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Delivery Driver, Delivery Drivers, Stole, Vehicle, Delivery Vehicle, Cardiff, South Wales

Cardiff: Are Delivery Drivers Safe from Theft?

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Christmas is often a stressful year for some, with many scrambling to get to our high streets to get everything ready for the big day. However, with the Coronavirus still around, people are being urged to maintain social distancing when shopping it’s resulted in many avoiding their high street and taking to online shopping to their shopping done.

Although statistics regarding sales in November have yet to be released yet, in October 2020 the National Office of Statistics found that in the month of October food sales increased by 99.2%, department store sales increased by 87.2% and other non-food stores by 89.7%.

And with a majority of online sales being made at the largest retailer Amazon, there has been an increased number of delivery drivers, delivering our precious orders. However, with this increase in sales and deliveries, there has also been an increase in delivery van thefts.

Earlier this month, South Wales Police released footage showing a delivery driver pulling up to a property and delivering parcels in Bridge Street in the Centre of Cardiff. Moments later a person sees the van left running and open and immediately climbs into the cabin and leaves with the van and all the parcels inside. You can see the footage on their social media page here https://fb.watch/2iYoQ4QDHh/

And this isn’t the only theft. Another delivery vehicle was stolen in Llanrumney containing 30 parcels – some of which were later found discarded in a nearby lane.

South Wales Police are still investigating the theft of these vehicles and their contents so if you have any information regarding this please get in touch with them.

In another part of the UK, one delivery driver hung onto his van while a thief stole his vehicle in an attempt to stop his vehicle from being stolen. You can read more here

Following this recent spate of delivery van thefts, South Wales Police have issued some advice to delivery drivers delivering parcels this Christmas.

Remove keys and lock vehicle doors.

Whenever the vehicle is left attended, even for a second it’s important that you remove the keys and lock your vehicle. This includes paying for fuel, making a delivery, or receiving instructions.

Lock your doors when driving

Drive with the doors locked in order to deter thieves who may try to enter the vehicle when it’s stationary. If anti-theft systems are fitted make sure they are working and use them.

Park at approved locations

If you are parking the vehicle overnight, park them at approved locations and avoid dark isolated places. Try to park in a way that prevents thieves from gaining access to the rear doors. If you have a fleet of vehicles that are returned to a parking lot in the evenings, then you may want to read our recent blog here on how to protect them.

Be aware of bogus officials

It can be easy to assume that when someone is wearing a uniform and ID badge their official. However, you could be wrong. It’s important that you are aware of bogus official (who could be wearing stolen uniforms). It’s also important not to be distracted by other delivery drivers alerting or stopping you for supposed punctures, accidents, etc.

If a theft is being carried out on your vehicle stay in your cab

If you have pulled up to a location (whether that is for a delivery or parked for a break) and you realise that a theft is being carried out on your van, do not confront them. Stay in your cab. Lock the doors, start the engine, switch on the lights and if necessary, sound the horn to attract attention.

Be Alert

When driving, most of our attention is fixated on the road and traffic ahead of us. However, it’s important to take note of any vehicles behind you and ensure that they aren’t following you to a number of locations along your delivery route.

Have a fully charged phone

Whether your vehicle is being burgled while you’re in it or it has been stolen while your delivering, it’s important that you have a fully charged phone at hand to report any incidents to the police.

If you have been in an incident where your vehicle has been broken into or stolen, then contact South Wales Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Here at A&R Security Services, we understand the devasting feeling and effect a stolen vehicle can create to anyone. If you require security solutions for your fleet of vehicles or even your property then get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website to see how our tailored security solutions can protect your business.

Robbery, Armed Robbery, Violent Robbery, Robberies, Violent Robberies, Armed Robberies, Violent Crime, A&R Security Services

Violent robbery rise blamed on police cuts and rise in smartphone use

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In recent news, it’s been reported by the BBC that robberies are increasing at a faster rate in England and Wales than in any major developed country.

Within the last year, it’s been found that 269,000 young people were involved in or at risk of violent crime and that the use of smartphones and cuts to police patrols are behind the rise.

Between 2014 – 2018 robberies in England and Wales has increased by 33%, which researchers believed was significant because robbery acted as an entry point for violent crimes. With knife-related robberies increasing by 33%.

Violent crime recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by 19% in the last year – with the number of homicides (including murder and manslaughter) rising from 649 to 739 an increase of 14% since the end of September 2018. This is the highest total for crimes since 2007.

The report run by the BBC suggested that the availability of smartphones are connected to the increase of violent robberies with 8 in 10 people in the UK using them, higher than any country.

It also suggested that pressure on policing after budget cuts to officer posts between 2010 and 2018 was a contributor to the increase and pointed out that only 7% of robbery cases resulted in a suspect being charged compared to 21% four years ago.

