Unobtrusive Physical Security

The Layered Approach Following the boom in electronic security during the 1990s security specialists were quick to realise that the burgeoning choice of electronic security measures was not a complete solution to burglary, theft and vandalism. Sophisticated CCTV, alarm and remote monitoring systems were not effective against determined intruder entry and opportunist attack. Security managers were left, post event, with high quality footage of balaclava-clad individual’s breaking and entering premises, and leaving within a 3 to 5 minute time frame. Long before a local response could be placed on site and leaving an expensive clean up and repair operation. The ideal approach is a carefully considered combination of both electronic and physical products to suit individual applications. The primary objective of a tiered or layered system of security is to prevent or deter entry. Subsequent layers will trigger an external response and alarm, in turn collecting evidence. Whether these electronic layers are set up locally or via telemetry or on-line communication, the key is to prevent access in the first place. Sensitivity among contemporary town planners and surveyors is leading specifiers to consider more sympathetic approaches to physical security. Traditional solutions such as conventional steel rolling shutters, iron bars and rusty grilles are simply not acceptable in the 21st Century, and proposals are already under consideration to enshrine security within the Building Regulations.

Security You Can Live With

Theam Security core product in our Vistashield range is the revolutionary Security Shield window barrier that conforms to ‘Secured by Design’ and LPCB LPS1175 SR1. Security Shield offers complete protection against both intruder entry and vandalism without compromising the visual appearance of a building or elevation. Easily installed in front of existing fenestration, Security Shield is a perforated membrane of steel built into an architecturally designed aluminium frame, which is virtually imperceptible from a short distance.

Viewed externally, Security Shield gives the appearance of tinted glass, and from inside is barely noticeable, an effective alternative to dated products such as steel bars and shutters, which promote an institutional feeling to those within. Security Shield is particularly suited to local authority applications and public buildings, and is widely specified within the educational arena.

Many schools have embraced the benefit of installing Security Shield, not only to protect valuable items such as computers, musical and sports equipment, but also to deter and prevent vandalism. The price of a single installation of Security Shield can more than offset the cumulative costs of an incident of vandalism, which may not only require window re-glazing, but also the cleaning operation associated with broken glass, and operational down-time while this is carried out.

Before

After

Case Study 1 – Ashmore Park Community Centre

Theam Security was approached to secure the windows of a community centre in Wolverhampton, which was vulnerable to burglary and vandalism, the building was in a poor state of repair and funds for refurbishment and security limited. Theam Security’s solution of Vista Shields over the windows proved an effective result. The local residents were surprised, when they took a closer look, to see that the new screens instead of new windows, which they thought would be vandalised immediately. Everyone was impressed how the Vista Shields had improved the buildings appearance without losing light.

Theam Security Ltd. managing director Bob Meath is passionate about this new approach to physical security: “We believe our duty is primarily to educate people about sympathetic physical security. People still worry that effective security means barricading themselves behind an iron curtain. This simply isn’t the case. Whilst most security companies offer only one type of product, which may not suit every application, Theam can tailor specific products to specific threats in a professional, objective and unbiased way." Bob believes that one day all buildings will be secured using this architecturally sympathetic approach