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Alarm System, intruder alarm, false alarm, false alarms, Security Services, A&R Security Services

Alarm systems: How to avoid false alarms

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Intruder alarms are a great way of alerting that someone is trespassing on your business. However, if your business is equipped with an intruder alarm, there is a chance that you will experience a false alarm.

False alarms are a lot more than just a nuisance-they can put a strain on emergency services and could potentially incur costly fees.

So, what are the causes of a false alarm?

User error

It’s estimated that 70% of false alarms are caused by user error. This is both a good and bad thing. On the positive, this means that 70% of false alarms can be eliminated and quickly dealt with – with proper training. On the downside, it indicates that employees aren’t properly trained when it comes to the intruder alarm.

To reduce the number of user errors and false alarms, it’s important that staff are properly trained (especially those who are earliest and the last to leave) and are informed of the most up to date passcodes, as well as showing them how to unlock and lock your business properly, arm and disarm the alarm and silence any false alarms.

Motion detectors

Motion detectors are a great way to ensure that you have no unwelcome guests walking around inside your business. However, sensors now are incredibly sensitive to the slightest of movement – which can cause issues.

People aren’t the only things that move. Falling objects (unbalanced paper, umbrellas, coats, etc), object such as blinds or balloons moving in a breeze and even large insects have been known to set off motion detectors.

To minimise the chance to false motion detection, you should ensure that your office is clean and tidy if anything that could potentially activate the sensor before leaving. Moving objects from air conditioning and remove any insects as soon as possible.

Unsecured doors and windows

Most alarm systems will be connected to sensored doors and windows. If one or of these doors or windows is poorly fitted, a false alarm may be triggered. This is because ill-fitting doors and windows may be able to move the slightest (even when closed) triggering sensors especially if there is bad weather conditions or someone slams a door somewhere else within the building.

To reduce the chance or windows and doors setting off your alarm, make sure that all doors and windows are properly fitted. Meaning that when they are closed there is very little to no movement when pushed or pulled.

How to reduce false alarms

Even though the main culprits for false alarms have been highlighted, there are some other things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing a false alarm.

Carry out routine maintenance – False alarms can be triggered by a fault within your systems. Simple things like batteries running out, short-circuiting or damage. Carrying out regular check can ensure that these don’t happen. If you have an older alarm system – it may be liable to falsely alerts so it may be a good idea to upgrade to a newer system.

Keep everyone in the loop – if you make any changes to your system, it is best to notify your monitoring service provider. This includes adding or changing passcodes, adding or removing authorised users and making changes to arming times/locations.

Enforce entry/exit procedures – it’s important to inform employees of which entrances and exits they are permitted to use and what times. Make sure that employees lock all doors and windows correctly before leaving and show authorised users how to properly arm the system before leaving.

Log all false alarms – If your alarm system is falsely alerting on a regular basis, make sure that you record the time and dates of every occurrence. This will help you work out why your alarm system is falsely alerting and allow you to put measures in place to prevent it from happening again.

Make sure your system is properly installed – when having a new alarm system installed, ensure it is being installed by a certified security provider. An alarm system that hasn’t been installed correctly is far more likely to falsely alert.

 

A&R Security services provide alarm response and secure key holding services to businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend, RCT and South Wales. For more information about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

CaravanStorage, Caravan Storage Security, Security Services, Cardiff, Newport, RCT, Bridgend, Swansea

Caravan Storage – Keeping your site secure

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With holiday prices rising over the years many families have turned to caravanning, visiting historical landmarks, picturesque countryside and fabulous beaches – and South Wales has plenty of those.

But after the summer sun has hidden behind the clouds, this time of year sees caravaners shutting their caravans for the winter and putting them into storage – presenting thieves a perfect opportunity to either break into caravans, stealing valuable equipment or stealing the caravan itself.

According to the Caravan and Camping club in 2015 caravan thefts had risen by 20% on previous years. Although there are peak times for caravans to be stolen – thefts can happen all year round.

