The elephant at the entrance is easy to spot

The elephant at the entrance is easy to spot. What about the person following behind you?

One of the simplest ways to get around a secure entrance doesn’t involve breaking a lock or defeating an alarm. It can begin with someone walking through a controlled door just after an authorised person.

That’s known as tailgating. Sometimes it’s deliberate. Sometimes it starts with a simple courtesy: someone holds the door because they assume the person behind them belongs there.

The problem is that a secure entrance only works when the entry process is followed consistently. Access cards, turnstiles and cameras all help, but people remain an important part of the picture.

That doesn’t mean staff should be expected to confront someone or put themselves at risk. It means they should feel confident following a clear, sensible process:

🔹 Don’t assume someone is authorised just because they look as though they belong.
🔹 Ask visitors to use the correct entrance or report to reception.
🔹 Raise concerns with the security team, who can respond professionally.
🔹 Review busy entry points and make sure the rules are clear to everyone.

A strong security culture makes it easier for people to speak up politely and know what to do next. It combines clear procedures, appropriate technology and security professionals who are alert, approachable and ready to help.

The pink elephant in our image is impossible to miss. Real tailgating attempts may be much less obvious.

When did you last review how people enter your workplace — and would your team feel comfortable challenging someone they didn’t recognise?