5th December
From computers and scientific instruments to sports and AV equipment, there is a great wealth of resources in our nation’s schools. With the high educational value of such goods comes a high monetary value, making these tools appealing to pupils and thieves alike.
Of course creating a secure environment in the school not only protects valuable equipment, but most importantly also establishes a productive, enjoyable and safe working environment for staff and pupils. Employees of the school have a obvious duty of care and safeguarding against crime must be made a priority.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – The UK’s premier locksmithing trade association is keen to offer security advice to schools to ensure their safety and integrity is maintained.
Crime Prevention
Much of the rationale behind crime prevention is based on a system of deterrence. Visible security precautions such as CCTV or alarm systems provide no direct barrier to entry, their presence however can be pivotal in preventing a break-in. Consider installing such appliances to work in tandem with physical barriers to entry such as grilles, gates and locks in order to maximise your security, aiding the prevention of attack and increasing the chances of identifying and bringing the opportunist criminal to justice. The MLA recognises that in an environment where free thought should flourish, the environment must be as pleasant as possible to aid learning, it is important therefore to make the school secure without the installation of security equipment becoming intrusive, making staff and pupils feel uncomfortable and constantly under surveillance.
Under Lock & Key
Of course, external criminality isn’t the only concern when it comes to security. Keeping confidential files secure from unauthorised eyes within the school and restricting the freedom of access and movement around the building appropriately, is pivotal to the successful running of any centre of academia. The use of a master key system makes access issues easily rectifiable. Such a system allows you to grant permission or refuse staff and keyholders access to certain parts of the school. Restrictions can be established, one key for example may have access to every lock within the premises, whilst others will be unable to unlock and therefore gain access to areas of sensitive information such as pupil’s records, staff rooms or offices. In the case of a key being lost or stolen, the locks can in some instances be reconfigured to remove the missing key from circulation.
Alternative secure key systems include the likes of patented keys, a key that is protected against copy unless accompanied by documentation providing authorization, making it easy to keep a track of who possesses a key and to know exactly how many are in circulation at any one time. In other instances, electronic proximity devices such as swipe cards or fobs can be used to secure sections of the building where restricted access is necessary, such as chemical storage in science labs or computer servers.
For highly confidential documentation or finances, a safe or locked cabinet may be the most secure way to defend against theft. An MLA member would be able to advise you on the specification, installation and protection of such units.
Easy Escape
The security of your premises must be carefully weighed up alongside the safety of the building. Whilst not compromising the security of the school, the building must remain easily escapable in emergency situations. Ensure that keyless exits are positioned around the school in the form of keyless egress locks or emergency push bar exits.
Lighting
With dark nights encroaching on leaving time for schools up and down the land, the importance of security lighting is brought into focus. When visibility is low due to the darkness, external sensor lighting provides staff with the ability to see exactly who is entering and leaving the building, a particularly invaluable ability for schools with boarding houses where there is much activity after dark.
Professional Advice
Whatever your security concerns, it is important to seek professional advice. Review the building from the outside in, noting any areas where access could potentially be made or weaknesses to your perimeter exist. An MLA inspected professional locksmith would be able to accompany you and provide expert opinion on any vulnerabilities they spot. All MLA members are carefully vetted, inspected and approved. CRB checks are conducted on members, ensuring on site safety and your duty of care is fulfilled.
Always be sure to use a reputable third party accredited tradesperson to advise on security or install products in your school. Visit www.locksmiths.co.uk to find out more about lock and security guidelines and to find your local MLA licensed locksmith.
About the MLA
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) was established over 50 years ago to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing. The MLA is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by the police, home office and other leading organisations such as the British Standards Institute.
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