Insight

Balanced Risk Engineering Solutions Security Theft

Understanding the Risk

Metal Theft and theft of metal from the open, whilst a common feature for many decades, has experienced a major increase in recent times. This is due to a significant increase in new and metal prices and has moved far beyond the ‘traditional’ scope of non- ferrous metal to include just about anything metallic.

Metals fall into two distinct types and this has traditionally had a bearing on theft attractiveness. The two major families of metal are Ferrous and Non-Ferrous being defined as follows:

Ferrous: This is essentially formed of or containing Iron.

Non-Ferrous: These are metals that do not contain an appreciable amount of iron such as , and aluminium plus other more exotic alloys. by electronic detection and surveillance. Good physical Historically, non-ferrous metals have always been security will protect a building from both opportunist and subject to thefts and are considered a target risk from a premeditated attack. security point of view. The price of scrap non-ferrous Site Perimeter Fencing: Perimeter fencing should be metal per tonne is significantly higher than that of robust and secure, with access gates being of similar ferrous. standard; for example, 2-metre high palisade or Lead is a non-ferrous metal and over the decades metal weld mesh fencing, with gates of similar churches in particular (but many other structures) have construction secured by a padlock complying with CEN been targeted for the lead used on their roofs. EN 12320 (Grades 5-6). Masonry walls are also effective, but chain link and timber fencing provide only The theft of non-ferrous metal is not confined to roofs, low level defences and should be regarded as a site and extends to include a wide variety of metals – demarcation rather than a security barrier. aluminium, copper, nickel, steel, lead and copper piping, copper in telecoms networks and electrical sub stations, • Effective overnight or movement-activated external plaques and statues, manhole covers are just a lighting should be provided to act as a deterrent to few examples. In recent years, metals such as ductile criminals, and/or to provide adequate illumination for iron and steel, have become a major target for thieves. CCTV surveillance equipment. • External boundaries should be monitored (where Related Loss Statistics appropriate) by approved CCTV surveillance equipment, alarm movement sensors, infra-red Metal theft is a serious and growing national and beams, vibration monitoring detection, all of which international problem that causes significant damage to should be inspected and maintained in good communities, businesses, and the UK’s infrastructure, condition. telecommunications, rail and power networks. Building Security: The physical construction and state of According to figures produced by the Association of repair of the buildings are primary considerations when Chief Officers (ACPO), there has been a 150% assessing the overall security. The strength of the rise in the theft of metals across the UK during the building materials and the method of construction will period 2009 - 2011 and is costing the UK economy in often determine the level of additional protection excess of £770m per year. required. Physical protections provide the first line of defence Managing the Risk against potential intruders. Physical protections provide the first line of defence Good physical security will protect a building from both against potential intruders and can be further enhanced opportunist and premeditated attack.

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Security | Metal Theft Insight

The first line of protection for any building is the external Manned Guarding: In some instances it may be openings, such as doors, windows and rooflights. appropriate to utilise manned guarding to provide an additional security presence. • Doors – external doors should be robust and fitted with good quality locks or padlocks, at least to An assessment should be undertaken to consider the BS3621:2007 Specification for Thief Resistant Locks type of manned guarding service required, i.e. Static or CEN EN 12320 (Grade 5-6). Vulnerable doors Guards or Mobile Patrols; factors will include the size, should be protected by external 1.6mm steel sheet, nature and sensitivity of the risk and the adequacy of the coach bolted through the door at 200mm centres; if a existing protections. higher level of security is warranted, internal or Guards may be ‘in house’ personnel or contracted from external approved shutters need to be fitted in a company accredited to the NSI. When choosing a addition to further protect existing doors. guarding company, National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Note – Protection of designated fire doors must be listing is a good indicator of full compliance with UK agreed with the local Fire Authority prior to work being manned guard licensing rules and practice. carried out. Security Industry Association (SIA) licences should be • Windows – are a common source of entry by held for all appropriate security company staff. Some criminals, and premises are only as secure as their SIA compliant companies have joined the SIA non- weakest point. Vulnerable windows should as a compulsory Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS); minimum be protected by key operated window locks; however SIA licences are still required for individual if a higher level of security is warranted, internal or security company staff. external steel bars should be fitted (IS 039 Insight Accreditation by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Document - Security Physical Protections gives for guarding operations indicates compliance with the further advice on window security). above standards. Security Posts: are effective in protecting premises Additional Measures: Other actions that can be taken to against ram-raids (where criminals use a motor vehicle reduce attraction include: to attack windows, doors, and the building fabric itself), and restricting vehicular access. Loss Prevention • reducing the level of metal stock held Certification Board (LPCB) approved fixed or telescopic • the provision of adequate security lighting bollards may be installed as appropriate. • the use of forensic marking dyes • the use of non-drying forensic ‘gels’ or ‘greases’, as Internal Security Stores: should be constructed to house these transfer and stick to the thieves when metals high value and/or attractive metals. Such stores are handled. (including the roof) should be of substantial construction, or formed from steel welded mesh on a steel frame; door Metal that has been forensically marked can be openings should be secured by a padlock complying identified as stolen if it subsequently turns up in a scrap with CEN EN 12320 (Grades 5-6). metal dealers’ yard and traced back to its original location. The person who has taken the metal will also Electronic Detection: Physical protections form the vital have been marked, which will assist in identifying him or basis of premises security. However, given sufficient her as the perpetrator. time determined criminals can overcome most physical defences. Many police forces in the UK have set up special operating units to target metal thieves and using the An intruder alarm is designed to support robust physical above methods can assist the police in recovery of security by quickly detecting intruders on the premises, stolen metal. and then by alerting an approved alarm receiving centre (ARC) to enable them to make an appropriate response. References: It is essential that the intruder alarm system is reliable, and resilient against attack or interference; the correct National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is an independent design, installation, maintenance and operation of the approvals and inspection body for CCTV Systems. system are therefore vital. The intruder alarm should be www.nsi.org.uk set whenever the premises are unoccupied – (IS 041 Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) is an Insight – Security Intruder Alarms gives further advice on independent testing and approvals body for fire and electronic security). security products. www.bre.co.uk CCTV: can be an effective and flexible part of an Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) integrated security system, providing support to physical www.locksmiths.co.uk protections and intruder alarm systems. It should be connected by live transmission equipment to either an on-site security control room or a remote centre to be a pro-active and responsive element of the integrated For further information please contact your security package – (IS 034 Insight – Security Closed local AIG Risk Engineer. Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems gives further advice on CCTV systems).

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Security | Metal Theft Insight

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American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading international insurance organisation serving customers in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. This material is for information purposes. Products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. and may not be available in every jurisdiction. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. Registered in England: company number 1486260. Registered address: The AIG Building, 58 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4AB. AIG Europe Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. UC10000532 AUG14

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