To minimise theft, caravaners will possibly look at caravan storage facilities. But it is important that your caravan storage facility has lock tight security to deter criminals and put owners’ minds at ease.

If your site doesn’t have lock-tight security – what can you do to boost it?

Robust gates and fencing

Many storage facilities will have gates and fencing around the perimeter of their site, but it is important that they are robust enough that they are not easily damaged and broken into to get into your storage site. To make your perimeter security more robust use electric gates that have either a keypad or key card entry system. Not only does this mean that only your staff and caravan owners enter your storage site – it can allow you or security to monitor who is coming in and out.

Also using fencing that has a tight lattice and sharpened edge to the top can prevent criminals from attempting to squeeze through fencing or climb over the top.

CCTV

Although CCTV is basic security, it can help monitor your site day or night – helping security staff lookout for any suspicious activity either around the perimeter of your storage facility or to any caravans inside and respond accordingly.

Lighting

Security lighting is another basic security measure, but it can easily deter criminals from attempting to get near your caravan storage site – especially under the cover of darkness. Having security lights can light up areas that are normally blind spots for security guards or CCTV and if anyone attempts to get near, if criminals are lit up – they will be made to feel like they have been caught.

Security Guards

Depending on the location and the size of your caravan storage site, security guards can provide that extra bit of security. Manned guards can be positioned near gates or areas that are often exploited by trespassers and can monitor CCTV for any suspicious activity. Mobile Security Guards can patrol your facilities different compounds, making sure that gates are secure and there have been no attempts at entering your storage facility. If there is any activity, security guards can quickly respond to trespassers and deal with them accordingly.

 

A&R Security Services can provide manned guarding and mobile security services to storage facilities in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend and RCT. For more information about our security services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Hopsitals, Hospital, Hospital Security, Security Services, Security

Is your hospital security at risk?

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In recent years the Welsh NHS has been increasingly under stress despite having increased budgets for a number of its services. Although the NHS is one of the biggest employers in Wales and the UK – it has seen a number of shortages which has had an effect on A&E waiting times and the performance of their services.

With so many relying on the NHS in Wales it is important that healthcare facilities and hospitals can deal with any threats from both patients and employees.

So, there are some questions to consider when implementing security in healthcare facilities and hospitals.

How often are risk assessments conducted?

Carrying out risk assessments is vital to ensure that you can spot potential hazards which could injure patients and staff, cause ill health or leave people in a vulnerable position. By holding regular risk assessments, hospitals can spot potential hazards before they cause major disruptions.

Are my staff subject to violence?

In Wales, alone there have been 18,000 reports of violent attacks, aggression or verbal abuse on staff either from patients or other employees in hospitals.

The most effective way to check that your staff are protected from violent behaviour is to install CCTV systems in areas such as entrance areas, reception areas, waiting areas, outside nurse stations and staff rooms and corridors.

Another way in which the situations can be avoided is by hiring security staff and station them in areas where there may potential for conflict.

Also implementing reporting systems will also help staff to record everything that happens, so evidence can be provided if any legal action is taken.

Are Medicines and hazardous substances secure?

To ensure medicines and hazardous substance are not stolen, ensure that they are locked away in secure cupboards and other secure locations within the building. For added extra security, ensure that doors and cupboards are PIN secured or padlocked when not in use to avoid anything being stolen or tampered with and conducts regular audits to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

What equipment needs to be updated or secured?

If equipment is outdated or in need of repair, make sure that they are replaced or fixed as soon as possible. Make sure that they are regularly checked and maintained, and any faulty machinery have warning signs to alert staff and patients no to use it.

How Secure are the staff entrances?

Within hospitals there are areas that the public cannot enter. But having doors or corridors without key card scanners or password protected doors can allow the public gain access to confidential records.

Is there help for staff suffering from stress?

