Education safety tips
Below you can find the top SECOM tips for Schools and Education bodies.
Nothing is more disruptive in our schools or disheartening to teachers and pupils than the impact of crime. Theft and vandalism disrupt education, harm the learning environment, damage valuable facilities and add an extra financial burden to school budgets.
Education safety check list
SECOM works in partnership with schools to help make them a safer place to work and learn. We understand the relationship with Local Education Authorities and are always up to speed with the Department for Education and Science guidelines. With this in mind, we’ve produced a quick-reference checklist to help your staff and pupils.
- Most crime is opportunistic, installing visible burglar alarms, CCTV, locks/grilles and security lighting mean offenders will seek an easier target.
- Beware of the fortress mentality - get a balance between visible measures and an open learning environment.
- Designate a member of staff as School Security Co-ordinator.
- Always fit good-quality locks on doors and windows – a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
- Clear visible signage reiterates that your school is protected and acts as an effective deterrent.
- Review security as a whole, rather than adopting piecemeal measures as and when needs demand or budget allows.
- Security-mark all equipment, especially computers. Markers include UV pens, stencils and more advanced 'DNA' adhesive blobs that allow the police to identify and return stolen property. Warning labels that equipment is security-marked also act as a deterrent.
- Use anti-graffiti paint and always clean up graffiti as soon as possible – graffiti seems to attract trouble.
- Ensure all staff are versed in the basics – keeping valuables out of sight, locking cupboards and cabinets and drawing blinds at night.
- REMEMBER…you can't cut corners with security. Employ an NSI approved company to install your security measures.
