SPORTS GROUND EQUIPMENT
Effective security solutions for the UK ’ s golf clubs
By Peter Jackson , MD Jacksons Fencing
uring the pandemic , police across the country reported
D a “ huge increase ” in antisocial behaviour and crime across the UK ’ s golf clubs . Shockingly for some of the more urban clubs , such as in London and Manchester , this rise in crime meant police presence was needed frequently onsite .
Disruption to clubs continues : from vandals destroying golfing greens on motorbikes , to a disgruntled golfer who had be banned from his club causing £ 16,000 worth of damage , already this year , acts of crime in and around golf clubs are by no means hard to come by . Golfing equipment is also a draw for opportunistic thieves forcing clubhouses and even club members to remain vigilant and alert onsite . It ’ s clear robust security measures are needed to better protect these venues .
Providing security for golf clubs requires a delicate balance ; members pay significant membership fees and it ’ s essential they ’ re kept safe and able to play without delays each time they visit . However , a relaxed and welcoming environment is also essential to avoid any hostile perceptions that aren ’ t in keeping with the ethos of the club in question .
STARTING BLOCK A good starting point is the 5Ds model , which is based on the ‘ onion skin ’ principle , and can be applied to any application that requires perimeter security . Multiple layers of security work together to prevent access to a site ’ s assets , giving you the time you need to respond effectively . On the outermost perimeter , ‘ deter ’ involves some sort of visual warning , such as fencing and signs . ‘ Detect ’ can take the form of motion detectors or CCTV ,
42 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July 2022