Terrorism is not the only threat to port security in the modern age. Encroachment by any number of people is becoming a more frequent problem for port sites around the world. Thousands of unauthorised incursions happen every year, whether for criminal purposes or just someone looking for a shortcut home. This is why you need to make sure that your security fencing is up to the job.
Fencing is the most used method of securing a port perimeter as it provides a physical barrier and provides security patrols with clear visibility. Still, it is the fencing you use up to scratch?
Your security fencing needs to do this as a minimum
Port security fencing needs to support detection, surveillance and assessment of potential security threats in conjunction with other security measures such as CCTV and intrusion detection technology.
Other measures that will deter an intruder
Fencing should go a long way to deterring the casual intruder from entering the area by making it difficult and time-consuming to breach the perimeter, which could include the addition of barbed or razor wire on top.
The height and type of the fencing will also need to be considered, with a higher fence more likely to deter a potential intruder due to the amount of time and risk associated with scaling it. Certain types of fencing, such as LPS1175 approved fencing, will give a delay against a particular set of tools. This should be decided by the type of threat considered to your port.
Ensure that the bottom of the fence is buried into the ground, as this will help prevent breaches where intruders crawl under the fence to gain entry.
If possible, eliminate handholds, such as omitting a top rail, which will make the fence much more difficult to climb, or putting the fence too close to other climbing aids such as lamp posts, telegraph poles and other street furniture.
The bottom line
A site is only as secure as its perimeter, and if your security fencing is not up to the job, then you could see a sharp increase in unauthorised access to your port site. Furthermore, more intruders mean more potential for further problems down the line, such as an increase in your insurance costs, additional security patrols and a rise in criminal activity.
Looking for fencing to secure your port? Contact Zaun for details.