Mr Redgrave from Crest Advisory said “ Criminals respond to incentives and if they feel they’re not being effectively policed – often these crimes are opportunistic – we’re likely to see an increase in these types of offences”

However, a spokesperson from the Home office suggested that changes in the way that robberies were logged are partly responsible for the rise in violent robberies.

“We are pleased with improvements in police recording, which have contributed to reported increases in robbery offences” they also added “ We are giving police the tools they need to keep families, communities and our country safe, including recruiting 20,000 new police officers and making it easier for them to use stope-and-search powers”

For more information about the report, robberies or violent crimes visit the BBC News website here.

A&R Security Services provide comprehensive security solutions in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and South West. For a free quote call 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details of our security services.

shoplifting, Security, retail security, A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Shoplifters, retail, Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, RCT, Newport

Retail security: 5 ways to prevent shoplifting

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During high peaks in the shopping calendar, retail business owners will see an influx of people visiting local shops, shopping centres and supermarkets. During this busy period and with so many people visiting stores, it can present the perfect opportunity for shoplifters to steal your goods.

In Cardiff, shoplifting accounts for 9.88% of the cities crimes committed between July 2018 and June 2019. Although this number is small compared to other places around the UK, it can have a damaging effect on small retail businesses.

To help prevent loses, here are 5 easy ways to prevent shoplifting.

  1. Welcome, Every Customer – Welcoming every customer serves two functions. Firstly it makes genuine customers feel welcomed and looked after. Secondly, it demonstrates to potential shoplifters that you are paying attention – and that may be enough to dissuade them from trying to steal any of your stock.
  2. Consider the layout and design of your store – Although you may occasionally meet a ‘Grab and Run’ shoplifter, more common ones are more likely to spend longer in your shop trying to conceal items on their person. These types of shoplifters need time and space, so you need to make sure your store doesn’t make it easy for them. Blindspots are the first thing a shoplifter will look for, so when designing your store, eliminate them by using mirrors and adequate lighting. Continuing with the first point and welcoming every customer, place your till quite close to the front of the store so you have a full view of both the shop front and the rest of the shop floor. Keep fixtures and displays low to increase your visibility. If you have change facilities, check on how many items they have when entering by giving them a tag and limit the number of items that they can enter with at one time.
  3. Keep your products ‘Faced’ –  A cluttered store is an easier target to shoplift from compared to a clean one. When stocking shelves, make sure that they face forward and are placed on the edge of the shelf. When people take things from this ‘Wall’ you can keep track of who’s taken what. If they’re a genuine customer they will come up to you to make a purchase. If not, you will notice any would-be shoplifters attempting to leave your store.
  4. Anti-theft/shoplifting signs – Shoplifters will always look for small soft targets such as small shops and boutiques, which lack the resources to properly protect themselves.  Larger stores employ simpler techniques such as using anti-theft/shoplifting signs. Although these types of signs may not fit your shops look, they are an effective way of discouraging shoplifters and are a cost-effective solution. You can place these signs quite high up close to CCTV cameras since shoplifters are for more likely to look for these than legitimate customers.
  5. Professional Retail Security – Hiring professional retail security can be a bit overkill if you’re a small business but their presence is an effective deterrent to shoplifters. Having retail security allows them to quickly respond to any suspicious behaviour or theft in your store. Additionally, retail security can provide overnight security – keeping your property secure 24/7

If you would like to find out more about our security services or would like a quote, call 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details

Cardealership, A&R Security Services, Professional Security Services, Dealership security

Designing a lock-tight dealership security plan.

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It goes without saying that dealerships have tens of thousands of pounds worth of cars on their premises, so they must take their security seriously. In addition to keeping high priced vehicles protected, dealerships must also focus on keeping their customers and employees safe.

Thieves are drawn to high-value items that end-up returning a high profit so it’s important that dealerships don’t make it easier for criminals to breach their security.

Identifying weak points and securing them.

With any dealership, it’s important to assess potential weak points. This can be done by employing a security firm to assess access points and other potential weak points that would allow criminals to get in.

Here are some of the main places to pay attention too:

1.       Perimeter

2.       Carparks

3.       Main building and showroom

4.       Lighting

5.       Staff and customers

Perimeter:

The perimeter of your dealership is your first line of defence against criminals, and it’s in your best interest to keep it as secure as possible.

Make sure that access points are clearly protected, and that fences, walls and gates are used to protect the surrounding area. To boost your physical security barriers, you can employ security staff to man certain areas or mobile security to patrol the entirety of your dealership. You can also employ CCTV camera’s to visually monitor any suspicious activity.

