In the area of premises security, more investment in security measures almost always improves the security of a community overall. Nevertheless, some commentators have attempted to make the attention-grabbing argument that gates offer little-to-no security benefits or make communities more vulnerable to criminals. This dangerous and baseless suggestion has facilitated criminal activity by deterring many communities from taking advantage of modern gate access technologies that stop burglars in their tracks, warn criminals to stay away, and keep all types of non-residents out. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly review the reasons why gated communities help to reduce crime, protect property, and keep residents safe.
Access Control Basics
Communities increasingly want to install a gate to enhance security and control access. Today, gates are becoming less expensive because of advanced technology. Modern gates can automatically control access more effectively than a human guard, and new technologies can control access in ways that are easier for residents and property managers alike. Read on to learn how to pick the right gate for your community.
Gates have been used for thousands of years to keep residents safe and keep criminals out. Recently, new technologies have advanced rapidly, and new solutions have been found to enable gates to provide a higher level of security. Many of the advancements that have been achieved rely on smart features that restrict access to authorized guests and detect the presence of criminal activity. Taking advantage of new solutions can reduce the likelihood of security incidents while providing more convenience to residents.
Secure automatic gates have been dreamed about for over a century, but it was only in the last few years that they have become an effective security solution. Today, many gate manufacturers are offering automatic entry systems that can be opened with proximity sensors, license plate readers, or internet-based solutions. Additionally, there are solutions available that can modernize gates with secure automatic entry solutions.
Throughout human history, the only way to use a gate to control access to a facility has been to employ guards who restrict access through face-to-face interactions. The problem, however, is that hiring a security team to manage a gate is prohibitively expensive in most cases. Additionally, human operators can be manipulated by cunning criminals, and they often make mistakes. Therefore, modern smart gate entry systems have been developed to control access to facilities using modern technology.
Gate entry systems are one of the areas that will be substantially improved with the help of modern technology. Smart gate entry systems can be opened automatically from the smartphones of authorized guests, and gate security can be improved in new ways with the help of cloud computing and the effective use of data. Read on to learn how smart gate entry systems will make gated properties much more common in the years ahead by bringing down costs while offering greater benefits.
Gated communities have controlled access to protect property owners from a broad range of dangers that are present in modern society. Normally, criminals are free to spend days scouting out a neighborhood on public streets in search of vulnerable properties. The internet has made it easy to look up anyone’s address online in a matter of minutes, and this reduction in privacy has led to the harassment of public figures and an increased number of burglaries targeted from social media activity.
Clickers are keyless entry systems that have been used for security purposes for decades because they are convenient and can easily fit into your pocket. Most cars and garage doors can be opened with a clicker or key fob. The problem, however, is that clickers can be dangerous when they fall into the hands of criminals. A recent story from Oakville, Ontario, clarified just how dangerous clickers can be.
Access control technologies are becoming widely utilized as costs come down with the advancement of technology. The large control boxes of the past can usually be replaced with a small inexpensive box that can be conveniently tucked away behind a wall. Today’s access control systems also make use of smartphones and internet connectivity to control and monitor entry for guests, delivery drivers, staff members, and other individuals who support a property on a daily basis.
When breaking into a facility, the gate is always the weakest point. In medieval times, armies trying to break into a castle would have to focus their efforts on breaking through the main castle gate. Technologies have changed, but the gate remains the point that primarily determines whether intruders can succeed at breaking in.
Unfortunately, many facilities are lax with gate security. The most significant gate security issue stems from facilities using 4-digit pins that provide easy access for criminals. Therefore, it is important for people who are responsible for gated community security to understand why 4-digit codes are a serious problem.