Vacant Site Security at British Airways Cranebank Training Facility

Safer Group was commissioned by Mitie to enhance security at the British Airways Cranebank training facility, a large, decommissioned site that had become a major hotspot for urban exploration, trespass, and theft.

Initially selected as one of three security technology partners, Safer Group’s successful deployment of Safer POD® S1, S4, and S7 units led to our appointment as Mitie’s sole technology provider for the site.

This long-term partnership remains active today and forms a critical layer of protection for one of the UK’s most challenging aviation security environments.

The key objectives were to:

• Detect, deter, and prevent repeated intrusions at a disused, high-profile aviation site.

• Provide a dual-layered security model, integrating Mitie’s manned guarding with Safer Group’s autonomous monitoring systems.

• Deliver a rapid-deployment, self-powered solution capable of operating across a vast, exposed site with minimal infrastructure.

• Enable real-time visibility and coordinated incident response between the Safer Group Control Room, Mitie, and local law enforcement.

The Cranebank site presented a complex set of operational difficulties.

The location was an initial test to overcome. Large, open grounds with multiple entry points and easy access from a private beach and service roads meant the site was rife with incidents.

The site was already experiencing a high frequency of group intrusions, including gangs of up to eight individuals, which required fast detection and coordinated interception before a serious incident could occur.

On top of this, there was ongoing urban-explorer activity that generated reputational risk for both British Airways and Mitie, which needed cessation immediately.

Safer Group deployed a multi-device network of Safer POD® systems combining monitoring, deterrent, and communication technologies.

• Safer POD® S1 units provided full-coverage HDR optical cameras with 360° monitoring, twin 105 dB sounders, and strobe deterrents.

• Safer POD® S4 units were fitted with 2 MP optical and 1 MP thermal bi-spectrum cameras for day-night detection, supported by 400 Ah battery and solar-charging systems.

• Safer POD® S7 units offered long-range (up to 500 m) thermal imaging, 8MP 4k optical lenses, and methanol fuel-cell power for continuous off-grid operation.

All POD® devices were equipped with live-audio challenge, tilt/impact sensors, and multi-SIM encrypted communication.

This created a self-contained, resilient network feeding directly to the Safer Group 24/7 Control Room, where operators could issue real-time alerts, warnings, and police escalations if needed.

Mitie’s on-site guards acted as the first-response layer, while Safer Group provided oversight, verification, and escalation - a coordinated approach that proved immediately effective.

Deployment began in August 2023, following a joint security audit with Mitie and British Airways’ facilities management team.

Units were installed strategically around the Cranebank perimeter, with overlapping detection zones covering all vulnerable points of entry.

Communication and escalation procedures were also jointly developed with Mitie to ensure consistency between on-site personnel and Safer Group’s monitoring centre.

Through continuous optimisation and performance reviews, Cranebank became the benchmark for integrated manned and autonomous security delivery within the aviation sector.

The impact has been measurable and immediate:

• 52 intruders detected since deployment.

• 27 intruders caught, detained by police, or removed from site.

• 23 intruders deterred through proactive intervention by Safer Group’s systems.

Zero successful intrusions into the Cranebank buildings since partnership began.

Sustained operation with no downtime or power interruption across all POD® devices.

Our technology model has reduced risk, eliminated property loss, and restored site control to the client.