Cargo theft recording firm Verisk CargoNet reported theft incidents rose 27 percent between 2023 and 2024. This echoes the billions lost to retail theft each year (over 100 billion dollars according to the National Retail Security Survey).

While much attention is given to cybersecurity, high-security barriers remain a company’s first line of defense. From warehouses and showroom floors to office buildings and retail environments, physical protections, such as high-security fences as well as various landscaping practices, help keep employees safe during business hours and safeguard assets when a business is closed.

There are many high-security barrier options, each with its own set of pros and cons. Often, selecting the right one depends on a business’ location, landscape, security goals and aesthetic preferences. To that end, it is important to distinguish what the general barrier categories are before exploring other considerations for selecting the right system to enhance a property’s security.   

What are physical barriers and why are they needed?

High-security barriers can make accessing a property more difficult. Some options, like landscaping that adheres to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) recommendations, are well-suited at defending against vehicular access. This type of landscaping can include strategically placed trees or shrubbery as well as ditches and berms. Other barriers, like anti-ram perimeter protection systems, also safeguard properties against unauthorized vehicular access. High-security barriers can blend seamlessly into a business’ location to support efforts to enhance security without disrupting a welcoming aesthetic.

These systems can be made more effective when layered with other measures, like high-security fences. This type of fencing system pairs strong and durable materials with intelligent engineering to provide a superior level of resistance to both vehicular and on-foot trespass. Industry-leading steel fence options have the strength to withstand ramming and are designed to resist corrosion from UV rays and inclement weather to remain strong season after season for decades.

Further, high-security fence options that incorporate anti-climb features and tamper-resistant connections can more effectively resist unauthorized access and vandalism.

Other beneficial features for high-security fences

When businesses layer multiple physical barriers, they can increase their overall effectiveness. This can mean combining weather-resilient, high-security steel fences with CCTV and other surveillance systems. For example, ARES™ from Fortress Building Products includes rail options that can accommodate data and communication cables (IDS) to support the integration of multiple security measures across the entire property.

ARES and other fencing options from Fortress Building Products are rackable, so they can follow uneven terrain without creating vulnerable gaps at the bottom rail or unsightly top rail lines. They can do this without putting unnecessary strain on component parts, which supports long-term strength and resilience. With a rackable design, high security-fences can work with other measures, like ditches and berms, to improve the level of security at the property perimeter.

Enhanced perimeter security that does not detract from a business’ aesthetic goals

Preventing security problems is important to businesses for many reasons, from creating a safer environment for employees and customers to reducing instances of theft and vandalism. While high-security barriers and resilient fences can provide owners and facility management teams with peace of mind that they are secure, it is also important to understand the potential negative impact of highly visible security measures. For example, security systems that create an imposing and bunker-like atmosphere may both contribute to feelings of distrust among employees and diminish a company’s appeal to new customers.

According to Steve Mezin, Commercial Account Manager at Fortress Building Products, this is a key consideration for end-users and developers. “Businesses want to ensure the safety of their teams and the protection of their products. At the same time, creating a welcoming first impression is essential to long-term success. Balancing these two goals remains a driving force, and challenge, in selecting high-security barriers.”

That said, high-security fences that resemble ornamental options can solve the challenge in balancing enhanced security with creating aesthetically pleasing property.

High-security fences are more than materials: the manufacturer can make a key difference

Strength, resilience, considered design, compatibility with other security measures—these are all qualities that can make for an effective high-security barrier. Blending a formidable appearance with a forward-looking design is also central to creating a secure but welcoming property.

It takes a lot of knowledge to parse the differences between the many high-security options in today’s market as well as to determine which type of fence is best for security at a specific location. This is where a proven manufacturer can be a powerful differentiator.

Fortress Building Products is well-versed in how fencing can support a project’s goals from enhancing security to creating the perfect outdoor environment. These fencing solutions are backed by a team of experts to help ensure the right system is placed in the right context.

Contact Fortress Building Products today to discover how our high-security fencing solutions can protect your property without compromising on design.