Mental health well-being is something that can become compromised especially dealing with stressful situations on a regular basis. It is important to offer staff help if they feel overworked or unable to cope with the challenging demands that they face. Doing so ensure that staff are not overworked and reduce of medical mistakes.

 

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to healthcare facilities in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend and South Wales. If you are in need to Manned Guarding, Mobile Security or Concierge Services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

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.

Manned guarding, office security, manned office guarding, manned guards, A&R Security Services, A&R Security,

Why manned guards are beneficial to your office building in Cardiff.

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There are multiple office blocks located in and around the city of Cardiff, with many being home to multi-million-pound businesses. Having manned guards located outside or inside your building is an effective way of dissuading criminals from attempting to commit a crime at your business.

Here we’ll be highlighting some key benefits that come with having manned guarding

Strong visible presence

When protecting your business, you want criminals to know that it is effectively guarded and protected. Having uniformed manned guards can give a strong security presence and warning to anyone scoping out your business.

24/7 monitoring

Manned guards can operate at any time of the day. They can monitor CCTV and monitor who is coming in and out of your building – making it more difficult for criminals to attempt anything.

Rapid Response

Whether it is an alarm sounding or an intruder being caught on CCTV – as manned security guards are already on site they can quickly respond to an emergency or notify mobile security. If there has been an incident, they can log them in incident report books, detailing any security events so that you have a record of what has happened.

Health and Safety Skills

If there is a medical emergency or fire, having first aid and fire safety trained manned guards will be beneficial. If any of your employees or visitors become unwell, if a fire breaks out or there is a health and safety issue- a manned guard knows how to deal with the situation in a rapid and professional manner.

Prevent unauthorised access

Most new office blocks will have inbuilt security features such as key card or fob entry to prevent any unauthorised access. However, there are office blocks that are older and do not have access security systems such as key or fob entry in place.

Manned guards can act as concierge, keeping track of who is coming in and out of the building and notifying employees about visitors being there to see them.

Keyholding services

Alongside manning reception, monitoring and H&S skills, manned security guards can offer secure key holding services. If your office building is having work done out of hours or you have earl/late deliveries, manned guards can allow them access into your property but also monitor who is coming in and out of your building.

Here at A&R Security Services, we offer professional manned guarding to businesses in Cardiff and across South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

 

SIA, SIA Licensed Guards, SIA Security Guards, Construction Site Security, Construction sites, Construction Site, Construction Security, Security Servives, Security, Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Swansea, RCT, A&R Security Services, A&R Security

Construction Site Security – Why should you have fully SIA licensed guards on your site?

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Construction sites up and down South Wales can become very easy targets for criminal activity. The construction industry suffers enormous loses as a result of theft of equipment and materials, and damage by arson attacks. It is estimated between £600million and £1billion were lost because of theft alone from construction sites across South Wales and the UK.

A large portion of these losses can be attributed to inefficient or non-existent construction security measures.

Construction sites are easy targets for thieves. Constant staff turnover means it is difficult to keep good construction site security records. High-value equipment such as heavy machinery can lead to quick turnover and easy profits for successful thieves.

Even though construction sites are easy targets for criminals, many sites will contract external security services with fully licensed guards.

So why is it important to have fully licensed SIA security staff?

SIA (Security Industry Association) is an organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry.

Anyone who wants to work in the private security industry must have a full SIA license. Having a full SIA license means that anyone who is a security guard is legally able to work and have the skills and training necessary to operate.

However, fully licensed SIA security guards also require a CSCS Construction Related Occupation (CRO).  The reason why security guards must hold a CSCS card is to show that they can operate safely on a construction site. During day or night patrols, individuals must be aware of specific health and safety risks that are exclusive to a construction site. This is so that a security guard can work safely, efficiently, minimising the possibility of accidents.

