Business parks within city centers are becoming a thing of the past. More and more, municipalities are developing industrial zones on the outskirts, conveniently located near highways for easy logistics. Yet these remote sites are also highly attractive to criminals who can strike under the cover of anonymity. Robust perimeter security is therefore essential. But how should you approach it—and why?

The reasons are clear. A break-in has serious consequences, not only material and financial but also psychological. Keeping intruders off your premises protects both your assets and your people. And while security measures come at a cost, they are often far lower than the potential damage of a break-in.

Terrein beveiligen
Terrein beveiligen

2024: fewer break-ins, more damage

In the Netherlands, damage from business break-ins in 2024 was estimated at around €100 million, covering both stolen goods and repair costs. While the total number of incidents has decreased, the damage per break-in has risen significantly.

In urban areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, theft and burglary losses were highest due to the concentration of companies. Rural areas saw fewer break-ins but higher average damage per incident. Smaller companies often cut corners on security to save money, but end up paying more in losses when crime occurs.

Retail continues to lead in burglary incidents, closely followed by logistics companies, warehouses and construction. Construction theft often involves expensive machinery and tools, with damages quickly running into tens of thousands of euros. Many insurers now demand security measures, including cameras, as a condition for construction project coverage.

Vacant properties: attractive targets

Vacant buildings and offices remain highly appealing to intruders. They are often less well protected than operational businesses, and valuable materials such as copper, cables and installations are easy to steal and resell on the black market. The risk of detection is also lower, which makes such sites especially vulnerable.

In 2024, losses from burglaries and theft in vacant buildings were higher than ever, with total damages estimated between €50 and €70 million. These costs include stolen goods such as copper and building materials as well as building damage from broken windows, doors and forced entry. Squatting incidents also increased, causing further destruction. This trend has pushed demand for better security for vacant property, using solutions such as temporary surveillance or advanced alarm systems.

A layered approach to site security

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for protecting business premises. Effective perimeter security is always a combination of complementary measures tailored to each site. Kooi’s mobile surveillance cameras, such as our UFO systems, play a key role by keeping your site monitored 24/7 and helping prevent intrusions. But for maximum security, cameras should be part of a broader plan that includes:

Monitoring entry and exit points
Controlling who comes and goes is vital. Registration points such as turnstiles or pedestrian gates help track access, while vehicles can be managed with barriers.

Perimeter fencing
A strong fence around the entire site deters most intruders before they even attempt entry.

On-site layout
Keep valuable materials, vehicles and equipment away from fences or public roads. Store them centrally, under lighting or within camera detection zones.

Lighting
Good lighting is a must. Criminals prefer the cover of darkness, so a well-lit site both discourages intrusions and ensures that anyone who does attempt entry is clearly visible on camera. Combined with parking lot security cameras, this evidence also helps with insurance claims and damage recovery.

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