Carparking:

The last thing dealerships want to do is attract criminals, so high valued vehicles should be stored inside showrooms and garages, rather than being left outside. Vehicles outside of the showroom can become easy potential targets to criminals – so having each of the car’s handbrakes engaged and employing parking blocks around the cars and major entrances and exits can deter criminals.

Main Building and Showroom:

The main building and the showroom are major potential targets and it’s imperative that they are secure. When no one is present at the dealership, it is important that windows, doors and other access points are securely locked before leaving. As previously mentioned, having manned guarding can ensure that the inside of the building won’t be broken into and employing CCTV camera’s inside can help monitor any activity. Installing security alarms is one security option that can easily alert to anyone trying to enter your dealership and there is a range of systems that will suit your needs.

Lighting:

Visibility is a major key in dealership security and safety. Therefore, the exterior and interior lighting are extremely important. Dealerships should make sure that they have adequate lighting for the entire exterior of your dealership premises. If you have areas that aren’t well lit, it’s good to employ motion-activated lighting. Motion-activated lights are triggered by movement and can make criminals feel caught and exposed. 

Staff and customers:

It’s not always criminals that pose threats to your dealership. Threats can be actions that are taken by customers or the staff themselves. It’s important to make staff aware that they can play an important role in keeping your dealership safe and secure. Create an environment of honesty so that all staff don’t hesitate to take action when they witness something out of the ordinary, whether done by a customer or employee.

We at A&R Security services work with a number of car dealerships and can provide tailored security solutions to suit your needs. If you would like to have a free quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Event Security Services, Security Services, Security

Having Effective Event Security

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With the British summer being set to be filled with an array of music events, festivals, sporting and community events, there has never been a more important time to stress the importance of event security.

Over the past few years, both small and large events have been targets for attacks, so security at events needs to hit the mark in protecting both the public and staff.
But what can be done to keep guests safe and an event trouble-free?

1. Choose the right venue – when planning an event and choosing a venue, keeping security in mind is important. Internal venues such as Concert halls, theatres, hotels, museums, etc are naturally secure sights, with physical barriers. Most venues will have emergency evacuation strategies in place with staff already briefed in preventing public panic and mass exiting. Major venues will have increased their security planning and provision significantly in answer to threats that events and venues face. Outside events such as festivals need a little bit more effort with security and patrols, planning how perimeters will be secured and properly patrolled.

2. Conducting security assessments- assessing potential threats to and at an event is important when protecting guests. High profile events such as music festivals, charity events or awards with celebrities and other prominent figures present more of a security challenge. Even with the level of security threat is known – a security assessment will highlight weak points in a security plan. When planning an event and putting a plan in place – it’s always good practice to have a contingency plan to ensure the smooth running of your event if anything were to go wrong. If you’re planning an event think ‘How will an uninvited guest be handled? What will happen in the event of a security breech? How will emergency procedures be implemented?’

3. Brief your team – when planning or running an event – communication is key! A breakdown in communication can make a plan fall apart and an event fail. Effectively communicating to your security team what their roles are and the protocols of what to do in an emergency. For example, if there is a need for mass evacuation, which exit are they to staff? Who will liaise with emergency services? How will your security keep guests staff safe?

4. Screening guests and staff – With recent attacks on events, security have had to screen guests and staff at venues. From checking bags to scrutinising tickets, security staff need to be clear and confident in screening both staff and guests when entering a venue.

5. Hire a professional security company – To ensure your event is really safe and secure, hiring a professional security firm can be critical. Professional security firms can perform detailed security assessments on your venue and plans, as well as providing SIA licensed security staff. Professional security firms are fully insured and can create bespoke packages from patrolling to front-of-house staff.

A&R Security Services has over 40 years of experience in the security industry and have worked with a number of customers across South Wales and the South West. We can offer bespoke event security packages that suit your needs. If you would like to know more or would like a quote, contact us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Did you hear? Our Security Services are officially launched!

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We at A&R have always been known for providing professional commercial cleaning services to businesses across South Wales. With the cleaning services growing to employing nearly 200 staff and servicing 100 clients, we believed that offering extra security alongside our cleaning services would benefit our clients. So, on March 29th we officially launched our brand new security services.

Friends, family, clients and local business from the surrounding area were invited to join the A&R team at our official launch event, enjoying plenty of prosecco and a delicious hog roast from The Fountain, Aberkenfig.

With 200 staff – A&R Security Services have the infrastructure in place and aim to be a one stop facilities management service, providing a range of services including:

·         Manned Guarding

·         Mobile Patrols

·         Key holding and Alarm response

·         Alarm installation and Monitoring

Our aim here at A&R Security Services is to provide businesses with professional standards, with the personal touch and bespoke possibilities that a family-run company can offer.

To see our official launch take a look at our new video!