Storage and Distribution

National Mini Storage is the largest self storage company in New Zealand,with six self storage facilities,each with up to 1 kilometre of perimeter that needs security protection. Since 1993,National Mini Storage has been a strong advocate of the PowerFence™ system to assure customers their property is safely protected.

The concept of a self storage facility was relatively new to New Zealand when National Mini Storage opened their first site in Penrose in 1991. The site design was based on an innovative ranch style as opposed to a more traditional multi level facility. A natural barrier, in the form of an old quarry site, afforded some perimeter security. Other signifi cant security was provided by live-in site managers, gates and infra-red beams. However, the beams were troublesome, often being sent into alarm by spiders and fog. More importantly, these site security measures did not deter theives.

After three break-ins, the on-site managers identified that if the company was to succeed long term, it had to offer a safe and secure environment for their customers.

Key factors considered in finding a solution were:

• The need for a system that would actively deter and detect intruders but provide a safe environment for staff and customers.
• A high false alarm tolerance i.e. able to ignore interference from change in weather (e.g. fog), animals, falling leaves etc.
• A system that could be monitored externally during the hours of 7pm and 7am, when the site was closed. The decision to install a PowerFence™ system was endorsed by the on-site managers, who saw electric fencing as the only solution to meet their requirements
  and maximise site security.

PowerFence™ systems, from Gallagher Security Management Systems (GSMS), consist of a grid of high tensile wires that can be constructed either inside an existing perimeter fence, or on walls and roofs.

While most technologies only detect intruders, the PowerFence™ system is unique in its ability to also deter would-be intruders. The security fence is pulsed every 1.2 seconds, creating a short, sharp but safe shock if the fence is touched or reached, as well as creating an alarm. Signs are positioned along the fence to warn people of the potential hazard if contact is made.

Paul McFadzien, Managing Director of National Mini Storage, reports that the PowerFence™ has been an excellent deterrent to thieves.

“The (PowerFence™) system has been extremely successful from our point of view. It’s been a major deterrent. It does the job it is meant to do.”, comments Paul.

Paul adds “It must be about 5 years since the last attempt (to breach the fence). The last time someone had a serious go at the fence, they used wire cutters but only managed to cut a couple of wires and the alarms went off.”