Cargo theft is a major issue, both in the UK and on a global scale. Warehouses and lorries are very attractive to criminals, being full to the brim with goods ranging from retail products to pharmaceutical supplies. Proper warehouse security and loading bay protections are essential to ensuring your stock doesn’t find a home on the black market. This is especially important considering that the latter is a wide, regular opening for thievery. 

There are plenty of installations that operators can consider, from tracked sliding gates to full perimeter security systems. That’s not to mention the essential processes and training necessary for a safe, secure warehouse. This article will offer insights into the measures every warehouse operator should keep in mind to keep their stock and employees safe. 

Physical warehouse security measures

The first thing you need to do when trying to establish your warehouse’s security measures is to consider installing physical measures. Think gates, barriers and other technological installations that can keep criminals out. Physical security measures are essential to maintaining safety regulations. 

Gates

When it comes to gates, you can either go high or low-tech. The former should include tracked sliding gates with locking, control panels and operator options. They can also be rigged with alarms or manned by loading bay security officers to further the safety of the space. Rigging for entry can include 

• Key fob access
• Remotes
• Keypads
• Intercom
• Push button
• Card access

The provider of your gates should also make them bespoke to measure, ensuring that they fit perfectly to your business requirements. 

Barriers and bollards

Barriers can act as smaller gates or as more traffic-specific solutions for keeping unwanted intruders out. When it comes to the barriers, they should be operational via the same control options available for gates. There are a variety of bollards you can use, including: 

• Full road blockers
• Permanent installations
• Semi-permanent installations

These bollards, high-security barriers and road blockers can be used in combination setups to maximise security against uninvited drivers. 

Vehicle restraints and wheel chocks

Automated dock locks and wheel chocks are important for securing the trailers to the dock when they arrive. This helps to prevent unauthorised drive-aways and vehicle theft, with technical ones being more effective and physical chocks acting as effective deterrents. 

Technological warehouse security solutions

Beyond physically blocking intruders from entering your premises, other technological installations can support consistent warehouse security. Some essential installations include: 

• Industrial security cameras (CCTV) with monitoring staff to keep a close eye on what’s taking place throughout the day 
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to ensure no unauthorised vehicles are accessing your premises
• Clear signage to indicate security measures are in place, helping to maintain deterrence across the board
• Door and window contact sensors to monitor all the arrivals and departures to the warehouse or loading bay
• Cargo tracking technology like GPS or RFID sensors to keep track of cargo and supplies

These technologies are all valuable for maintaining workplace security. 

Operational warehouse security techniques

It’s not just about what you install – it’s about how you operate daily. You need to maintain strong systems of security, such as driver verification, documentation controls, key storage and staff security training to ensure everyone’s doing their bit. Remember, lots of crime is committed by employees. Things like counting and checking for damage with stock is important to make sure you aren’t getting hit with a professional scam. 

All of these warehouse security measures are essential, but you also need to take into account the need for regular audits and reviews. This means checking for the quality of everything from your insurance policies to the effectiveness of your measures. Consistent improvement is everything in a world of evolving crime.