Security fencing is a very effective way of keeping intruders out and protecting sensitive sites. However, for it to be effective, you need to choose the right fencing. Here are four things you need to consider when you’re choosing security fencing.
Visibility – Can you see through it?
If you can’t see through your security fencing, it could end up providing an intruder with a convenient hiding place. Thieves love fences like this because they can hide in the blind spots without being seen while they work out how to scale the fence and overcome any other security systems you have. Although, this can be a common issue with palisade fencing; if the CCTV camera is angled down the fence line, it can become difficult to see through. Therefore, it is recommended that welded or woven mesh fencing is used for this reason alone. Additionally, cameras may be needed to be installed at a higher range to ensure they can see and detect outside the perimeter; however, there is legislation that you need to be aware of when recording public pathways.
If you want to block visibility from the outside, there are several options available;
- High-security privacy louvres, which can be installed vertically or horizontally to prevent visibility but maintaining airflow
- Privacy screens, which can be woven within the apertures of the mesh, but an upgrade to the post may be required for wind loading.
- Printed or non-printed metal sheets, which provides a fully secure area
- Printed fence scrim can be branded and added to the fence line to reduce visibility and maintain airflow.
But if your main concern is keeping people out, you should look for security fencing that doesn’t offer potential hiding spots for intruders.
Is it easily scalable?
Security fencing should be hard for an intruder to bypass. No security measure is perfect; a sufficiently determined intruder will always be able to find a way in. But if your security fencing can be easily defeated by simply climbing over it, it isn’t going to do you much good at all. It is important to ensure there are no climbing aids around the perimeter that may assist the assailant, such as lamp posts, trees, communications boxes etc.
What is it protecting?
Security fencing is used in a wide range of different contexts. For example, it is routinely used as part of construction site security, port security, and to secure other sensitive worksites. It is also used for major events like the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.
When deciding which security fencing best suits your needs, you need to consider what the fence is protecting and what purpose it is intended to serve. Security fencing is usually paired with other security measures to protect sensitive sites. Therefore, the fencing you choose should work alongside any other measures you intend to take.
Could a determined intruder tunnel under it?
Depending on the site, it may be necessary to bury part of the fence. Usually, 300mm with a concrete cill or backfilled to stop intruders from tunnelling under it. We don’t necessarily mean a tunnel hidden deep underground; if there’s no reinforcement beneath the fencing, an intruder only needs to dig a shallow pit to make their way under a fence.
With all that in mind, choosing the right security fencing should be relatively straightforward. Having the right fencing in place is essential if it’s to be effective.
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