Types of Security Cages

1. Types of security cage
2. Material choice
3. Cages to hide items
4. Certified security cages
5. Adequate warnings
6. Recommended configurations

Security cages or security compounds are an important part of the security strategy for many sites either inside the outer perimeter or installed as standalone components. Usually made from security fencing panels and gates and built without a roof due to health and safety and building regulations, they can be installed to protect anything from bicycles and bins to fuel and weapons.

Security cages can be installed internally or externally, and can be formatted in different ways to suit your requirements.

At Jacksons, we specialise in bespoke solutions for storage to ensure you get the perfect fit and satisfy the requirements for noise reduction, conductivity, privacy, visibility, or having tested and certified protection.

Types of security cage

Material choice

Security cages are often made from steel to provide strength and resistance to vandalism, arson, and break-in attempts. There are also combination solutions available made from steel and timber, and timber alone.

Steel security cages can be constructed with welded mesh or vertical bar panels and gates.

Vertical bar fencing has high resistance to cutting with its strong tubular pales, and Jacksons’ vertical bar fencing systems do not have visible fixings unlike palisade fencing. Pales extend through the top rail to provide climb resistance without an additional topping. The downfall of a vertical bar design is that items can be easily passed through the fence between pales which could be as ‘harmless’ as litter, or more serious in the way of hooks and tools used with malicious intent. Vertical bar is more commonly used if the appearance of the compound is important or airflow is not restricted in any way. So this is often the go to solution for compounds within car showrooms, in parks, where the compound needs to match existing fencing, and for bike storage within different environments.

Welded mesh is often the choice for security cages, as it comes in a range of styles and can be easily integrated with security toppings to enhance climb resistance. Close knit mesh like Securi-Mesh®, or Securi-Mesh® Plus with its double layers has extremely good protection against items being passed through.

Both vertical bar and welded mesh fencing have high visibility which could be a benefit or hindrance depending on the items being stored. Some higher security mesh compounds do have wires that are closer together and this can have an impact on compounds where manned security is present and high visibility through the fence is imperative.

Security cages to hide items

Some security cages are used for storing items of value or secrecy and need concealment. Alternatively, they may be unsightly items which are better to be hidden from the public or are stored in public spaces or parks where being able to openly view waste, gas tanks, or machinery could have a negative impact on the surroundings. In this case, a screening panel is a good idea such as EuroGuard® Combi which is made up of strong steel V mesh panels which are interwoven with timber slats to provide coverage as well as a pleasant aesthetic – ideal for schools, office premises, public space and residential areas. It is also available with an LPS 1175 A1 rating for higher security sites.

Noise reduction is also key for some storage compounds. By design, acoustic barriers also provide other benefits including a flat face which increases climb resistance, and solid construction which is hard to break through and provides excellent privacy. For standard-medium levels of security, our original Jakoustic® barriers are ideal for creating security cages, for higher levels of security our high security acoustic barriers such as Jakoustic® Class 3 and Trident® Jakoustic® are ideal with their reinforcing layers of steel mesh, with a rating of C5, F1, or G1.

Tested and certified security cages

For peace of mind about the items being stored and to increase insurance cover, opt for a tested and certified fencing system to standards such as NPSA (previously CPNI) or LPS 1175.

The NPSA classification system is undisclosed however it takes into account climb resistance, penetration through the barrier, and protection against digging. NPSA also stipulates heights with or without security toppings so any NPSA security cage must follow strict specification to provide the right level of security. LPS 1175 ratings do not take into account the climb resistance and offers a range of heights for each product, but look for anti-climb styles of fencing and install at an appropriate height. You can also add security toppings to increase deterrence.

Warning of danger

At Jacksons, we pride ourselves in creating a range of fencing systems which not only provide security but simultaneously deliver good aesthetics and prevent creating a hostile environment. Our LPS 1175 rated fencing systems are all certified without the need for barbed wire and spikes (although these are optional extras if wanted). An attractive appearance is important especially in public places or where the storage area is clearly visible from residential or office buildings for example. It means that discretion can be easily achieved for areas to which you do not want to draw attention. Make sure warning signs are used if the items contained are dangerous. Conversely, hostility can be important to ensure people are deterred from attempting to enter, i.e. using spikes and alarm systems. We manufacture a range of menacing security toppings, PIDS, and ‘visually hostile’ fencing.

Recommended security cage configurations by item or requirement

The ideas below are a guide and are based on installations Jacksons has carried out in the past. The benefit of configuring a security cage from fencing and gates is that it is completely customisable to your requirements.