Intruder Security by Kelly Barnes, Senior Intelligence Analyst, DeterTech
Financial losses resulting from unwanted and unauthorised site intrusion are a reality for every sector that relies on remote infrastructure or assets. The response must be a targeted investment in proven methods for intrusion deterrence and detection.
However, this cannot be approached in a piecemeal fashion. Before even thinking about solutions, it is vital to assess the risks themselves. Where are they greatest? How are they evolving? And how can they best be eradicated?
Current Crime Trends – Targets & Methods
At DeterTech we operate a crime intelligence database for the police and critical infrastructure companies, tracking developments in crime trends across the UK. Our data on the volume and types of incidents reported to our Crime Intelligence function provides useful initial insights that can help security professionals to make informed decisions on how to best allocate the available resources.
Of particular importance is the fluctuating price of copper. Earlier this year, copper was priced at over $10,000/tonne which was the highest it had been in over 2 years. As the price of scrap copper increases, so does the potential reward that offenders will get for their stolen cable This has driven up the rate of theft of copper and cable, as offenders have become aware of the higher rewards that they can reap from stealing such items.
There have been some very serious and organised thefts of cable that have impacted critical infrastructure over the past couple of months, and in some offences, more than 1km of cable has been stolen. Whilst the cost to replace the cable can be significant, it is both the cost of the disruption to services to the local community as well as the potential harm that can be caused by unsafe cable that is more worrying. However, it is hoped that some significant recent arrests will help to curb the level of offending, particularly whilst the scrap price of copper is projected to remain high.
The scrap price of lead has also been increasing in recent months. Offenders who target lead can vary from the local offenders to the highly organised and it is feared that as the price of lead increases, more organised criminality will be attracted to this crime type. Churches, schools and other buildings should remain vigilant to anyone trespassing on their property, particularly at night time, and should not leave any ladders or scaffolding nearby as this will aid offenders to gain access to the roof. Also, forensically marking lead and displaying highly visible deterrent signage around the property are some of the security measures that should be considered to deter this type of criminality.
Turning to the construction industry, we have also noted a high level of reported fuel thefts in recent months; this is generally a seasonal trend over winter months and 2023 to 2024 has been no exception. Thefts from plant and machinery, fuel bowsers and generators remain common, where offenders have been known to siphon over 1000l of fuel in a matter of minutes.
Furthermore, survey equipment is a category that deserves its own dedicated security protocols as it is being very deliberately targeted as a highly portable asset that commands a high price on the black market. Ideally, survey equipment would never be left unattended while in use on site, would never be left on open display in transit and would only ever be stored in a discreet and secure location. Access should be closely audited and limited only to those with legitimate reasons for requiring it.
Finally, it should not be assumed that all thefts are being instigated out-of-hours. In fact, offenders are frequently targeting sites in the middle of the day, wearing high-vis jackets and other PPE to blend in and appear legitimate. A fluorescent jacket sadly functions as the ultimate camouflage on a construction site. Staff must be consistently trained to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious.
The Importance of Deterrence and Detection
There are a whole range of measures that can and should be taken before the best forms of intruder deterrence and detection can even be determined. There is no one silver bullet security measure as each individual site carries its own inherent vulnerabilities and risks.
For example, a small temporary site in a busy city centre will likely benefit from the nearby presence of local authority CCTV and higher footfall, making it harder for criminals to linger in the vicinity without it immediately looking suspicious. Plus, police will likely be able to respond quickly when called. However, the site’s compact size and the need not to disrupt the public may throw up limitations in terms of the physical barriers and other security solutions that can be deployed in such a small area.
Meanwhile, a large remote site such as a solar farm may be more at risk of a severe night-time raid, with criminals able to covertly stake out possible access points to the site during the day before returning under the cover of darkness.
Organisations are therefore advised to work with an end-to-end security provider to audit each site and develop a bespoke security plan specific to the identified risks at each location. Though every site is different, here is a breakdown of deterrent and detection-based methodologies and technologies that should feature in an organisation’s site security strategy.
Incident Reporting & Monitoring
Some organised crime gangs are predictable in their behaviour, and we often witness a successful MO repeated consistently until others in the industry get wise to it. Keeping an ear to the ground for incidents at sites like you, or in your immediate vicinity, is therefore highly beneficial in refining your strategy. Formally reporting all incidents also helps police and industry to get wise to vulnerabilities faster, which benefits everybody.
For example, last year Operation Dastardly, led by Lincolnshire Police, successfully resulted in the prosecution of a trio of thieves who were charged with 47 church lead theft offences across 10 counties. A list of the churches most likely to be targeted next could be established with a reasonable degree of certainty simply by considering their similarity to previous targets and their geographic location.
Physical deterrents & Controlled Access
Think like a criminal and take the time to identify the most likely intrusion points to your site, both on foot and by vehicle. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to definitively close off every point of access. However, simply by making life more difficult, you’ll increase the odds of thieves moving on to what they consider an easier target. Plus, you’ll know where to prioritise the deployment of more advanced intruder detection.
Visually Verified Alarm Systems
Perhaps the single most vital part of the plan is the obvious presence of visually verified alarm systems, remotely monitored by SIA licenced operatives in a BSI-approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). These can be implemented either in place of or to complement manned guarding to protect your site from every angle.
Think about the units you’ve seen on other sites over several years that are already rightfully avoided by criminals, as these will have the highest deterrent value. Place them prominently along the perimeter and close to fuel bowsers, machinery and equipment stores for optimal impact.
Forensic Marking & Trackers
Forensic marking and trackers further deter theft and enhance the ability of the police to convict criminals and trace stolen items back to their original owners. SmartWater, in particular, is the only Secured by Design certified product with a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases, meaning it is widely feared by the criminal fraternity. Rogue scrap dealers know it is highly risky to accept stolen property that can be easily traced back to the scene of the crime. It therefore disincentivises the theft of equipment and materials that are known to be more difficult and dangerous to sell.
Prominent Signage
Finally, whatever combination of solutions is used, leave individuals in no doubt that intruder detection systems are in place and that offenders will be prosecuted. The best intruder detection systems are preceded by their reputation, such that their deterrent value alone wards off incidents.
In summary, there is no single answer to achieving comprehensive site security. Rather, a layered approach should be relied upon that builds prediction, deterrence and detection into one holistic plan.
