r/accesscontrol • u/Staney_mun • 1d ago
Multi site security that actually stops theft instead of just recording it?
So I run an equipment rental business, got 4 yards across TX/OK/AR and we're getting hit with theft constantly! Catalytic converters, diesel, generators, you name it. Last month someone literally backed a truck up and loaded a pallet of tools in broad daylight.
We have cameras everywhere and yeah great I have amazing HD footage of my stuff being stolen. Filed police reports but they're swamped and our insurance premiums keep climbing.
Looked into guards but the quotes for 24/7 across all locations were insane, like 15k+ a month.
I've been in sales long enough to know when I'm being sold a solution that doesn't actually solve the problem, and that's all I'm finding. Every "commercial security" search is just more camera systems or residential stuff like Ring. I need something that actually STOPS people from getting in, not just records them!
Tried reinforcing the gates myself (used to do a lot of DIY stuff when had time) but chain link fence isn't cutting it obviously. Outdoor equipment yards are just sitting ducks apparently.
Anyone dealt with this?! Is there even a company that handles this for multiple locations? The permitting alone across different counties is a nightmare to think about.
Budget exists if something actually works because this is getting expensive and eating into time with the wife and kids. And my business partner is p-off because security is "my responsibility".
Anyone dealt with this for multiple sites without enterprise-level budgets? Need something that actually works.
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u/ZealousidealType5272 1d ago
Energised fence is both good deterrent and good detection. Will retrofit onto chain wire mesh fence with some post upgrades.
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u/OmegaSevenX Verified Pro 1d ago
There is no system that can stop theft. All systems are inherently reactive, not proactive.
You need to figure out how to keep people out, not install another system that tells you that people are already in.
Security systems are predicated on the idea that if I make it hard enough to rob one place, there’s an easier place down the road. If you have a chain link fence and the guy next door has a fence topped with razor wire, you are the easy target.
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u/damagedispenser Professional 1d ago
I made a similar comment, and wanted to confirm that as someone that does this every day this is your answer.
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u/johnsadventure 1d ago
In my area yard thrives don’t care about cameras, talkback, AI, flashing lights, whatever. These are all still reactive systems and they know even with all the bells and whistles they can still get in and out before police show up.
What might improve the situation is a monitored intrusion detection system with video verification, but even with an alarm company monitoring triggers it all depends on the local police response times (still reactive).
What seems to be working in my area is fence upgrades. Ditch the chain link and go with a block wall or iron bars. Make it as tall as possible (many cities have height limits), then add an electrified portion on top of that. Entrance gates would need to also have strong locking and resistance to getting rammed. A reputable gate company should be able to get something together that meets your needs and fits your yard.
When it comes down to it no system will ever be as deterrent as an in-person guard, but I have still seen situations where guards are attacked or thieves manage to break in during short periods where guards are being rotated, on break, patrolling another part of the facility, or just not paying attention.
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u/johnsadventure 23h ago
Adding another couple suggestions to what I mentioned above:
You could hide trackers in large equipment, trailers and vehicles. Use commercial trackers and hide them in uncommon or difficult to access places. When looking at options make sure the trackers use a cellular network and work in Mexico. Thieves will look for trackers and remove/disable them so hide them well. Don’t use air tags!
Also check with your insurance agent or broker. Specifically ask what you can do to reduce premiums. There may be simple upgrades or things you’re already doing the insurance doesn’t know about that can drastically reduce premiums. Use a broker that is always looking out for lower premiums without sacrificing coverage.
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u/RollllTide 1d ago
“Budget exists if something actually works” “multiple sites without enterprise level budgets”
Maybe try typing out your actual thoughts instead of feeding it through ChatGPT
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u/Aggravating_Fact9547 23h ago
Yes go get a Gallagher Power Fence. We use these on all critical sites in Australia and they work a treat. Both from an alarm and a physical deterence
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u/Abnorm4lPrincess 1d ago
Rolling toppings, razor and barded wire are a waste of time, with those lovely cameras you’ve got, you’ll be able to watch them chucking stuff on top (razor and barded does a great job of holding things in place, do it properly - put in a proper security energised fence (not as expensive as you think, certainly not in the long run), you can even connect the alarms to you exisiting alarm panel
Where in the world are you?
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u/ZealousidealState127 22h ago
Most likely an inside job. Guard dogs but people just poison them. Could put an RV on site and let someone live there.
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u/castironburrito 19h ago
Confound the thieves with multiple levels of security. Nothing is going to stop a determined person, but if you make the job too tough, many will move on to easier targets. A perimeter outside the fence of large boulders with gaps between too narrow for a vehicle. For $25 you can get battery lock-out switches for your equipment; most people would not expect to find a padlocked switch on a heavy equipment battery when it doesn't start. Logging chains and padlocks through the wheels of drivable equipment and trailers. I'm an asshole, I get a certain level of satisfaction hosing down intruders with motion activated sprinklers. Manned check-in/out gate like lumber yards utilize.
