He is man’s best friend, but the bad guys’ worst enemy. That is why technology-based security specialist Safer Scotland backed up its state-of-the-art crime prevention precautions at a troublesome site in West Lothian recently with a canine capability which has sent the local predators packing.
The Paisley-based company brought in what Safer Scotland Director Ryan Clark said is the ‘last line of defence’ – a trained dog handler and his German Shepherd companion – to police the challenging housebuilding site.
And since the guard dog took up station on site, it has enjoyed its first weekend without incursions in two months.
Audio warnings to deter intruders
Ryan said: “Normally, on an extensive construction site such as this, we would secure everything with closely-monitored CCTV cameras backed up by voice warnings to deter intruders. However, this was a particularly challenging arena. The site was within the bounds of a difficult area which had been widely troubled by anti-social behaviour. It was also adjacent to a ‘hang-out’ area for local teenagers.
Audio warnings were deployed, with a satisfactory deterrent effect and a significant minimising of damage"
“In the space of one month, we had to call the police out to no fewer than 20 incursions. Audio warnings were deployed, with a satisfactory deterrent effect and a significant minimising of damage.”
However, Safer Scotland, in consultation with its client and the Scottish Police, took the view that, with lighter nights, hotter weather and the school holidays, the number of incursions might well escalate. It took the decision increase the level of presence at the site with a licensed, professional dog handler whose Alsatian dog used to work with the police.
Securing high value assets in remote locations
Ryan said: “He took up station at 5pm on the Friday and, about 9.45pm, a large group of late teens came on site. The handler escorted them off the site and detailed to them the risks that they were at trespassing onsite. Since then, there has been no trouble.”
Safer Scotland has created a niche in a competitive business environment by its emphasis on reliable technology which allows corporate clients to secure high value assets in remote or temporary locations. It is expanding this year into the North of England under the trading name Safer England.
