Why university security needs to be taken seriously

folder_openSchools & Education, Security

Here at Zaun, we often provide security fencing to schools. This is because everybody knows that children need to be protected while they receive an education. In contrast, the importance of security in universities and other higher educational institutes is often overlooked simply because the students are young adults rather than children and do not seem vulnerable.

While it’s true that university students are older and much better equipped to cope with external threats than school pupils, we at Zaun believe that universities still need to protect them (and their staff) by investing in fencing and other security measures. In today’s blog, we’ll look at why security fencing and other basic security precautions are vital at universities.

1. Students are more easily exploited than other adult groups

Many university students are living away from their families for the first time. This makes them very tempting targets for criminals and abusers who may wish to exploit their lack of real-world experience. While universities obviously can’t protect students when they aren’t on campus, they can ensure that university buildings are safe, secure spaces that can’t be accessed by unauthorised personnel. Security fencing can be very effective at protecting university grounds from potential criminals. Some universities also use security gates or turnstiles, which staff and students can access using key cards. We recommend this additional precaution for universities located in urban areas with high crime rates.

2. Universities themselves may be targeted by terrorists

Universities aren’t just centres of education: they are places where new ideas flourish and vibrant political and ideological discourse occurs. As a result, some extremist groups see them as a challenge to their own doctrines and regard them as potential targets. As a result, universities (particularly well-known universities) need to take steps to protect themselves from terrorist attacks. Perimeter fencing and gates can help, as can a CCTV system that allows security personnel to spot suspicious behaviour.

3. Researchers and lecturers may require protection

The best universities in the country aren’t just educational facilities: they’re gathering places for the greatest minds in a wide range of academic disciplines. Unfortunately, these individuals sometimes have valuable expertise or knowledge that can be targeted by organised criminal groups. While this is rare, it should also be taken seriously. Simple security measures can help ensure that a university’s researchers, lecturers and professors are safe while they are on-site.

If you’re in charge of organising security for a university, don’t overlook any of the institute’s threats. Contact us today about creating a comprehensive and effective security solution that works for your university.

Looking for university security fencing? Contact Zaun today!

About Zaun

Zaun Limited is the sole remaining manufacturer of welded and woven mesh fencing systems that manufactures the entire system in the UK.  Zaun makes the mesh, fencing panels, posts, clamp bars and fixings at its state-of-the-art five-acre production facility in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands.  Products have been tested and approved by testing organisations including CPNI, LPCB and Secured by Design.

Zaun works very closely with all stakeholders within the business including employees, local, national and international suppliers and a long-established customer base of fencing contractors to design, manufacture and supply high-quality fencing systems, increasingly often providing expertise in integrating PIDs and other systems into holistic security solutions.

Zaun was founded in 1996 and remains a private company solely owned by co-founder Alastair Henman with a regional office in Dubai. They are certified to the ISO 9001 quality standard. It is also a member of the Perimeter Security Suppliers’ Association (PSSA), of which Alastair Henman is a director.

Zaun is a proud British manufacturer and founder member of the Made in Britain campaign, a key player in the UK fencing market and one of the fastest-growing companies in an increasingly competitive industry.

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