The physical nature of security is all about deterring the potential intruder from gaining access to your property. As a first line of defense against an intruder or unwanted individual or individuals, it is highly important. You will aim to maximise the preventions of physical access to or theft from belongings or property.
This can be as simple as having secure locks on all of your outside facing doors/windows to security screens or high security gates. Advisors on security have previously used materials that are not so suitable such as wood for window boarding. It may be a cheaper option, but in the long run it will degrade quicker and be easier to penetrate after a while.
There are several layers or tiers of physical security that you should be considering when reviewing your home security. They could include things like obstacles that are designed to delay intruders breaking into your property, alarm systems, external lighting or CCTV. Two main layers of physical security are:
- Environmental Design
- Mechanical Security
Environmental Design
Environmental design is the initial layer of physical security for a property and is generally more for commercial properties but could be employed in a residential dwelling. These can include deterrents such as barbed wire, spikes installed on top of walls, concrete barriers, metal barriers and warning signs. Concrete barriers by definition are insurpassable, but need a professional organisation to advise on the installation and eventual removal.
Mechanical Security
This layer is concerned with mechanical aspects of security. These include security doors, gates, locks, windows. Approved access through a gate or a door can be via a metal key or an electronic key or digital keycard. In a large establishment, door access can be managed easier with use of an electronic key rather than keeping track of keys. Another area gaining interest in the realm of physical security is biometric access control, such as thumb print readers.