Warehouses and distribution centres need to adapt to rising organised crime. How can people and technology can work together? Paul Worsley, Chief Services Officer at security systems provider Kingdom Systems, discusses why tackling organised crime in warehouses and distribution centres need both smart technology and trained security professionals – working hand in hand.
In the security industry, adapting the ever-evolving threats is nothing new. But in the past few years, the nature of those threats has changed significantly. We are no longer dealing with opportunists looking for an easy win by breaking into manufacturing and logistics sites. The rise in organised crime targeting warehouses, distribution centres (DCs) and logistics hubs is turning site security into a complex and high-stakes challenge.
Warehouses and DCs have high-value assets that organised crime groups are increasingly willing to target. These include high-value consumer goods to electronic devices, metals, pharmaceuticals and expensive machinery, which are targeted not as a random theft, but a coordinated and planned operation designed to exploit vulnerabilities in a site’s physical infrastructure, staffing or outdated technology.
The answer to this problem is not simply about choosing security guarding, or security systems. The real solution lies in integrating the two – building smart, responsive security strategies that combine the expertise, adaptability and deterrence of a human presence with the precision and accuracy of modern security systems.
The scale and complexity of warehousing and logistics operations today prove a unique challenge for security. With 24/7 operations, multiple access points, constant vehicle movement, high staff turnover and fulfilment pressures, the environment is dynamic and fast-paced.
So, it can be easy to put security by the wayside and view the needs to the site too complicated to create a bespoke system for. Previously, businesses may have leaned towards either security guarding or security systems – the choice typically being dictated by budget, perceived risk or legacy systems. However, with organised crime adapting to security measures quickly, manufacturing businesses cannot afford an ill-suited approach.
To stay ahead of crime, security strategies must be holistic, covering both deterrence and response, and it needs to be flexible enough to scale up dependent on the needs of the site.
Why security systems are crucial
Technology has undoubtedly become an indispensable part of warehouse and DC security. In recent years, CCTV has moved beyond passive surveillance, and many modern systems are now integrated with motion sensors, video analytics, and remote access. Access control systems can restrict and monitor movement across sensitive areas, while smart alarm systems provide instant alerts on unusual activity.
For sites that have different needs, temporary solutions, such as mobile towers and rapid-deploy cameras, offer cost effective options for high-risk periods. Many systems have live audio deterrents, floodlighting, ANPR number plate recognition and AI cloud-based systems to revolutionise protection from crime. As well as this, if there is an incident onsite, these systems will provide evidence-grade footage which will ensure the safeguarding of the business.
Why the human element is still essential
For many sites, the benefits of human experience, presence and judgement will strengthen the protection from organised crime. Onsite security guards can identify subtle behavioural clues that aren’t picked up by a camera and are able to intervene before an incident escalates. They also provide a visible deterrent.
Security guards often become an extension of the team, providing not just security but also reassurance to warehouse staff, managing visitor access, assisting with emergency protocols and health and safety. When technology may flag a potential issue, security guards are there to make a fast decision, essential for a fast-paced environment.
Integration is the key to warehouse security
Integrated security solutions allow systems to do the heavy lifting – enabling them to monitor, detect, record and in some cases deter – while trained security experts stand by to provide the judgement, response and the much-needed human touch. Both aspects of security should be part of the same strategy, providing stronger coverage, faster response times and better overall value for businesses facing growing risks.
One example is the way in which security systems can combine with real time alerts to direct mobile patrols or onsite guards, who are able to respond within seconds. AI powered systems can also analyse trends and flag any unusual patterns, while reporting tools can offer valuable insights that improve both security and operational efficiency.
Is this a sector wide wakeup call?
Organised crime is showing no sign of slowing down; if anything, it is becoming more sophisticated, and more commonplace as the UK sees theft rise across many sectors. They are likely to target businesses that have outdated security, whilst having valuable stock that could be resold in the UK or abroad. For warehouses and DCs to be better protected, security needs to be adaptable, layered and proactive, with people and technology working together. Security is never static, so your approach to it shouldn’t be either.
