massage the flow of staff, visitors and deliveries in a secure manner.

How do access control systems help with warehouse protection?

Access control systems protect warehouses from a range of key threats including:

  • Theft
  • Unauthorised access
  • Accidents 

Related reading:

Perimeter security & protection

Another type of warehouse protection system is perimeter security. These advanced security measures protect warehouses from a range of criminal activities. 

When it comes to protecting warehouses and securing assets perimeter security falls under two categories:

  • Physical security 
  • Electronic security 

Physical warehouse protection & security

This type of security covers creating a physical barrier around the warehouse to prevent unauthorised individuals from accessing the premises. Physical security includes fencing and barriers, along with security personnel and guards. 

Related reading

Perimeter security & protection systems

Electronic perimeter security 

Surveillance cameras, coupled with PIR detectors for part of an effective warehouse protection system.

Furthermore, long range bullet cameras, and thermal surveillance devices integrated with AI-driven human detection solutions help detect the presence of intruders. 

Security lighting is deployed to aid detection and is deployed to startle an intruder with the objective of minimising the likelihood of them carrying out their crimes.

Lastly, remote CCTV monitoring systems are used to reduce security costs and reliance on physical guards. Additionally, these advanced systems are deployed to improve threat detection and apprehend intruders. 

How do perimeter security systems improve warehouse protection?

As a result of deploying an effective perimeter security systems, warehouse operators and owners can detect, deter and deal with:

  • Theft
  • Break-ins
  • Unauthorised access
  • Burglary 

A site’s perimeter is its first line of defence. By securing it, you will improve warehouse protection, and reduce the potential impact of crime.

Looking to learn more about perimeter security? 

Read our guide covering the different types of perimeter security today!

Installing alarm systems

Commercial alarm systems are an effective way of alerting security personnel and law enforcement of criminal activity. For those looking to improve warehouse protection, they can be set up to notify authorities in the event of a break-in. 

As a result, this allows warehouse security personnel to respond quickly and prevent further damage or losses. Alarms systems can be deployed to:

  • Detect intruders at the site’s perimeter
  • Deter thieves from attempting to break into the building and the warehouse 
  • Reduce the cost of insurance  

Alarms are often considered the backbone of a business’ security function. When coupled with a CCTV system, they are the perfect deterrent to a range of threats.

Related reading

If you are considering your warehouse protection options, and feel an alarm system would be a good choice, follow the link below.

What security threats do intruder alarm systems deal with?

Intruder alarms help to deal with a range of threats including:

  • Theft & break ins
  • Commercial burglary

As mentioned several times in this guide to warehouse protection, theft and burglary create operational headaches, increase insurance costs, and cause financial loss to the business. 

Creating a warehouse security checklist

Creating a security checklist for your warehouse is crucial to identifying potential threats, risks, and weaknesses.

This security measure ensures all safety measures function correctly and will improve warehouse protection. Additionally, security checklists ensure employees are following security protocols at all times.

Regular assessments can also help to identify new security threats and improve existing security measures. It is essential to train employees on security protocols to ensure they are aware of the risks associated with criminal activities.

Warehouse protection systems – article summary

To summarise, warehouses are vulnerable to criminal activities, and it is crucial to implement effective security measures to protect them. 

CCTV cameras, access control systems, perimeter protection, alarm systems, and regular inventory checks and security assessments are all essential components of a comprehensive security plan. 

By using these security measures, you will improve warehouse security and provide a safe and secure environment for employees. Furthermore, you will protect valuable assets from criminal activity. 

Looking to protect your warehouse?

Talk to one of our specialists today by calling 0800 689 1835.