UK telecoms firm Vodafone is upgrading security at one of its data centers after what was described as an “increasing number” of criminal attacks against its facilities in Bracknell, Berkshire.
First reported by Bracknell News, Vodafone has been given permission by Bracknell Forest Council to install new security fences and gates, reconfigure the car park, and install EV chargers at its data center site in the Sterling Centre on Eastern Road.
The telecoms firm first filed to install new security fences, razor wire described as a spiked rotating topper, and create a new secure area within the car park back in November 2023.
“Due to an increasing number of criminal attacks on Vodafone data center sites across the country, a program of security upgrades is being rolled out across the network,” the company said. “Additional protection is required to any external plant and vulnerable access points into the building. All perimeter fences will be fitted with a razor wire anti-climb topper.”
The number and nature of these attacks were not detailed, and the number of sites being upgraded is also unclear. DCD has reached out to Vodafone for more details.
Upgrades to the existing fence will include an anti-climb mesh to the outer face, while all perimeter fences will be fitted with razor wire anti-climb toppers.
“In order to minimize theft and vandalism a perimeter fence is proposed to the east elevations of the building currently occupied by external plant, pipework, and car parking. Upgrades to the existing fences surrounding the plant are also proposed.”
Vodafone applied to install LPT 1175, SR2-rated fencing – a common type of anti-climb fence – with razor wire anti-climb toppers. The company said the measures will increase the security rating of the existing perimeter acoustic fence without affecting the sound-reducing properties.
“The new fences have been designed to provide a robust barrier to prevent both anti-social behavior and also deter more malicious attacks,” the company said. “The existing plant will need to be made secure to protect the function of the critical systems inside the building.”
Vehicle access to the secure area of the car park will be via two automatic fast-action folding gates to prevent tailgating, while pedestrian gates and fence panels will be installed to provide controlled access within the new area of the compound.
British Land recently sold five Vodafone-occupied data centers and office sites around London to ICG Real Estate.
Keppel DC REIT acquired a Vodafone data center in the Bracknell area of London in a sale-leaseback deal for $57 million ($76.9m) in 2022. That facility, known as Waterside House, is separate from the Sterling Centre site.
