How barriers become important anti-terror devices

The risk of terror attacks is not something that people like to think about – but unfortunately, they remain a possibility. As such, events organisers, building owners and city councils have had to do everything that they can to find ways to minimise the risk.

As terrorism tactics evolve, so to do the anti-terror devices that are deployed against them. A great example that has been seen recently are the anti-terror glass fencing at the Eiffel Tower. This elegant solution doesn’t detract from the beauty of this popular sightseeing destination, but it can help to keep the Tower protected.

Here we take a look at how barriers such as concrete barriers have become important tools as anti-terror devices.

Public safety has to be the number one priority

Whether you are running an event or manging security for a city council, safety is the number one priority. It is important to do everything you can to minimise the risk for pedestrians, so it can be necessary to take the kind of advanced steps that might not have been necessary in the past.

Many buildings and city centres were not initially designed with terror safety at the forefront of their mindset. That’s why it has become necessary to utilise additional features such as concrete barriers.

In some cases, building owners or event organisers might not wish to have anything as visually intrusive as concrete barriers. In this case, it is possible to use large quarry rocks that can do the same job but with a more pleasing visual aesthetic.

Vehicles used as weapons

It is sadly the case that the tactics of terrorists evolve. Part of the reason that the use of barriers has become so essential is because of the use of cars and other vehicles are weapons of terror. There have been countless examples of terror attacks themselves perpetrated using vehicles, or the vehicles being used to smash into buildings in order to gain entry.

For as long as your site is vulnerable to attacks from vehicles, it will remain essential to have physical barriers in place to stop them.

Barriers placed in cities

Manchester was a trend setter in this area, as it became one of the first cities to install anti-terror barriers. City centres are areas that can have extremely high footfall, which can make them extremely vulnerable against terror attacks that use vehicles.

Whether it is due to city events such as festivals and parades, or simply busy shopping days, it is important for pedestrians to feel like they are protected. Anti-terror barriers have been deployed at a range of city events such as at Edinburgh Festival and at the Wimbledon Championships.

Security barriers are increasingly used to protect pedestrians at large events

It is important to think about anti-terror devices as a part of event security. We have already seen barriers deployed at football matches across the country in an effort to limit the possibility of a terror attack taking place.

If you are interested in having barriers installed at your property or event as an anti-terror device, the team at Maltaward can help. We have significant experience providing barriers for a wide range of purposes – our team can talk you through the needs of your project an recommend appropriate barriers for your needs.

If you would like a quote for anti-terror barriers, please contact us by calling 0800 043 2742 or emailing sales@maltaward.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.