For a museum or gallery owner, it has been quoted that it only takes a shocking 58 seconds to steal a painting. Museums and galleries are a target for a pool of international thieves, many of which are on the Interpol “wanted” list so when it comes to these types of environments, a high priority is about the safe-keeping of precious artefacts in museums and art galleries, throughout the world.

Museums are facing growing security challenges with the rise of armed robbery, masterminded attempts to steal valuable artefacts, paintings, and are working in syndicates to collectively make these attempts on museums, which is why security should be considered a number one priority and the operation procedures that are implemented are effective and followed through.

When it comes to public museums or galleries, ensuring that the protection of items with high value or that are priceless can be a tough challenge to be dealt with. Keeping safe what is both in secure areas under watch and key is one thing but the conflicting dilemma is keeping objects safe that are for public viewing while allowing and depending on the museum or gallery, could run into the millions of visitors a year.

"A private collector of valuable cultural objects can obviously store the treasures in a strong vault, he doesn't tell people about them and, above all, does not allow total strangers to enter and admire the collection, whereas museums, on the other hand, have to do just the opposite. The goal of museum security is not to close its doors but to make sure they are opened to visitors in a responsible manner."

SensorTec Security is fortunate that it has had the opportunity to work with a fairly large number of museums, mainly in Egypt where security demands are exceptionally high and technological measures have been put in place along with a concrete set of operational procedures that are strictly adhered to.

A key to any security system in such locations is the maintenance as they will require a lot of attention in ensuring that all systems are fully and effectively functional at all times with no exceptions. Even in buildings that are historic and have certain restrictions that apply in what can be done, SensorTec Security will provide innovation coupled with creativity to provide a solution that compliments the environment yet leaves no room for vulnerability.

Exhibitions can take place in different forms within a given space and this should always be considered. They exhibit layout and where different objects are displayed inside the museum should also be a part of security planning. The most precious objects should never be placed near the outer shell of a building.

SensorTec Security can provide all the necessary technology to secure the environment but it will not be effective if it is not combined with structural and organisational measures.