SIA Licensed Security guards can perform a range of duties on a construction site including:

·         Manned and Mobile guarding

·         Door/ gate supervision

·         Public Space Supervision (CCTV)

·         Secure Keyholding

Manned / Mobile Security

Having Manned and or Mobile Security is effective at deterring any potential criminal activity. Having security guards not only allows you to place them in areas that are likely to be entered by criminals, but you can also have them patrol the site – covering all areas. This is especially helpful overnight or when the site is unattended for a period of time.  We at A&R Security services can provide manned guarding services to properties that require guarding 24/7, deterring any criminals from attempting to vandalise or steal from your site.

Door/Gate Supervision

Construction sites aren’t just new builds – they can be redevelopments of existing buildings. But these types of construction sites can still be easy targets for criminals. Placing guards in front of gates or doors can help monitor who is coming in and out of your site and watch out for any suspicious vehicles or activity.

Public Space Supervision (CCTV)

CCTV is frequently used by businesses and can be used as an effective deterrent for construction-based crimes. Placing security cameras around the perimeter of your site will discourage criminals but also identify any who try to either enter, vandalise or steal from your site.

CCTV can be an effective way for Security guards to monitor but also rapidly respond to any infiltrations. CCTV can also be used in court to help prosecute any offenders who manage to steal or damage the site.

Secure Key Holding

Although it is very easy to give someone a set of keys to your site in case of an emergency there is no stopping that person from letting anyone into your site and causing criminal damage. Security Guards can hold your keys and quickly respond to any suspicious activity on your site during out of hours. They can also allow trades onto your site and monitor them coming in and out – and can securely lock up your site at the end of the day.

If you are interested in Manned Guarding, Mobile Patrols, Secure Key Holding or other commercial security services please visit our website or call us on 01656 713950

Staying safe at night, personal security, walking at night, staying safe while walking at night, walking alone at night, walking at night, A&R Security Services, A&R Security

Tips for staying safe while walking at night in Cardiff

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Whether it is after a night out with friends or coming home from work, many residences in Cardiff will find themselves walking alone at night. For some living in Cardiff, it is a regular occurrence – for others, it is a far less common thing. Either way, walking at night can be a daunting and slightly scary experience – especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

To keep yourself safe and to make your night-time journeys a bit more bearable, here are some tips for staying safe while walking at night in Cardiff.

Keep your keys ready

If you’re walking home or to your car, hold your keys in your pocket. Select the one you need and keep it in the proper position so that when you get to your destination you don’t have to fumble for keys and get distracted.

Wear or carry appropriate shoes

A good set of heels can finish the perfect outfit, but they aren’t the most practical to walk in. If you are planning on walking home at some point during your night out and your journey home, try to wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. If trainers aren’t a realistic option (they don’t fit in your handbag) stash a pair of lightweight pumps, before you go out.

Stick to well-lit areas

During the day it is easy to take shortcuts through side paths,  lanes and parks to get to your destination quicker. But these areas can change during the night and can become perfect places for someone to hide in the dark and attack. It may take longer than normal to get to your destination, but it is important to stick to well-lit areas and densely populated areas such as housing estates. Try to avoid walking through lanes, side paths, parks and open fields.  If you are forced to walk on the road – face traffic coming towards you, meaning both yourself and vehicles will see each other in the night.

Fake it until you get home.

Criminals will often target people who don’t look confident while walking home. If you are someone who feels nervous while walking, try to make yourself look confident, walk tall, take speedy strides and keep your eyes forward (don’t be afraid to make eye contact with those you pass). If you get lost or begin to start to feel panicked don’t change your gait, just head to a nearby store, restaurant or pub so that you can gather your bearings.

No headphones

A lot of us like to walk while listening to music to help calm our nerves (especially during the night) but wearing headphones affects your ability to detect sounds around you. To remain alert, keep your headphones out. This will help you avoid traffic and notice and respond to any unusual sounds.

Phone a friend

Call a friend or family member. If it is early in the night a pleasant chat with a loved one will calm your nerves and let people know where you are. Even if it is very late. If you are genuinely concerned, someone will be happy to take your call. Stay on the phone until you reach your destination and talk them through what is happening.

