Posts

School Security, Security, A&R Security Services, Summer Holidays, ARSS

Do you have school security for the summer holidays?

/0 Comments/in /by

Summer has arrived and school is nearly out! However, there are some people out there that ruin your summer plans, risking personal safety and property loss.

School summer holiday security should be on the top of the list for teachers and parents. According to statistics, the highest percentage of burglaries, thefts and vandalism occur during the summer holidays.

With technology becoming an integral part of teaching, property such as tablets, laptops/computers, projectors and smart boards can become potential targets for theft.  Tablets and laptops are the easiest of targets to steal as they can be easily taken and concealed within bags and jackets. Tablets and laptops are often protected with passcodes and encryption which can dissuade most criminals but there are more persistent criminals that are able to crack encryptions and quickly sell them on, becoming untraceable by the school or police authorities.

When securing tech such as tablets and laptops, it’s good practice to store them out of sight inside secure cupboards that have either a key lock or passcode system, with the cupboard being securely fixed to the floor.

Without completely dismantling a computer apart, it can be difficult to put them out of sight or in a secure location. Securing computer monitors and towers with anti-theft cables and locks to the desk can prevent thieves from quickly grabbing them and making a quick getaway. Projectors can be secured in a very similar way, where they are secured with anti-theft cables and locks to their cradle.

So that’s the tech secured, what about the rest of the school?

CCTV

Installing CCTV in inconspicuous areas and near access points allow you to monitor any activity in different areas of your school premises.  CCTV is an effective way of visually monitoring any suspicious activity which you can immediately respond to. If you do have a break-in, CCTV can be watched back allowing you to identify any perpetrators that have entered your premises and have stolen or damaged property. It can also be used as evidence in legal cases such as convictions for theft or vandalism.

Security Lighting

Criminals often look for access points or areas of a premises that aren’t well lit so installing motion-activated security lighting outside can help deter criminals. Using security lighting is not only effective at lighting certain areas(when triggered by movement) they can activate and make a trespasser feel like they have been caught in the act but also feel exposed, effectively deterring them from accessing your school further. Security lights are also good to use alongside CCTV camera’s to clearly identify any criminals on your school premises.

Alarm System

Installing an alarm system is seen as the most basic of security measures but they are the most effective. Whenever a security alarm is triggered, it can alert the right people to respond. Alarm systems come in a range of systems so it is important to find the right one that would be effective at protecting your school from criminals.

Manned and Mobile guarding

Looking to have manned or mobile security can be a bit of a drastic security strategy plan but it can effectively send a message to any criminals that your school is professionally protected. Having professional security guards that are SIA licensed can guard certain areas or patrol the school premises and look out for any suspicious activity, detaining anyone who is entering your schools’ premises without permission. Security guards can also monitor CCTV and alarm systems, responding to any activity in your school premises.  If your school is having work carried out over the summer holidays, security guards can check anyone coming in and be a point of contact if anything were to happen.

Internal Security Door Systems

If you’re worried about unauthorised personnel entering your school during building work or holiday clubs, you can employ security guards to monitor activity in and out of the school or you can employ internal door security systems. Having internal security door systems such as a passcode or key card/fob system gives you the ability to track who is coming in and out of the building at what time. It can also prevent anyone who is not staff from entering your school or certain areas inside. Use of the incorrect passcode/key card/ fob can deny access to the school but if used too many times, can alert the right authorities that someone is trying to gain access to an area that is restricted.

If you are considering upping your school’s security for the summer holidays, then get in touch with A&R Security Services. We at A&R Security Services know the importance of protecting your property and can offer a range of services including:

Manned Guarding

Mobile Patrol

Alarm installation

Secure key holding and alarm monitoring

If you would like to know more about these services or would like a quote, then get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Security Services, A&R Security Services, Office Security, ARSS

Top Tips for a safe and secure office.

/0 Comments/in /by

When running a business, it’s important that your office is secure and properly protected against potential issues. Having office security is important not only for your business’s success but also for the welfare of your staff.

So here are our top tips for a safe and secure office for your business and your staff.

Employee theft prevention:

According to a survey from May 2016 – employee theft can potentially cost businesses more than £190 million annually. And it’s been found that more than two-thirds (67%) admit to stealing from the office often. There are a few measures that you can implement to prevent any theft, including checking staff’s bags as they leave, having security sensors, using time sheets to see if anyone is lingering after hours and securing store cupboards, lockers and desks with locks or password protection.

Security Officers:

Security officers are an effective way of protecting your business. Highly trained and professional security officers can identify suspicious or threatening behaviour quickly and act accordingly. Having security officers can be positioned in areas that require ID whether that would be at the entrance of the building or certain levels and they can approach anyone who they think may be trespassing and escort them out.

Access Control:

Using access control such as access card readers or coded doors can be a way to prevent trespassers from entering your building or entering certain rooms and levels. To restrict further access, you can close doors in busy corridors, preventing anyone tailgating staff who work in the building.

CCTV:

CCTV can allow business owners to watch and keep an eye on their business from the comfort of their own home. CCTV not only allows business owners or security guards to keep an eye on certain areas of a building but also watch for trespassers on your property or identify thieves.

Employee Awareness Guidelines:

Staff are one of the best assets at preventing crime from happening, so creating staff guidelines and giving training staff gives them a better understanding of physical and cybercrime.

Updating passwords and pins

Nearly every business has password-protected devices which contain important and sensitive information, but most devices may have the same password. Tools such as Password managers can store multiple passwords in one secure place. Also, consider making it mandatory for staff to change their passwords every 90 days.

Evacuation plan:

Ensuring that your staff is safe during an emergency is important to avoid disastrous consequences. When creating an evacuation plan, think about keeping passageways to emergency exits clear, ensuring that there is the correct amount of fire exits on each floor and there is a safe meeting evacuation point. To avoid staff not knowing what to do in an emergency, regularly train them by running fire drills but also make them aware of who is the fire and safety officer and who is trained in first aid.

Alarm System:

Installing an alarm system is a sure way of dissuading trespassers and criminals from entering your property and can alarm you immediately. Regularly maintaining and checking your alarm system is working and updated to prevent criminal activity taking place, and make sure that the alarm system is certified by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspections Board.

Motion Sensor Lighting:

Having motion sensor lighting can help detect and catch intruders attempting to enter your business outside during the night. The light emanating from them can make intruders feel exposed and being caught in the act.  Whenever installing new security lighting, make sure that all cables are hidden and that switches/main boxes are hidden behind objects or underground.  Places that they are most effective are above entrances and exits, bushes and garden objects and shaded area’s that aren’t well lit.

Install reliable cybersecurity systems.

Technology such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and even cloud-based technology has helped businesses do more work quickly and efficiently. But with more business becoming more active online, they can become potential targets for cybercriminals trying to hack important information such as client information or bank details. Installing reliable cybersecurity systems can protect your systems from potential hacking and theft of important and sensitive documents. Ensuring that your business is safe and runs smoothly.

A&R Security Services provide a range of security options for offices – If you’re interested in finding out more visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950