Heritage property security & security assessments

Heritage and listed properties are prime targets for crime. In recent research, English Heritage found that in a single year, 18.7% of all listed buildings had been physically affected by crime, with lead and metal thefts being the most common. Vandalism and theft of personal possessions are also on the rise.

The theft of artefacts from heritage buildings, museums and galleries is a problem that affects institutions throughout the world. One estimate suggests that pictures and sculptures worth more than £100 million are stolen each year in the UK alone.

At the same time, the increasing value of tourism has placed considerable burdens on those responsible for managing heritage premises. In particular, problems are posed by allowing the public access to locations where the building and contents are of considerable financial, as well as heritage, value.

ClearView can assist in undertaking a security assessment of your premises. This will identify and quantify the potential threats facing the premises and its contents.

What items are we seeking to protect?
Who is likely to want to steal or damage them?
When are the intruders likely to attack?
How are the intruders most likely to try to gain access?

Key issues specific to this market sector include the security systems aesthetics – it is critical that they do not detract, distract or damage the appearance of the buildings. This applies to the cabling and communications systems used which may need to be hidden. Physical challenges like thick stone walls, high ceilings and unusual construction methods require careful design and planning.

Historic buildings are often let out for private functions. These must be carefully considered from a security perspective as any changes will create new risks.

The installation of security systems in heritage buildings can help alleviate some of the perils which threaten historic buildings and their contents. However, care must be exercised when selecting the mix of measures used.

With over 20 years of security experience and expertise, our team of accredited engineers can provide system design, installation and support services.