Using physical security to protect high value individuals

27 Nov 07

The number of High Net Worth individuals in the UK with US$1m of liquid assets has grown by 8.1% to 484,580, considerably faster than in Germany (4.1%) and France (6%), according to the 2007 Merrill Lynch/Cap Gemini World Wealth Report Economic growth and the influx of new wealth from tiger economies has brought many private individuals with masses of wealth to our shores. Roman Abramovich is just one of many high-profile Ultra High Net Worth individuals, who have made the UK their home.

Those who have wealth often don’t choose to base their main residence in the cities or towns as celebrity can often bring unwanted attention, from the invasion of privacy to rather more sinister targeting by thieves, kidnappers or other forms of threat. Hence the reasons why many wealthy individuals choose to live in properties set in extensive grounds, enclosed by perimeter fencing or walls. Privacy, physical security and the ability to detect and monitor visitors are prime motivators.

Over the years there has been numerous accounts reported by the press where an intruder has gained access to the grounds of a famous individual’s home. David and Victoria’s Beckham’s ‘Beckingham Palace’ in Hertfordshire has been breached several times by intruders and recently in January a pitchfork-wielding intruder broke into the grounds of Prince Charles’s home in Gloucestershire while he slept at night.

These well known examples show that although nobody was hurt and the intruder was caught, the perimeter of the grounds were not secure enough to prevent access. Allowing an intruder to breach the first line of defence gives them a chance to breach the next barrier, which could be access to the home, an opportunity they should never be allowed to have, particularly if they are armed and in today’s climate of terrorism.

The first line of defense in any high security solution has to be to secure the perimeter with appropriate fencing and access control. There is little point in installing the best detection and monitoring systems when the infrastructure is fundamentally flawed. It’s like having the most secure safe in the world and leaving the door unlocked.

Large homes set in massive grounds that cover many acres present a wide area for intruders to penetrate and gain access. What is needed is a security defence which forms both a formidable barrier and a visual deterrent. An integrated detection and non lethal electric fence deterrent would form a strong defence and would be ideal as the topping of an existing high perimeter fence or wall. The detection system should be linked to a control unit which detects attempted intrusions. This is ideal for large grounds because the fence can be divided into zones and CCTV deployed strategically to cover vulnerable areas. If an alarm is triggered then it is simple to pinpoint where the breach occurs, then activate and direct the CCTV to the homeowner or their security personnel to assess the threat and deploy the appropriate response. In the event of a breach, this level of physical protection of the perimeter and the information provided via the detection and surveillance equipment would be vital at preventing intruders from access and capturing evidence of the intruder if they successfully breached the perimeter.

For the homeowner who wants a security solution which fits in with the picturesque setting of the grounds and not one which makes the premises look like a military installation then galvanised ornamental fencing which is several metres in height can prove to be both an economic and efficient perimeter security solution. This style of fencing with decoration can make a barrier that is forbidden to climbers due to the design while at the same time complimenting the setting of the surrounding grounds.

With the perimeter of any fenced premises there is usually an access point for vehicles or pedestrians. This presents a risk to the site and an opportunity of access to intruders.

For a property entrance that requires maximum security then a large sliding or swing gate which is impossible to climb and that provides an impregnable barrier against vehicles is required.

The homeowner may decide to use automated steel gates which match the style of the perimeter fencing in order to maintain consistency around the site. Another form of automated gate that one may wish to use is a large timber clad gate with a supporting heavy duty galvanising frame. Strength needs to be a key priority in any gate as they need to be able to withstand attacks from vehicles attempting to ram raid into the grounds.

All of these gates can be automated with heavy duty motors and control equipment to operate them in a variety of ways. The motor and control equipment should be mains powered and housed in neat, lockable cabinets, that protect them from weather and unqualified interference. Battery back up support should also be provided so that in the event of a power failure, security isn’t compromised.

In order to police access, an audiovisual entry system, coupled with CCTV deployed at the gate entrance, would enable the homeowner or their security personnel to see exactly who is attempting to gain entry. Then with the touch of a button, the gates could be opened from the inside to grant access.

The home and grounds of a wealthy homeowner can be compared to that of a king’s castle. Like a castle in medieval times, a king would protect his fortress from invaders and hostile armies using high walls, a gated entrance, or a moat around the perimeter. While the technology in security systems nowadays is far more sophisticated, the basic concept of keeping intruders at bay remains the same by securing the perimeter from intrusion to give piece of mind.

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