Perimeter protection

The outermost implementable security layer is a perimeter, built in the property boundary facing a neighbour or the public space. It can be sufficient to mark the perimeter with, e.g.   curb stones or a line marking, if zero resistance is desired. On the other hand, perimeter protection can be constructed in many ways depending on the desired level of security and architectural expression.

Often, a fence or a wall forms the perimeter of the area that one wants to secure. This can be complemented with anti-intrusion monitoring, such as alarm systems or a physical guard. The perimeter can also be designed as part of the landscape around the building, such as planting a thicket of hawthorn.

The advantage of including the perimeter in the security solution is that the emergency services can gain time to respond, and that the impact of a potential strike is lowered by increasing the distance between the incident and the desired target.

When establishing the perimeter, be aware that there may be legal requirements, such as the Fences Act and local plans, which must be complied with, and that electronic surveillance systems must be adapted to the environment in which they are to be installed, as the risk of false alarms is much greater with outdoor detection.