Always focus on access requirements

The most notable thing about bollards is you can use them to protect various properties. However, you need to ensure you select the right model for the setting and access requirements. We want to have a closer look at a few scenarios today to see which type of bollard would be best in each of them. Then, if you want to order products, you can have a look on our shop or speak to us.

High value high street shops

The high street is a valuable location for many businesses, but does make them a target for thieves. Many properties ensure products are visible to attract customers. So, things like large glass windows are common. Sadly, they also make the properties vulnerable to ram raiding.

A strategically placed bollard or a series of them can work wonders here to reduce the risk of a ram raid. The useful thing is typically there are no access requirements to keep in mind. It is unlikely that the business will use the front entrance for things like deliveries. In most cases they will use a side or rear service entrance instead. So, in most cases you can choose static posts for the front of high street shops.

Retail or business parks

These are also important locations for businesses, and sadly also make them a target for criminals. You have similar problems because of the design of the shops. However, there is also an additional problem as many parks have car parking close to shops. It increases the risk of incidents.

What you typically need to do here is achieve a balance between access to specific areas at different times. Generally you can still have static posts at shop fronts to protect them. However, you will likely need folding, retractable or holoscopic bollards for car parks and access roads. They give you the flexibility to control access.

Large warehouses

With the rise of ecommerce and online shopping, we see more and more businesses operating from large warehouses. They don't have the same level of vulnerability as high street shops and retail or business parks because of the typical locations. However, that doesn't mean some criminals won't still try. In fact, there have been incidents of ram raiding and criminals even physically cutting holes to access properties.

The good thing here is typically there are no access requirements for the public. Additionally, most activity will be at loading docks. That means in many cases you can choose a static bollard. One thing to think about though is forklifts. They are a common sight at warehouses to move products around. You will likely need bollards to ensure you protect people on foot inside and outside. Just ensure you consider the access needs for the forklifts.

Small warehouses

Not all warehouses are massive with space for hundreds of thousands of products. Some are on the smaller side. They generally don't have the huge banks of loading bays. In fact, they may only have one or two or just a roller shutter covering a large opening. Sadly, this can increase the risk of criminals targeting the properties.

The access requirements here can be tricky. Generally what you will want to do is place posts close to the shutters and any loading bays. Retractable ones can be best so you can lock them in place at night but lower them during the workday. Static ones can work well too if you don't have any access needs.

Ask us about bollards

Barrier Mart can help clients to protect all kinds of properties. We have a massive range of products, including different styles of bollard, crash barrier, and speed bumps. We even do things like column and corner protection. Therefore, clients can choose what they need to protect against thieves.

If you need bollards or any other products, feel free to have a look at our shop. You can also contact us if you want any recommendations.