Perimeter protection: a multi-layered approach

Perimeter protection has been a thing for nearly 1000 years; think castle walls, moats and drawbridges.

Throughout history, a perimeter has defined a property’s boundary and it has traditionally been the first line of defence against attackers and trespassers.

Where the threat of attack from adversaries has lessened in our modern world, the requirement for security solutions still remains as significant as it was way back when.

In 2021, domestic burglary increased by 16% (Home Office) and according to the Office of National Statistics, in the year ending March 2022, approximately 441,000 domestic burglary offences were recorded. Shockingly, only 7% of those burglaries ended in prosecution.

This indicates a very real threat to people, their homes, businesses and belongings – and a true need for comprehensive security solutions.

Breaking away from tradition

The development of present-day intruder alarms has seen a noticeable shift from those historic perimeter solutions to internal property security; and while protecting a building internally is essential, it relies on an intruder being inside or attempting to get inside before an alarm is triggered.

With this traditional intruder alarm setup, property owners are trusting the walls of their property to act as a first line of defence, when, really, these should be the very last. Relying on internal intruder alarm systems alone has the potential to leave people and buildings vulnerable; for one, it leaves outbuildings, sheds and their contents unsecure. It can also give trespassers opportunity to plan an intrusion as they are able to get close and monitor a building without being detected, and this close proximity could allow the intruder to sabotage alarm equipment.

Modern perimeter defence solutions use cutting-edge, sensor-based technology to deter and protect from threat of intrusion and provide real-time information to property owners, so they’re able to take action before any harm can be done.

A multi-layered approach

The key to an effective solution, though, is the creation of a multi-layered approach that encompasses both internal and external security products. Successful perimeter security solutions tend to integrate a combination of physical barriers, detection technologies and video surveillance; each layer brings its own unique protection to the solution.

In many homes, perimeter protection only goes as far as a fence around the property boundary. While this can delay an intruder’s entry into a property, unless the fence is in some way alarmed, there is no way for the owner to know if a perimeter has been breached. Physical barriers around the perimeter are great tool for displaying the boundary of a property and creating privacy, however, unless paired with other solutions, it is not enough to act as protection.

This is where a multi-layered approach comes in. Positioning outdoor devices around a property’s perimeter covers more vantage points, which can effectively remove blind spots in security cover. Driveways, front gardens, back gardens, entrances, gates, fences, outbuildings and much more can be successfully covered, while providing added functions and value to both the system and the user.

Home control and automation

At the core of a multi-layered approach is the control panel. Our award-winning professional alarm systems can cater for any security requirement, from small-residential to large-commercial properties.

The Enforcer V11 is our all-in-one two-way wireless Grade 2 control panel, ideal for any residential or small-commercial use. It’s our most advanced system released to date and delivers real added value with every installation; security, automation and video that can be tailored, controlled, scheduled and delivered for any user preferences.

The system provides complete installation flexibility, with wireless and hybrid capability to provide a solution that works for your customers. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi built onboard enables quick connection to the customers’ existing router, while app-connectivity enables them to control and manage the system from one simple-to-use interface.

Our AndroidTablet can be mounted or mobile and allows users to control security settings and action keypad functions of the Enforcer V11, as well as view connected cameras, control home automation devices and take proactive action via our HomeControlHUB app, while also providing the ability to surf the web and download apps. The interface smoothly combines with the Enforcer V11 system to control security, automation and video.

We recommend the use of our HomeControl2.0 app for system management outside of the home. It offers unparalleled control over home security, delivering features such as geofence arming and disarming alerts and enhanced biometric login. HomeControl2.0 allows the user to view up to 10 panel events and up to 50 app notification logs, keeping them constantly up to date with their home security.

Both HomeControlHUB and HomeControl2.0 are compatible with our SmartPlug. The SmartPlug enables on/off control of devices within the home, along with the ability to create scenes and automations to match user preferences. It can also be linked with other perimeter security devices to switch lamps on and other functions as they are triggered to match user preferences.

Detectors

Most modern external detection solutions have been developed to take into account the challenges of outdoor environments. They’re able to continue to operate in sudden changes in temperature and weather, and can even ‘ignore’ moving pets and animals in favour of the movement of a potential intruder.

One such product is our XD12TT-WE. It’s our two-way wireless outdoor detector (IP55 rating), which is easy, flexible and non-invasive to install, as there’s no need to dig up the garden or drill through walls to set-up. The real genius of this product is that it can be adapted to suit coverage. Each lens can be restricted with inserts to adapt coverage area. For example, if the property is close to a main road or path with footfall, it can be adapted to reduce any false alarms.

Meanwhile its anti-sway analytics feature protects against false alarms in environments with windy conditions and swaying vegetation; distinguishing between the movement of trees and plants from the movements of an intruder.

The device offers a whole host of other features that make it ideally suited for outdoor protection, including Dual-Vision Pet Immune and Tri-Signal Detection Logic. It can be purchased in three different frequency bands to avoid cross-talk, allowing for two or more devices to be fitted in close proximity. With a fixed bracket, two sensors can be fitted back-to-back to deliver 24m range with 180 volumetric coverage; which is ideal for along fences and in narrow areas.

Contacts

With outdoor detector technology becoming much more reliable in recent years there are now more products on the market than ever, particularly given wireless installations have also become common place – allowing detectors to cover areas that previously would have been too difficult to reach. These developments have led to an increase in product options, with wireless and weatherproof outdoor contacts now available on the market with the purpose of monitoring the opening of gates and garage doors.

The MCEXTERNAL-WE outdoor magnetic contact, offers yet another layer of protection to the perimeter of properties by protecting gates, outbuildings and sheds. The IP66 rated device covers gaps up to 70mm and as soon as a gate is opened, the user is made aware via push notifications on our apps. What’s more, it can be linked to cameras for video verification, allowing you to create additional layers of protection to your security offering, with the user notified and able to then see what’s happening and take proactive action.

Double up on internal perimeter protection and add more layers of protection with the NanoShock (our Grade 2 accelerometer device with excellent wireless range and 2 years battery life) and the MCNANO-WE, which has been designed to fit inside uPVC frames to detect the opening of doors and windows. Both devices feature a conformally coated PCB, which ensures the stability and longevity of its electronic components in more changeable environments, for reliable protection.

Video surveillance

Outdoor cameras take the solution a step further again by enabling users to see exactly what’s happening in real-time and respond appropriately. In conjunction with physical barriers and detection technologies, video can be integrated with an alarm system to add yet another layer of protection to the overall security solution.

The LightCamera is an easy upsell on properties with existing outdoor lighting for this purpose.  It can be fitted as a standalone solution, or integrated within the Enforcer V11 system to not only illuminate the property and put intruders in the spotlight, but also provide active defence capabilities alongside voice push notifications, video verification and more. It is fitted with a 270 degree PIR sensor and provides every property with constant omnidirectional protection, whilst its 1080p Full-HD video provides clear and crisp images day and night, giving users the visual confirmation they need to take action.

Be prepared for dark nights

UKCrimeStats report that as daylight hours between summer and winter decrease by 64%, burglaries rise by 13% in areas across the UK.

So, don’t overlook the perimeter.

Be proactive, boost your product offering and upselling opportunities on maintenance visits by providing an effective first line of defence with increased awareness and security for your users.