Good Practice Guide to Security

Although the main objective of a Science Park is the creation and growth of new- technology-based businesses, the management is also responsible for the security of property and personnel on the site. In an age of high crime rates this responsibility must be taken very seriously if the Science Park is to achieve its main objectives. Sensitive technology companies will not locate or stay on Science Parks that are perceived to have poor security.

Science Parks are well known to contain "high-tech" businesses with a higher than average concentration of computers, micro chips, valuable scientific equipment and intellectual property. These attract the more sophisticated, professional thieves who can target their victims and where a rural location is no safer than an inner city site with this type of crime.

The opportunist thief and vandal can take advantage of the low density and easy access to many of the larger Science Park sites, to attack vehicles and effect break-ins to unprotected buildings if security is weak. Break-ins through unsecured windows and doors are common problems, but fortunately attacks on people are infrequent on Science Parks although these should not be discounted. Computers, other expensive equipment and cash, left where they can be seen through the windows of empty offices, are particularly vulnerable to the opportunist thief (window blinds are a useful protection from this threat).

Potentially serious events must also be planned for, such as flooded laboratories, outbreaks of fire, threats of physical violence to personnel by telephone or by visitors/intruders to the site, bomb threats, hazardous materials and serious structural damage caused by bad weather.

A further aspect of security on Science Parks is the need to protect personnel and property from harm caused by the activities of the tenants themselves. Science Park tenant companies can, and do, become involved with potentially explosive materials and processes, pathogenic bacteria, toxic substances or powerful electromagnetic radiation. All hazardous activities and any waste arising from them must conform to the Health and Safety at Work, as well as Environmental Regulations, and Science Park Directors should seek expert advice before allowing such activities on to the Park. Lease agreements should ensure that tenants take full responsibility for security within their own units and conform to all regulations covering their activities and any waste that arises from them.

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