Warehouse Security

Warehouse security is paramount for safeguarding valuable inventory, equipment, and personnel within industrial facilities.
By implementing robust security measures such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and security guards, warehouses can deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access.
Additionally, inventory management systems and inventory audits help maintain accuracy and prevent losses.
Regular training and awareness programs for staff ensure everyone understands security protocols and contributes to a safe working environment. With a comprehensive approach to security, warehouses can mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of their operations.

Insider Thefts By Employees & Visitors

Inside thefts from employees and visitors pose significant challenges to warehouse security, as they can go unnoticed until losses occur. Implementing strict access control measures, such as limiting access to restricted areas and implementing badge systems, helps monitor and regulate movement within the warehouse.
Regular employee background checks and training programs on theft prevention and reporting procedures are essential for fostering a culture of accountability and awareness.
Additionally, surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the facility can deter theft and provide evidence in case of incidents.
By addressing both internal and external security threats, warehouses can better protect their assets and maintain a secure working environment.

External thefts occur when individuals who are not direct employees, contractors, or authorised visitors of the company commit theft. These individuals lack legitimate reasons to be on the premises and typically enter the warehouse or distribution centre with the sole intention of stealing.
As they have no affiliation with the company, their presence poses a significant security risk and highlights the importance of implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorised access and deter theft incidents.
By addressing external theft threats proactively, companies can protect their assets and maintain a secure working environment for employees and authorised personnel.

Warehouse Security

Delivery service drivers can present a distinct security concern. Frequently, these drivers operate as freelancers or are hired on a subcontract basis, which may result in insufficient screening and vetting processes.
A concerning trend is that some delivery drivers take items without authorisation, believing they have the right to do so.
This behaviour is often fuelled by the perception of being underpaid for their services or subjected to unfavourable working conditions. Consequently, they may feel entitled to additional benefits or perks as compensation.
Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigate the risk of theft and maintain the integrity of delivery operations.

Reduce Risk By Removing Opportunity

Delivery drivers often have unrestricted access and little supervision while their vehicles are being loaded or unloaded.
They may take advantage of this opportunity to steal valuable items easily. This can involve adding extra items to the back of their vehicle after loading or slipping items into the cab unnoticed. Additionally, some warehouse staff may collude with delivery drivers to load extra goods, intending to sell them later and split the profits.
Feeling undervalued, some warehouse personnel resort to theft to supplement their income.
There are various methods employees use to steal, such as loading goods onto vehicles throughout the day or concealing items in waste bins for later retrieval.
Some even go as far as packing items into boxes and shipping them to fictitious names and addresses.
These theft methods pose significant risks to warehouse security and can result in substantial losses.

Compromised Warehouse Staff and Delivery Drivers

Frequently, dishonest warehouse staff collaborate with unscrupulous truck drivers to pilfer from their employer.
This situation can incur significant costs, especially since warehouse employees possess insider knowledge about incoming and outgoing items. They exploit this knowledge to smuggle stolen goods into outgoing shipments and falsify paperwork to conceal their actions.
Subsequently, delivery drivers can abscond with the merchandise unnoticed, supported by fraudulent documentation.
The collusion between warehouse employees and delivery drivers poses a significant threat across various industries, resulting in substantial financial losses amounting to millions of pounds annually.

Suggestions for providing good security at warehouses and distribution centres:

To enhance warehouse security, consider the following measures:

Separate Goods Out areas from Goods In areas whenever feasible.
Maintain physical barriers between these two sections.
Erect a fenced area around the distribution centre, warehouse shipping, and receiving doors.
Implement a policy restricting personal vehicle access to Goods In and Goods Out zones.
Prohibit employee or visitor parking near shipping and receiving areas.
Restrict the movement of delivery drivers within the warehouse.
Consider providing a dedicated “driver reception area” exclusively for drivers’ use, equipped with access to facilities but not direct entry to product storage areas.
Ensure that driver areas do not grant access to interior warehouse spaces where goods are stored.
Place exterior waste and recycle bins out of direct reach from inside the warehouse.
Position waste and recycle receptacles away from buildings when possible.
Keep waste and recycle containers securely locked.
Establish a waste removal procedure requiring the presence of at least two staff members.

IP CCTV Security Systems

Install High-resolution CCTV to boost your Distribution centre and Warehouse security.

Avoid stacking pallets and other obstacles directly in front of loading and unloading areas.

Maintain a clear visibility zone at a minimum of 10 feet.
Do not leave goods unattended on external loading bays or platforms.

Have a secure area for storing Computers, Electronic equipment, Cigarettes & Tobacco, and Alcohol products.
expensive and desirable items.

Use separately lockable cages or rooms for the storage of high-value assets.
Use an electronic access control system to control access into high-value rooms or cages.
Access control systems should be capable of recording auditable evidence of which staff entered and when.

Importance of CCTV

Position CCTV Cameras to view entrance points and internal areas with the capability of making facial recognition.
Implement a policy where a minimum of two employees must be present to enter a high-value goods area.
In locations where doors must be open for ventilation purposes.
Use folding metal cages that protect the bays whilst the doors need to be open.

Protecting Distribution Centre Warehouse Security Doors

Think about employing electronic door monitoring systems that notify you when overhead doors or gates remain unsecured for extended periods. Restrict the number of doors employees can utilise for entry and exit.
Avoid installing entrance doors that are not easily observable. Ensure all emergency exit doors have audible exit alarms.
Set up policies and procedures to govern outgoing shipments and prevent unauthorised shipments to employees.
Do not leave loaded vehicles unattended in the yard after warehouse closing hours.
If vehicles carrying valuables need outdoor storage, install an intruder alarm system to safeguard the external area and contemplate installing vehicle alarms.

For small warehouses where a security checkpoint cannot be justified.
Consider having a supervisor or manager make random checks of outgoing vehicles.

For more info or advice to improve your Distribution Centre Security and Warehouse security please contact us at your convenience.

We can provide temporary security services or on a more permanent basis as your needs require.

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