SECURITY SYSTEMS | Electronic / Physical
An effective crime and vandalism protection program relies on a combination of electronic
security techniques and physical security measures. The right combination will help deter, detect
and delay crime and vandalism occurrences and your property will be better protected.
Work with a professional
You can contact a U.L.C (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) listed security firm to have them
conduct a security review and recommend an appropriate security system.
Electronic Security Techniques
What system is right for your building?
BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM
A burglar alarm system is not only an excellent way of detecting “break and enters”, but also
deterring them. If the system is well maintained and monitored, it can provide a means of early
detection and may even allow enough time for the authorities to respond in enough time to
apprehend the intruder.
When choosing the best burglar alarm system for your building, there are two main
considerations.
1) Extent of Protection and
2) Communication Levels.
Extent of Protection
The extent of protection can be broken down
into four (4) different levels:
Level 1 – This is the lowest level attainable for
protection purposes. It includes protection on all
accessible openings, whether they are fixed or
moveable (i.e. windows, doors, skylights). An
accessible opening refers to an opening that is
within 18’ above ground level or the roof of an
adjoining building.
Level 2 – This provides the same protection as
Level 1, PLUS protection on inaccessible
movable openings. An inaccessible movable
opening refers to an opening that is over 18’
above ground level or the roof of an adjoining
building.
Level 3 – This provides the same protection as
Level 2, PLUS protection on party walls, floors
and ceilings.
Level 4 – This is the highest level of protection
available. It provides the same protection as
Level 3, PLUS protection on inaccessible fixed
windows,skylights and onall ceilings, walls and
floors enclosing the premises.
Communication Levels
The communication levels can be broken down
into eight (8) different levels:
Level 0 – There is no dedicated line that is being
continuously supervised (utilizes only digital
dialers and one-way communicators).
Level I – Unlike Level 0, there is a line dedicated
that is being continuously supervised; however,
the line is being shared by numerous customers.
If a thief were to sever the main trunk line,
tracking down the signal could take several
hours.
Level II – This is the same as Level I with the
addition of a ULC regulation that that the affected
customer must be identified within 6 minutes (not
several hours as is the case with Level I).
Level III – This is the same as Level II; however,
jamming signals and the substitution of phony
data are detected.
Level IV through VII – These levels of
protection are typically used to protect
financial institutions or properties with
a concentration of high value target
items.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV)
What is CCTV?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the use of video cameras to transmit video to a limited set of
monitors. CCTV systems can be a single camera or monitor or they can be very elaborate. A
more complex system may include hundreds of cameras, digital recorders and multiple operators.
These systems are generally placed through active public areas such as lobbies, hallways,
entrances and parking lots.
Benefits of CCTV cameras include:
 Video evidence against the perpetrator in the event of a crime
 For gated properties, the ability to see who is trying to enter the building before allowing
them access
 Instant alerts when trouble occurs, ensuring a significant reduction in crime, theft and
vandalism
SECURED-ENTRANCE SYSTEM
What is a secured-entrance system?
This ensures that those entering the building are authorized to do so. The complexity of these
systems will differ based on the size and type of building. For large office buildings, tenants may
be required to carry a magnetic key card to access their assigned floors as well as the office
building itself after regular business hours. Apartment buildings will use a system whereby nonresidents can only enter the building if allowed to do so by a tenant. This is accomplished through
the use of an electronic entry system where residents can remotely grant access to visitors. For
everyone’s safety, tenants should be instructed to only allow known or expected visitors into the
building.
Physical Security Measures
Install Perimeter Fencing
Perimeter fencing circles a property to deter or restrict any unauthorized access. These fences
are important if the property is hazardous in nature or is an attractive business to criminals.
Increase Lighting
Bright, well placed exterior lighting is an effective deterrent against unauthorized entry to a
building or property. If the building has cameras, the lighting will improve the footage and help to
identify any intruders. Be careful when installing lights, they must be positioned to enhance the
view of the camera, not create a glare that might block images.
Install Concrete Bollards
Some buildings, depending on the nature of the occupancy, are susceptible to “smash & grab”
crimes. In some cases the crime will be committed through vehicular impact. For buildings with
high-value/target merchandise, installing concrete bollards will help to prevent building damage
and potential injury.
Hire Security Guards
Depending on the size and nature of the building, consideration should be given to employing a
full-time security guard service to patrol the building at all hours of the day/night. Knowing
someone is watching is a major deterrent to potential intruders.
Use Burglary Bars
Burglary bars should be mounted on the interior side of the windows and doors and be secured
with bolts anchored to the window frame or building structure. If appearance is an issue, metal
bars that can be retracted and extended as needed should be considered. Electronic roll type
metal shutters are also an effective deterrent and once extended can be locked in place. Lower
ventilation windows that can slide open should be protected with a latch lock and can be secured
with horizontal security bars.
Install Shatterproof Plastic Film
Shatterproof plastic window film helps to keep your glass in place during forced entry or smash
and grab attempts. The plastic film also offers breakage protection from destructive weather
conditions, and helps to keep wind, rain and flying glass fragments from wreaking havoc inside
the structure. Properly installed, the protective plastic film will withstand repeated direct impact for
a prolonged period of time increasing the likelihood of the intruder being detected. Although
eventually the glass will fragment, the film ensures the integrity of the glass remains intact.
Upgrade Doors
Doors and frames should be in good condition, well-secured to the building structure and any
gaps around the frames should be filled with mortar or frame sealant. Wooden doors should be a
minimum of 1 ¾ inch solid wood. Since doors represent an obvious point of forced entry,
upgraded locks and exposed hinges that are either tack welded or secured with a recessed set
screw, are additional safety measures worth considering. Where possible, windows on doors
should be positioned at least an arm length from the lock preventing a person from breaking the
window and reaching in to unlock the door.
Increase Locks
At minimum, all exterior doors should be equipped with a single-cylinder deadbolt lock and doors
with windows should be protected with a double-cylinder deadbolt lock as well as protective metal
film. Under most fire codes, doors designated as emergency exits are not permitted to have dead
bolt locks. The alternative is to use a panic bar which can be locked after hours. “Smart locks”
that require the use an electronically coded key are also a good option. These locks permit the
user to electronically re-program the lock and keys as needed. Locks should, at a minimum, have
a 1 inch throw securely recessed in the door frame. Locks as well as doors can also be retrofitted
with a protective steel plate to prevent thieves from successfully prying the door open.
Have the Right Hinges
Having the right door hinge can make a big difference to your security. Burglars will check if the
door swings outward and whether the hinge pins are exposed/accessible which would permit the
hinge pin from being tapped up and out and allow the door to be removed without unlocking the
door.
The following suggestions will help prevent exposed hinge pins from being removed and allowing
entry. Even if your hinge pins are on the inside face of the door, these precautions will enhance
overall security:
Setscrews
 Setscrews threaded through the middle of the hinge keep the hinge pins in place.
If the door is closed the setscrew cannot be accessed. However, since the
setscrew is exposed if the door is open the setscrew once installed should be
ground down thereby not allowing anyone to remove the setscrews.
Tack Welded
 To prevent an exposed hinge pin from being forcibly removed, the top cap of the
hinge can be tack (spot) welded to the hinge.
Fast Riveted (Crimped) Pins
 These pins are longer than the actual hinge. Once inserted into the hinge, the
pins are crimped on their ends to create a rivet on the top and bottom of the pin the crimping prevents the pin’s removal. These pins provide the most security but
it should be noted that you will not be able to easily detach the door if needed.