Worried? Head to a safe place

Even at night, you can use certain places to seek refuge. For example, many bars and pubs will have security officers positioned outside. If you’re worried and such a venue is nearby, walk toward it – the presence of trained security guards and member of the public will deter criminals from targeting you. Other safe places include corner shops and police stations. If you strongly believe that ones if following you, call the police.

A few other tips:

·         Mobile phones can double up as a torch

·         You can carry a whistle around your wrist or hand in case you need to raise an alarm.

·         Regardless of the cost, if you are tired, lost, drunk or distracted take a taxi home.

·         Don’t text or play games on your phone while you walk.

·         Leave valuables – such as Laptops or tablets – at home.

A&R Security Services offer night time manned and mobile security services in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and RCT. If you would like to arrange a free quote call 01656 713950

Burglaries, Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, RCT, Bridgend, Security, Commercial Security, A&R Security Services

3 most common types of commercial burglaries in Swansea

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According to recent reports and statistics from Police.uk there were 1,231 burglaries reported in Swansea between August 2018 and July 2019.

Combined with data from You.gov – which shows that burglaries cost small businesses on average £2K and the UK economy over £1.8bn – clearly showing that burglaries present a threat to businesses in Swansea.

In order for business owners to protect their business, staff and assets, it’s important for business owners to understand what they are up against. Knowing what they are up against allows business owners to implement necessary security procedures that will protect their business.

There are three types of commercial burglaries. Here we’ll outline what they are as well as give you tips on how to avoid becoming a target.

Opportunistic Burglaries

These types of burglaries are often carried out on a whim. For example, a potential criminal may notice an open window or door that has been left unlocked. By taking advantage of these lapses in security, an opportunistic burglar will enter your property and steal as much as they can in a short amount of time.

Most of the time, opportunistic burglars will make little to no effort to conceal their presence and avoid detection by alarms or CCTV, and will often enter your property quickly, grab whatever they see and then leave.

Opportunistic burglars are the easiest to prevent. However, within the last year, only 5% of burglaries in the UK were solved by police, indicating that even opportunistic burglars aren’t successful.

In order to prevent opportunistic burglaries:

·         Ensure that doors and windows are closed and locked whenever your premises is unoccupied.

·         Close blinds to ensure burglars can’t see into your property.

·         Lock valuables and important documents in secure lock draws or cabinets

·         Don’t leave cash on your property (if it is un-avoidable keep it in a secure safe)

 

Smash and grab burglaries

Smash and grab burglaries involve criminals using heavy objects to smash windows and gain entry into a property. Occasionally stolen vehicles or heavy machinery are used to ram into shop fronts and help thieves make a quick getaway.

Crimes involving vehicles being used to ram into buildings is often known as ‘Ram Raiding’ and are especially dangerous to the public, to your staff and can be expensive to recover from.

Whether smash and grab burglars use a vehicle or not – Smash and grabs can often occur day or night, usually targeting the front of the building and are often over with within a minute.

To protect yourself from Smash and grabs:

·         Use metal shutters to protect the front of your business.

·         Ensure to use high-density glass on windows and doors throughout the property

·         Position visible CCTV cameras so that you always have a clear view of any large windows or doors.

·         Station security guards at the front of your business.

 

Sophisticated Burglaries

Unlike Opportunistic or smash and grab burglaries, sophisticated burglaries are often undertaken by criminals who observe to minimise their chances of being caught, as well as maximising the amount of time they can spend within your property.

Any criminal looking to undertake a sophisticated burglary will observe you and your staff and spot vulnerable security points that can later be exploited. For example, if your building is unoccupied either overnight or for a couple of days, they may choose these times to act. They may also approach employees in order to get insider information about your alarm system and how it can be deactivated. Alternatively, they purposely set your alarm system off numerous times to stop security guards and police responding to your property’s alarm system (thinking there is a fault).

