Metal theft may not seem like one of the most important issues when tackling crime in the UK but the increase in metal price has pushed these crime rates through the roof.
Guides from the Police and other industry advice groups claim that the most important factors are the layout of your premises and the security of the goods at risk. With regards to the layout of the premises you've got to think about what deters the thieves and what makes them believe they'll either get caught or that the target's not worth the bother.
Most recommendations suggest good exterior lighting (to spot any suspicious activity), to keep a low stock (so you don't become a large target), signage explaining CCTV and trespassing policy, securing equipment and even marking your more expensive metals (engraving, paint and possibly Smartwater).
History of metal theft
Since the beginning of the sixties countries such as China, Brazil and India began their industrial revolutions, in turn the demand for all metals shot up. Until the late noughties this was not an issue nevertheless with this demand the price of copper, steel, lead and most other metals increased immensely. Most notably, insulated copper rose 7.5 times (by 2011) of its original 2002 value making it a more enticing target for thieves. With this new crime wave scrap yards, recycling centres and even national rescores such as power cables are becoming victims.
Watch over your assets in wide open environments with CCTV
Spot intruders, even in complete darkness
Tackling metal theft with electronic security systems
The lighting of the premises, fencing and deterrents such as signs and dummy cameras do work but are limited, most research into burglaries and thefts suggests that CCTV systems and burglar alarms are the best crime fighting tactic. Fitting a security system to a recycling center or scrapyard may seem daunting and perhaps expensive but due to the rates of these crimes it has sadly become a necessity.
With production of smart IP cameras and extensive research into video analytics manufacturers are providing more economic packages for all requirements. Prominent brands such as Avigilon and Hikvision are at the forefront of development and have made the industry more affordable, even new software solutions can make a large difference to price and affordability. Smart alarm systems now give us an option to cut subscription costs to Alarm Recording Centres (ARC's) and monitor our own alarms and CCTV through a selection of Apps. This software has allowed for huge saving on most commercial and industrial businesses and could easily be a possibility for scrapyards as well.
See further with Thermal CCTV cameras
Thermal cameras identify heat sources; sounds obvious, but then when you consider all of the applications of this, you will realise quite how useful they can be. The most obvious use is detecting people where they shouldn't be, even under adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow, fog, rain, complete darkness, or even a cluttered area.
In large open environments such as scrapyards, this technology comes into it's place - able to offer site-wide surveillance to detect intruders, trespassers, or even potentially the risk of fire where traditional fire alarms cannot.
How it works
Send an Enquiry
Let us know what type of security system you need
We Find the Best Installer
Once we receive your enquiry, our team will find a reliable, certified security installer.
Receive Quotes
You will be contacted by a top-tier installer who will provide you with a detailed quote.
Install & Support
After selecting the right installer, they will carry out the installation, ensuring your system is fully functional.