Achieving the best protection with the limited resources that schools have available depends crucially on a realistic evaluation of risk, which may be considered under two main headings. Firstly, intrusions during school hours that threaten the safety of children, the most serious but thankfully least common risk. Secondly, intrusions outside school hours designed to inflict loss or damage. This is the most prevalent risk and its consequences range from minor theft or damage to serious losses of valuable equipment and, in extreme cases, the complete loss of the school through the actions of arsonists.
Each of these risks will be influenced by the school's location, physical design and condition; including local crime trends, the number of entrances, the presence or absence of a perimeter fence, and the relative ease of access to upper windows or the roof. These factors define the scale of the problem and highlight the need to address specific issues, so it is important that schools seek specialist advice from either police crime reduction officers or BSIA members. Here are just some of the ways you can protect your school:
Protection During School Hours
Control Access. It is always advisable to keep the number of entrances in use to a minimum. Keep external doors locked to prevent casual entry and consider installing devices such as push-button access control units for use by members of staff.
Manage Visitors. CCTV cameras and door release/intercom systems provide a useful and safe way to check visitors without the need to ‘open the door to them.' Never permit the removal of school property by repair personnel or others, without either an appointment or by confirming their authority. Do not use telephone numbers provided by the caller for the purpose of checking their bona fides - look it up yourself.
Protection Outside School Hours
Reduce Risk. Mark all valuable property and display signs showing that you have done so, both to deter theft and enable the return of stolen property that is subsequently recovered. Remember also to consider wider aspects of risk. Never leave refuse in an accessible location outside the school, for example. It is a common source of arson.
Deter and Impede Intrusion. Fit quality locks not only to doors but also to opening windows that are accessible from the ground or by climbing. Prevent access to climbing aids such as downpipes by using anti climb paint, or physical devices such as a ‘crown of thorns.' Consider also the use of mobile security patrols to visit the school on a random basis. This is a proven means of disrupting patterns of unwanted activity such as vandalism. It may be possible to share the cost of such services with other schools or businesses in the area.
Detect Intrusion. Fit an intruder alarm linked to an approved alarm receiving centre with priority access to the local police control room. Leading suppliers now provide systems that combine detection with audio-visual verification, enabling a timely response to intrusions and reducing the risk of false alarms. Audio verification, in particular, has proven extremely effective in the school environment. Police forces now demand some form of verification as part of their false alarm management policies. Seriously consider augmenting this protection by the use of CCTV cameras. Many systems can be monitored via a Remore Video Monitoring Centre. CCTV is a very well established deterrent to school burglary and vandalism, the advent of digital CCTV and video-over-IP protocols has revolutionised this capability.
In all these areas, professional advice is a key issue. Ensure you invest in quality security solutions from a reputable supplier. Details of BSIA members can be found at www.bsia.co.uk/companyfinder
The British Security Industry Association is the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK. Its 570 members provide over 70% of UK security products and services and adhere to strict quality standards. For more information see http://www.bsia.co.uk/, email info@bsia.co.uk or telephone 0845 389 3889.