To avoid becoming a victim here are some tips to help:

·         Hire mobile security guards to patrol the exterior and interior of your property at unscheduled times.

·         Ensure your staff do not give out codes or security information – regularly change your alarm codes.

·         Respond to all alarm soundings – no matter if it is a fault with the system or a purposeful activation

·         Hire manned security to guard your property overnight and over weekends

·         Monitor CCTV footage to see if anyone is spending time outside observing your property for long periods of time or approaching employees.

A&R Security Services provides professional security services in Swansea including manned guarding, mobile security, alarm installation and monitoring, and secure key holding services. If you would like to know more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Freshers Week, Freshers, Cardiff, Swansea, RCT, Newport, University, Students, Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, University of South Wales, Swansea University, USW, A&R Security Services, Security Services

University Guide – Keeping yourself safe during Freshers Week

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With the university academic year starting soon, the biggest student party will be marked on every student’s calendar – Freshers Week!

Bars and night clubs in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and RCT will be filled to the brim with students through the week – all looking to enjoy a good time. But Freshers week is the perfect time for criminals to strike – pickpocketing phones and/or money, administering drugs to un-suspecting students or dealing drugs to students who want to experience illegal highs.

So, with Freshers week fast approaching, what can you do to keep yourself safe?

Valuables

Take a cheap or older phone – Phones are one of the most targeted items by pickpocketers. Often if pickpocketers see an older or cheap phone, they won’t attempt to take it from you.

Keep your phone or wallet in front of you – A lot of students will often put their wallets or phones in their back pockets and female students will have handbags which can be easily reached by pickpocketers. To prevent pickpocketers from going after your phone or wallet, place them in the front pockets of your trousers and keep your hand on top. If you have a handbag, make sure that it is in front of you and keep your hand on the zip or clasp so no one can open it and reach in.

Use a passcode and Install ‘Find my Phone’ – Having a passcode is a basic but secure way to make sure that no one can gain access to important information on your phone. If your phone has been stolen, a passcode can act as a way to prove if your stolen phone is in fact either the pickpocketers or yours. If you are worried about your phone being stolen, install ‘Find my Phone’. This allows you or security to track your phone and is a fast way of getting your phone back.

 

Sexual Harassment or attack

Sexual Harassment or attack – If you are in a situation in a night club/ bar or outside and feel that you are being harassed or going to be potentially attacked, get the attention of security guards on doors or any police that are present. If you are with friends and cannot get the attention of security or police, tell them immediately and try to move away.

Stay in a group – Staying in a group ensures that you don’t get separated by anyone trying to harass you. Don’t wander off on your own and if you are going to the bar or toilet, tell your friends where you are going so they know where you will be and will expect you to return.

Report it – If you or a group of friends see any sexual harassment or attack on another person, immediately report it to security or police. Don’t ignore it.

 

Anti-Social Behaviour

Stay out of arguments or fights and report anything which gets out of hand to security.

If you feel uncomfortable in a night club or bar, move somewhere else to save arguments or anti-social behaviour.

Report anything suspicious to security staff or call 999 in an emergency – such as people in possession of weapons.

 

Health

Illegal Drugs – If you are in a night club/ bar make sure that your drink is in front of you or is covered by your hand. If you are by the bar getting a drink, make sure to keep track of your drink while it’s being made or served and if you see anything suspicious, send it back and request another one. If you see someone slip something into another persons’ drink – let that person know not to drink their drink and report it to security.

If you are outside or in a bathroom inside the bar/night club and are offered drugs – do not accept them no matter how much either the dealer or others try to persuade you. If you do see any drug deals or any other suspicious behaviour – report it immediately to security or police.

If someone is under the effects of drugs – report it to security or police so that they can notify emergency services.

 

Terrorism

Although there haven’t been many reported attacks on night clubs and bars during Freshers week it is still important to remain vigilant.