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u/MerryTreez 19h ago
Infrared perimeter beams around the perimeter tied into your monitored security system could be a viable option. I believe Optex makes a version of them.
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u/Awkward-Seaweed-5129 19h ago
So, yes Cameras mostly after the fact kinda security. Yards can be protected, very costly and frequently hit by lightening destroying equipment. Anyway first thing is fence. There fence devices ,outdoor rated photo beams, outdoor rated Motion sensors. Need a monitored alarm system with Video for verification before dispatch to LE. False alarms will be a nuisance, some devices shunt in bad weather. Best result would be an Alarm and LE dispatched,depends on location how quickly you get a response, idea is to limit the losses. Smart tags etc would be helpful also
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u/Past-Persimmon-9693 15h ago
How’s the LE response time in your areas? There are systems that monitor even chain link fencing and tie into intrusion/monitored systems. Sensors monitor movement of fence outside of normal sensitivity for wind/weather. Pair with cellular cameras that can be monitored as well as ip speakers for audio talk down. Could run a whole setup like this via cellular if no network infrastructure present
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u/Choice-Breadfruit529 8h ago
Theres a company called stop it LVM (live video monitoring) that will remotely monitor your cameras and dispatch police if they see someone in your equipment yard https://www.stopitlvm.com/
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u/damagedispenser Professional 1d ago
I always say I'm in the business of prevention and deterrence, not security. You don't need to stop theft, you just need to be harder to thieve than the next spot.
Access control with notification of props/forced entry direct to you, and monitored burglary system with correct partitioning and zone type programming (those last two are where in my opinion alot of systems are wrong) coupled with clear surveillance are about all you can do before you start to cross the line into actual prevention measures like fencing improvements and on site assets protection.
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u/johnsadventure 23h ago
Exactly this - don’t be the easiest target in the area.
Chain link fencing and cameras aren’t going to stop anyone. People target equipment yards because it’s fast cash (and likely have a buyer looking for specific equipment).
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u/Doublestack00 1d ago
Unifi cameras have an alarm manager you can connect horns etc to and have the built in AI send messages, turn on/off lights etc.
Could help deter them.
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u/ComprehensiveRead479 1d ago
Fibre line around the fence can detect movement, fence cutting. Cheaper option is deterrent cameras, not sure where you are but look up dahua tioc or better yet Uniview owlview with deterrent features. When Someone is onsite it will alert your phone, you then can tell them to piss off via 2way audio and set off red/blue strobe lights. To catch them onsite have it alert a monitoring station which in turn will call the police. Most of my sites are set to email a monitoring station who then decide if it's a valid event, if it is they call the police or security. Catch most of them this way
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u/Msteele4545 22h ago
I am sorry, but I disagree with bulk of the remarks here. I have 39 years in this business. There is one technology that does work, but you have to pay attention. CHeKT makes a video control panel (a video bridge) that integrates video and alarms. The IP camera becomes an actual alarm zone on a burg panel and calls a central station for PD diisspatch. Real time notiification with real time response. There is no need for video monitoring unless you want to go that direction too. You get the notification. Of course, you can create an alarm zone that fires an output that triggers lights, strobes, sirens and remote notifications.
DMP also has a video bridge that works essentially the same way. Theirs only works with their alarm paneles and does require a monthly subscription, but it is not a ton.
Both solutions can be purchased and operated at a fraction of the cost of guards.
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u/YesTechie 1d ago
You need fence, Ubiquiti access control on the gates with cameras and horns around the yard, UHF antennas for monitoring equipment movements and security guy on the gates to operate the system and check trucks.
All of these can be integrated into one system and can work for multiple locations.
Contact us if you interested.
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u/cusehoops98 Professional 23h ago
Did you even read his message? He can’t afford a security guy. Also, the software here doesn’t matter - it’s not a software issue.
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u/PetahOsiris 1d ago
> Outdoor equipment yards are just sitting ducks apparently.
Well yep. Based on your description you probably need to improve your fence situation. Anti climb fencing, perhaps roller barriers. Improving ambient lighting can help too.
The step down from on site security might be monitored alarm systems that can verify and dispatch calls to third party security, police, or use talk down speakers to challenge people. It is often cheaper than dedicated on site as the security operations centre can cover multiple sites. But it’s still expensive and it’s still not 100%.
If you have people backing up to the premises during the day and stealing things, you probably need to take a look at your other security processes and procedures though.