Concentric Security December Newsletter

Dear Friends, 

Warm regards, 

Mark Oakes 

CEO of Concentric Security  

Utility Substation Breaches Are on the Rise. What Operators Are Prioritizing in Their Perimeter Upgrades  

Across the country, utilities are responding to a wave of recent substation intrusions involving fence cutting, unauthorized entry, and attempts to tamper with infrastructure. While every incident looks different, the takeaway is the same: outer fence lines remain the most targeted and most vulnerable point of entry. 

At Concentric Security, we are seeing a clear shift in what operators are now prioritizing as they reassess their perimeter strategy. 

1. Anti Cut and Anti Climb Mesh Replacing Chain Link
   Traditional chain link is being phased out on many critical infrastructure sites. Utilities are turning to high density, anti-climb welded mesh systems that are significantly harder to breach and far more resistant to hand tools.
2. Controlled Pedestrian Access Instead of Open Gates
   Open utility gates, even when monitored, have become a liability. Full height turnstiles with integrated credentialing are rapidly becoming the standard for employee and contractor entry. These systems provide predictable and auditable single person access.
3. Crash Rated Vehicle Barriers for Unguarded Entry Points
   Many substations were originally designed without full vehicle mitigation in mind. Operators are closing those gaps with M30 and M50 rated wedge barriers, bollards, and crash rated gates to limit unauthorized vehicle access and protect the site’s most sensitive zones.

As these incidents increase, utilities are acting quickly. Concentric Security is supporting sites nationwide with rapid perimeter assessments and turnkey solutions that strengthen the frontline of protection. If you are evaluating your own substation perimeter, our team can help determine which upgrades offer the highest return on security and operational reliability. 

Large Holiday Events Are Growing. What Recent Incident Trends Mean for Vehicle Mitigation Planning 

With stadiums, arenas, and public venues entering their busiest season, the focus has shifted to perimeter preparedness. Several high profile crowd events this year have highlighted the importance of proactive vehicle mitigation planning, especially when visitor traffic, vendor access, and temporary structures all come together in tight, high-energy spaces. 

Organizations are responding by expanding their perimeter strategy in three key ways. 

1. Deployable Vehicle Stopping Units for Seasonal Events
   Temporary events are increasingly using mobile crash rated barriers that can be installed quickly and removed without permanent foundation work. This creates protected pedestrian zones without disrupting operations once the season ends.
2. Permanent Bollard Lines Along Main Approach Routes
   Venues that host repeated annual events such as sports seasons, concert series, and holiday markets are installing fixed bollard lines along walkways and entry plazas to provide consistent protection throughout the year.
3. Integrated Access Control at Service Entrances
   Back of house entries are often overlooked during high attendance events. Facilities are implementing controlled gate solutions tied to credentialing systems to ensure vendor, delivery, and staff vehicles follow the same access rules as public facing areas.

As event calendars expand and crowd density grows, the demand for reliable perimeter protection continues to rise. Concentric Security works closely with venue operators to design solutions that balance security, flow, and guest experience without slowing down operations. 

Winterized Perimeter Hardware. What Fails Most Often and How to Prevent It This Season 

Cold weather reveals weaknesses that stay hidden all year. As winter approaches, facilities across utilities, logistics, and manufacturing are preparing for conditions that can disrupt critical perimeter systems. Based on last years' service calls and customer feedback, here are the most common failure points and how to stay ahead of them. 

1. Gate Operators Seizing in Extreme Cold
   Standard duty operators struggle when temperatures fall into the single digits. Grease thickens, motors slow, and housings can freeze shut.
   Our recommendation: Upgrade to operators designed for low temperature environments and use cold weather lubrication that maintains proper viscosity. 
2. Frost Heave Shifting Surface Mounted Turnstiles
   When the ground expands unevenly, turnstiles can tilt enough to cause binding or inconsistent rotation.
   Our recommendation: Use deeper reinforced concrete foundations and consider adjustable mounting hardware that compensates for seasonal ground movement. 
3. Cracked Bollard Sleeves and Damaged Covers
   Water intrusion during freeze thaw cycles can crack plastic bollard covers or distort poorly fitted sleeves.
   Our recommendation: Use tight fitting, UV stable sleeves with drainage channels and perform annual inspections to ensure seals remain intact. 

A perimeter system is only as reliable as its performance in the coldest months. Concentric Security regularly assists customers with winter readiness checks and upgrades that keep gate, barrier, and access systems functioning smoothly throughout the season.

Why December Is the Month for Gate Operator Replacement. How Concentric Security Handles Year End Changeouts 

Every December, we see a noticeable increase in primary gate operator replacements. This pattern is driven by several predictable operational and budget related factors that make the end of the year the ideal time for many facilities to modernize their perimeter equipment. 

1. Budget Cycles Closing
   Many organizations need to use remaining capital before year end. Aging or unreliable gate operators often become the priority item because of their daily operational importance.
2. Maintenance Backlogs Becoming Critical
   Winter conditions reveal which operators are nearing failure. Replacing them now helps prevent unexpected downtime during the busiest season.
3. Reduced Holiday Traffic
   Many facilities reduce operating hours or close briefly in late December. This creates a window where critical perimeter equipment can be taken offline without disrupting daily activity.

Concentric Security structures year end changeouts to minimize downtime. Our process includes evaluating the existing operator and infrastructure, recommending a properly sized operator matched to duty cycle and environment, integrating it with the existing access control system, and completing installation and testing within the available holiday window. 

If you are considering a gate operator replacement before year end, Concentric Security can quickly assess your system and schedule the work to ensure continuity heading into 2025.