Suspicious Activity – If you see anyone acting suspiciously or see a suspicious object such as a bag, report it immediately to security or police and move as far away as possible.

Emergency – If you do feel that there is an emergency get the attention of security or call 999. If there is an emergency, keep calm and follow the instruction of security staff or the police.

Take a portable charger – If there is an emergency or you are separated from friends in an emergency, take a portable charger to keep your phone fully charged so that you can contact emergency services or friends.

 

A&R Security Services provide professional security services in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend, Newport and RCT. If you are interested in manned/ mobile security, alarm installation and monitoring, and secure key holding services – call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Concerts, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Security Services , Security, Concert Security, live music

Keeping yourself safe at concerts in Cardiff

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Cardiff is a young city but has a fast-growing creative scene and has proven itself to be one of the best places for live music concerts in the UK. With the Principality Stadium playing host to top musicians such as Take That, Ed Sheeran, the Spice Girls and Pink!

But with recent terror attacks on concerts such as the Ariana Grande Manchester attack, large stadiums such as the Principality Stadium have had to boost and tighten its security measures, to make sure that you the public are safe.  But even with tighter security, there are criminals who are there to ruin your fun. With concerts, thousands of people will be flooding into venues like the Principality Stadium to reach their seats or to get the prime spot by the stage. But with so many people packed in corridors, seats and by the stage – these can present the perfect opportunity for criminals.

So, what can you do to keep yourself safe at concerts?

Take a cheap or older model phone – Now everyone likes to share what they are doing online and take pictures of a once in a lifetime experience. But taking your latest modelled phone to a concert can attract pickpocketers. To prevent them from taking your phone, take an older model or cheaper phone so that you are not worried about it being stolen or going missing.

Take a bumbag or money belt instead – Rucksacks and handbags can easily catch the sight of pickpocketers as these can be easily opened or grabbed in large crowds. So instead take a bumbag or money belt that sits in the front of yourself.

Download ‘Find my Phone’ – Having ‘Find my phone’ can be incredibly useful as you can track it if anyone were to steal your phone.

Sexual harassment and Violence

Sexual Harassments and attacks – In concerts you are in very close quarters and many criminals will try to either sexually harass you or attack you. If you feel pressured into anything, get the attention of either a friend or the concert security staff.

Stay in a group – As mentioned before, you will be in very close quarters with other people visiting the concert and you can easily lose sight of your friends. If you are in a group try to stay close and if you do lose each other in a crowd, arrange to meet at a point outside of the venue at a certain time.

Report it – A lot of people will focus on the act that is performing on stage, but you should still be vigilant of any sexual harassment or violence. If you see anything, report it to the event security or the police. Also, if you see any suspicious activity inside the concert or anyone carrying weapons – report it immediately.

Health

Drugs – If you are drinking at a concert be aware of people trying to spike your drink with illegal drugs. When drinking, make sure that your drink is in front of you or the top is covered by your hand/thumb or cap. Do not accept any illegal high from anyone, no matter how much they try to persuade you.

Hydration – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Terrorism – As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, terror attacks on concerts have seen an increase and so if you see any suspicious-looking items left, report it to the event security and move away as far as possible.

Call 999 – If you think there is an emergency at the concert call 999 and get the attention of the event security staff with radio mics or walkie talkies.

Don’t accept a stranger’s bag – No matter how nice or normal they look, do not accept a strangers bag or any other object that they may ask you to look after.

Follow emergency instructions – If there is an emergency at the concert you’re attending, keep calm and follow the instructions of the event staff and/or emergency services.

Keep your phone charged – Make sure that your phone is fully charged in case you have to call emergency services. It is also good practise to take a portable charger with you if your phone does run out of charge.

A&R Security Services has 40 years experience in the Security Industry. We can effectively provide both manned and mobile event security to locations across South Wales and the South West. If you would like to know more about our services visit our website for further details or call us on 01656 713950