Perimeter security as part of a business security system or home security solution is an integral part of an effective means to keep criminals out and those inside safe.

It refers to protecting the boundaries of a property, which is important because the majority of threats to a home or business come from the outside.

If you protect the perimeter and investigate suspicious activity that occurs here before it becomes more serious you’ll have a more secure premises, says Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s Group Head of Marketing and Communications.

She explains that the key reason perimeter security is so beneficial is that it informs the relevant responders immediately when anything suspicious, unusual or unexpected occurs, allowing them to react in advance of an intruder being able to reach a residence, garage, warehouse or parking area.

“The first principle of better home or business security is to make your premises less of a target. This means looking at things like upgrading your perimeter, good sensor lighting and an electric fence, outdoor beams and alarm that are connected to a reputable armed response company.”

To understand the best ways to improve perimeter security, it’s important to understand what challenges exist.

Hattingh advises doing a physical walk-around of the perimeter, preferably with a security specialist, to identify any vulnerable spots in the current set-up.

These could be rusted and weakened palisading and locks or overgrown foliage interfering with electric fencing or obscuring the CCTV surveillance installation. Look for other areas criminals may use as entry points, such as low walls, tree branches or a wall that offers a foothold.

“With all of these potential entry points, there is a lot to protect, secure and watch over. To maintain effective perimeter protection without proper systems in place as part of an overall security solution, can be very challenging, especially if your property is large with several entry points.

“There is a limit to what you can see. If there are unlit areas or areas that lack effective lighting, criminals can use these to hide. The same is true for trees, bushes and other obstructions.

“If a criminal can avoid being spotted in one of these areas, they could have enough time to break through your fence or jump the wall or hide and attack someone who can’t see them until it’s too late.”

Hattingh elaborates that perimeter security can operate as a stand-alone alarm system or as part of a wider network of protection. This means it can be connected to a CCTV surveillance system, an alarm system on buildings and entry gates or environmental alarms, such as fire and smoke detectors.

“Today, advanced and contemporary perimeter security systems are easily deployable, utilise remote and solar-powered battery power and provide real-time alerts to any remote device, and can cover any scope of land by placing units in strategic positions.

“This functionality means that perimeter security devices can be used in any area or space without needing a mains power connection to operate, which is great in South Africa with our electricity crisis,” Hattingh says.

“There are many different ways to improve perimeter security. If you choose the right round-the-clock security surveillance systems and implement them correctly, the result will be significantly increased safety and security.”

Types of perimeter security systems

• Surveillance cameras
• Access control systems
• Electric fencing
• Motion sensors
• Perimeter lighting
• Alarm system
• Fence intrusion system
• Vibration detection sensor

“Taking a comprehensive look at your overall perimeter alarm system is the key to improving it. Rather than attempting to use different strategies in different areas or to ‘fill in gaps’ where security isn’t adequate, it’s better to look at the overall picture,” Hattingh says.

She concludes by reminding home and business owners about remote security systems.

“These are fully customisable, allowing homeowners to set the rules, scenarios and schedules to automate features to their needs and lifestyle. You can keep adding components to your remote security system to suit your growing requirements or changes in the home. All you need is a smartphone, computer or tablet and the wireless controls take care of the rest.”