Every organisation — whether it’s a business, local government, university, construction site or industrial facility — relies on its assets to function. These assets may be physical (buildings, equipment, vehicles), digital (data, IP, records) or human (people, knowledge, reputation).
When assets are damaged, stolen, misused or disrupted, the impact can be severe — financially, legally and reputationally. That’s why more organisations in Perth and across Western Australia are taking a strategic approach to asset protection and security.
This article explains what asset protection and security involves, how it works in practice, and how Smartsec Security Solutions helps organisations protect what matters most.
What Is Asset Protection and Security?
Asset protection and security refers to the policies, systems and strategies used to prevent loss, damage, theft or disruption of valuable assets. It combines physical security, risk management, technology, procedures and staff awareness to ensure assets are safeguarded at all times.
In Western Australia, asset protection isn’t just about CCTV or guards — it’s part of broader risk management, guided by standards such as:
- ISO 31000:2018 – Risk Management
- ISO 22341 – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
- AS/NZS 1158 – Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces
- AS/NZS 62676.4 – Video Surveillance Systems
Assets can be:
- Buildings and infrastructure
- Machinery, tools, vehicles and plant
- ICT rooms, data centres and communications networks
- Cash, stock, inventory or hazardous materials
- Intellectual property and confidential information
- Staff, contractors and members of the public
Effective asset protection means protecting both the asset itself and its ability to operate.
Why Asset Protection Matters in Western Australia
In WA, organisations face a range of asset-related risks:
- Break-ins and theft at commercial or industrial premises
- Vandalism and damage to local government parks, libraries or sporting facilities
- Theft of tools and plant equipment from construction sites
- Copper theft, fuel theft and unauthorised entry in regional areas
- Insider threats — employees or contractors misusing access
- Loss of data, intellectual property or confidential files
- Hostile acts, protests or malicious damage to government or critical infrastructure
Without a structured approach, organisations risk higher insurance costs, operational downtime, legal claims and reputational damage.
Key Elements of Asset Protection and Security
Asset protection works best when it combines multiple layers, rather than relying on one security measure. A strong system will include the following:
Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
- Identify what assets are most valuable and at risk
- Assess threats such as theft, fire, sabotage or cyber intrusion
- Review vulnerabilities in access, lighting, CCTV, procedures or staffing
- Use ISO 31000 to rate likelihood and consequence
Physical Security Measures
- Secure perimeters — fencing, gates, bollards, barriers
- Controlled entry points — swipe cards, security officers, intercoms
- Locking systems for internal doors, storage areas or plant rooms
- Security patrols and alarm monitoring
- Hostile vehicle mitigation for high-risk or crowded spaces
Electronic Security and Surveillance
- CCTV placement for visibility of high-value areas
- Alarm systems and remote monitoring centres (AS 2201.2 compliance)
- Access control systems to restrict unauthorised movement
- Intruder detection and duress alarms
- Video analytics (motion, loitering, tailgating detection)
Lighting and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
- Lighting compliant with AS/NZS 1158 for safety and surveillance
- Eliminating blind spots and concealment areas
- Clear lines of sight to entrances, pathways and assets
- Signage, clear ownership boundaries and defensible spaces
Policies, Procedures and Staff Awareness
- Asset registers and access control policies
- Clear reporting procedures for damage, loss or suspicious behaviour
- Key management and swipe card deactivation processes
- Staff inductions and contractor management
- Regular audits, maintenance and compliance checks
Emergency and Incident Response
- How to respond to intrusion, fire, protest or asset loss
- Who is responsible, who is contacted and how incidents are recorded
- Alignment with AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities
- Post-incident reviews and improvements
How Organisations Can Improve Asset Protection
If you manage a site, facility or business in Perth, here’s how to strengthen your asset protection:
- Conduct a security risk assessment or asset vulnerability assessment
- Identify critical assets and rank them based on importance
- Upgrade physical barriers around high-risk areas
- Improve access control — including visitor and contractor systems
- Ensure CCTV covers storage, loading zones, entrances and high-value areas
- Train staff to report suspicious activity and follow procedures
- Review and update outdated policies or site instructions
- Test emergency and incident response plans
- Schedule regular audits, especially when operations change
How Smartsec Security Solutions Helps
Smartsec Security Solutions provides independent asset protection and security consulting for organisations across Perth and Western Australia. We do not install systems or sell equipment — our advice is unbiased and based solely on risk, compliance and operational needs.
Our services include:
- Asset and Security Risk Assessments (aligned with ISO 31000)
- Threat and Vulnerability Assessments (TVA)
- Site Security Risk Assessments for commercial, council and industrial properties
- CPTED and lighting assessments to reduce crime opportunities
- Access control and CCTV advice — technology-neutral and vendor-independent
- Security policies, procedures and post-order development
- Security master planning and asset protection strategies
- Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) for public spaces and events
- Ongoing audits, compliance reviews and improvement plans
We support:
- Local governments (parks, depots, civic buildings)
- Mining, utilities and industrial sites
- Universities and education facilities
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Commercial, retail and property management companies
Why Choose Smartsec in Western Australia?
- Based in Perth with knowledge of WA legislation and local government processes
- Over 18 years’ experience in security risk management and protective security
- Independent — no affiliations with equipment vendors or installation contractors
- Reports written clearly, suitable for executives, councils or insurance providers
- Recommendations tailored to budgets, operations and site conditions
Final Thoughts
Asset protection isn’t just about cameras, fences or alarms — it’s about understanding your risks and building layered defences that prevent loss, disruption or damage.
With increasing theft, unauthorised access and operational threats across Western Australia, organisations need to take asset protection seriously — not reactively, but proactively.
If you’d like support with asset protection planning, risk assessments or security consulting, Smartsec Security Solutions can help you protect your assets with confidence and compliance.
