With businesses facing a truly parlous economic climate, it is more tempting than ever to cut costs. Some areas of expenditure, though, should never be reduced: premises security is a key example. It is an unfortunate fact that recession brings a rise in criminal activity, so it is arguable that at such times businesses should raise expenditure on static security rather than lower it.

One of the most familiar methods of securing premises is by the use of roller shutters (also known as rolling doors and roller doors). Roller shutters are flexible doors made up of a series of strips (usually made of metal such as galvanised steel or aluminium, but possibly also made from durable, shock-resistant plastic) joined together and wound round a drum. As the drum is turned (either by manual operation via a chain or electrical operation via a tubular motor), the door unwinds and is lowered into place. Most often placed over openings such as doors and windows, roller shutters provide protection against all but the most determined intruders.