Protecting building façades from unauthorised and unwanted intrusions

The aim of any good security system is protecting people and keeping property safe. Protection can be enhanced if the system can alert of any suspicious activity taking place next to a building, giving more chance to verify the situation and deter the intruder before a break-in attempt.

There are several technologies available which can provide curtain detection around the building to effectively cocoon it and alert if someone is standing close to it or attempting unauthorised access via a door, window, skylight or balcony. It is important that those specifying physical security solutions understand the difference between the technologies available and are able to determine which suits best for each application and understand the potential threats they face.

Protecting vulnerable entry points

Doors, windows and fire exits are the most common entry points for an intruder into a building. In commercial buildings, back entrances, fire exits and even rooftops are also vulnerable entry points. In residential properties, windows and patio doors on the ground floor or a low first floor provide an easy way to gain entry, especially during summer months when people are away. Garages and outbuildings in the garden are also common targets for intrusion.

External narrow beam detectors (also referred to as curtain detectors) can create a protective shield around the premises and can trigger an alarm if a person is leaning against the wall or gets too close to a window or door. Sensors can activate lights, audio warnings, CCTV cameras or send a signal to security guards, helping to deter the intruder.

Our dual-side curtain-type motion detectors have been deployed in thousands of installations across Europe, and with a detection range up to 24m often a whole façade can be protected with just one sensor. As well as the ability to customise each side of detection to the needs of the façade, the sensor has independent left-right alarm outputs, which helps enhance video surveillance.

For single spaces, i.e. a window or door, one-side curtain-type motion detectors FTN can provide the right solution and, as the sensor fits within a window frame, it can be used to protect windows on a higher storey. For narrow spaces or alleyways next to buildings, for instance next to fire-exits, high-mount PIRs can give coverage up to 24m.

As cabling infrastructure can be challenging on certain buildings, our wireless range of PIRs has proven to be a practical and easy solution, connecting to wireless and monitored intruder systems.

Protecting balconies and roofs

A virtual perimeter line can be deployed on the top of handrails on balconies or around a rooftop to detect people climbing over or onto it. This can be achieved with active infrared beams. IR beams or photoelectric detectors provide point-to-point detection triggering the alarm in the event of an intruder breaking the transmission between the beams. They can be mounted on poles or on a wall, either wired or wireless.

LiDAR sensors can also be used for flat roofs or ceiling protection by creating a virtual plane detecting if there is a person on the roof or detecting if anyone is trying to access the building, via a skylight for instance. REDSCAN Pro LiDARs can protect a roof up to 50x100m with just one sensor.

Protecting glass facades

Increasingly, office, museums, retail environments and Government buildings feature large, glass facades. Traditional window contact sensors or glass break sensors are not suitable for large facades and also won’t deter someone trying to peek through and access confidential information. Glass facades are an ideal application for 2D LiDAR sensors as their performance is not detected by light reflections - short-range models can provide 20x20m protection and long-range models up to 50x100 - enough to protect a large facade on its own.

If the building is located in a secure area with no authorised public access, the LiDAR can be placed outside and act as a warning system should anyone be next to the facade. If the building is located in a public area, for instance a public street, the sensor can be located inside and create a virtual curtain of protection just behind the glass. Should the attempt to break in succeed it could trigger a fogging system to slow the intruders while a security team is responding, or DNA tagging system to help identify the criminal.

In both scenarios, using the configuration software to create different detection zones, the REDSCAN sensor can trigger indoor or outdoor cameras to the exact area of intrusion to provide the security staff with a clear image of what is happening, and who is entering the detection zones.