More physical security needed against rising gun crime, claims door manufacturer Strataform, based in Kidderminster.
Too many recent security budgets have been concentrated upon trendy electronic solutions at the expense of physical security products, it is claimed. Biometrics, alarm systems and CCTV all have their important roles to play, says Joe Hepple from Strataform, but with such a very sharp increase in gun crime, target-hardening has not kept pace with the disturbing rise in armed robberies.
What they say
Hepple says: “The 30 per cent year-on-year growth in gun crime in the UK should be enough to alert any security manager to the urgent need for proper protection. But all too often of late, the measures chosen to address this ugly trend have leaned too heavily towards the sophisticated, almost fashionable electronic side of the security market. Instead, what may have been more appropriate would have been an altogether more tangible approach: stronger doors, sturdier walls and tougher windows. Unfortunately, these somewhat understated products and systems don’t immediately present themselves as exciting, attractive propositions.”
Weapons firing
Hepple also states that architects, designers and security managers should be more aware of the fact that criminal gangs on the street of Britain have weapons firing rounds capable of penetrating 15mm of mild steel. Specifying the appropriate level of physical security such as doors therefore requires very careful consideration. In addition, Hepple points to the European standards for ballistic testing, which look for weaknesses in design, concentrating upon edges, corners, thresh and locks, and not just material thickness (as required by the previous test, BS: 5051). Categories of ballistics have increased, with .22 long rifle (FB1) at the low end of the scale through to 7.62 x 51 armour piercing (FB7) at the other. Ideally, designers should demand physical security products that adhere to the EN 1522:2000 Test.
