Safesite Facilities highlights that the challenges of balancing effective security with small budgets is being transformed through the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.
The company refers to recent warnings from insurance firm AXA UK over a rise in the amount of vacant commercial buildings across the country being targeted by criminal gangs.
“The question is no longer should I have a security guard or cameras, but how owners of vacant property can deploy the most effective protection strategies. Vacant properties present a unique issue.
“They’re not generating revenue, so every pound spent on security needs to be justified. AI-enabled CCTV should today be seen as the first line of defence, which can provide intelligent filtering of threats, combined with interventions from security guards where necessary.”
Paul Goossens, Operations Director, SafeSite Facilities
According to Safesite, AI-powered systems can now make distinctions between genuine threats and environmental triggers – such as animals or weather, significantly reducing false alerts.
Monitoring teams can then focus on credible incidents and reply more quickly. Some systems are even capable of issuing live, tailored audio warnings to intruders, increasing their deterrent effect and pre-empt incidents before they escalate.
Safesite, suggests the most effective approach is a hybrid security model combining both CCTV and on-site personnel with AI-enabled systems acting as the first line of defence. This would mean security personnel only respond when necessary, apportioning their time and expertise where it is most needed.
“For landlords and asset managers, this represents a more strategic way of managing risk. The right approach will depend on factors such as how long a property is likely to remain vacant, its location and the level of threat it faces.”
Paul Goossens, Operations Director, SafeSite Facilities
Safesite suggests the debate is no longer about choosing between CCTV and security guards. As AI continues to evolve, the focus shifts towards how both can be utilised together to create a more efficient and cost-effective security model.
