Facilities Design and Management Magazine Reprint

Invisible Crime-Deterrent Systems Make For Friendly Facilities

This past October, over $70,000 worth of computers was stolen from a single building at a California university. This was not a first– the same university had reported computer thefts totaling $200,000 the year before, $61,000 the previous year, and another $200,000 the year before that.

The ultimate goal for security professionals is the reduction of the opportunity for crime to occur. There is a trend toward designing “transparent” security measures that are effective, but not readily noticeable. The prevention of crime is important, but just as important is the desire to not make a facility “imposing” or “unfriendly”.

Invisible Solutions

Today’s technology offers the ability to install security devices that are effective, yet have virtually no visible impact on the facility. Closed circuit camera systems are consistently getting better and smaller. Camera housings blend with the decor of any facility, and go virtually undetected. Windows and glass can now be reinforced without any visual impact. For example, Atlanta-based ShatterGard (www.shattergard.com) markets a window film that installs over existing glass. ShatterGard film strengthens the glass, and the film holds the glass intact in the unlikely event that the window is struck with sufficient force to break it. The films are “invisible,” and do not alter the appearance of the window at all. While primarily installed as a security measure, the films offer additional benefits, such as UV protection and protection from storm damage. The films provide sufficient protection to eliminate the need for bars or window grates.