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Perimeter Security - Your First Line Of Protection :: 03/08/2009

Selecting the right security solution is critical to protecting your facility. But let's face it; you'd rather not ever have to test the system. The following is a list of crime prevention strategies designed to help make your building and grounds less attractive to criminals, and therefore less vulnerable to crime, theft and vandalism.

Around your building
-Avoid blind spots provided by doorways, fences, support buildings and landscaping.

-Place mechanical or electrical devices, such as meters, transformers, etc., in lockable recessed vaults or within the building.

-Limit roof and upper-floor access. Items to consider: drainpipes, window frames, storage units, decorative ledges, dumpsters, vehicles and walkway covers.

Landscaping

-Keep trees at least 10 feet from buildings to prevent window and roof access.

-Trim trees to increase visibility, keeping lower limbs eight to nine feet above ground.

-Limit shrubs to low ground cover and group plants together. Hedging along walks helps to channel pedestrian traffic.

Fencing and Gates

-Except for special areas such as utility locations and parking lots, use fencing and gates with discretion.

-Use chain-link fencing to maintain visibility.

-Surround all construction near facilities with high fences and secured gates.

-Top chain-linked fencing adjacent to buildings with barbed wire.

-Secure all gates with heavy-duty padlocks.

Exterior Lighting

-Place wall-mounted or freestanding lights 12-14 ft. above the ground.

-Direct lighting at the facility if the building is patrolled from the exterior.

-Light the area around the facility if the buildings are patrolled from within.

-Use effective lighting at all entries.