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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.

Christmas, Christmas Security, Business Security, Security Services, A&R Security Services,

How to keep your business secure this Christmas?

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This year has been a year of differences, with the current pandemic turning everything that we normally do and put it on its head. However, with the year nearly coming to an end, people’s and business’ focuses are turned to that magical and slightly stressful time of the year. Christmas!

Christmas is a time of celebration, festive cheer, and spending time with loved ones. But for some businesses, Christmas isn’t always merry and bright. Although the current pandemic has changed how people celebrate Christmas (with Christmas work parties now either on hold or held virtually) leading to a reduced number of those being drunk and disorderly, there are still others out there that are out to cause mayhem during the Christmas period.

So, what can you do to protect your business this Christmas?

Plan

For many businesses’, Christmas is a time where they start to slow down or pause their normal operations during the festive period. However, if you are planning to slow operations down and not have that many staff on-site, you’ll need to plan how your business will be protected while you’re away. You can do this by investing in CCTV, Mobile patrols, or concierge/manned guards. Or a combination of all three.

Is your alarm working and who has the keys?

Alarm systems are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting your business and will often scare off intruders if set off. However, before you leave for the festive period, ensure that your alarm system is in full working order. If it isn’t your insurance may not cover any damage or theft that may occur.  Also, who is going to hold onto the extra set of keys? It can be easy to ask another member of staff to hold onto an extra set of keys in case of emergencies. However, if you want an added level of security for your business and give you peace of mind, we at A&R Security services can provide Key Holding & Alarm Response services that allow us to hold onto an extra set of keys, check your business and quickly respond to any alarm call-outs. You can read more reasons to have key holding service here

Make yourself look busy

The busier you look the less likely you’ll get targeted by criminals looking to cause damage or to steal valuable equipment and stock. However, if you are closed over the festive period how are you going to make your business look busy? Investing in timers for your lights will make it look like your business is working it’s normal hours, besides you and your staff not being there. But if this isn’t an option then you may want to invest in our Manned Guards. Our manned guards can be stationed outside of your property’s main entrance or even provide concierge security, making your business look busy and in use – deterring anyone looking to cause Christmas mayhem.

Lights

Although outdoor Christmas lights are pretty to look at, they don’t offer that much protection against criminals. As the nights have drawn in, it increases that chances for criminals to strike your business under the cover of darkness and if you have a large-sized business or have a business spread over multiple buildings or sites it can be easier for criminals to strike. Investing in motion-activated or timed security lighting can easily deter criminals from your business and make you look less of an easy target. You can read which security lighting is best here.

Be flexible

It can be easy to think that your alarm system, CCTV, and security lighting is enough to protect your business from harm. However, it is a good idea to invest in more robust security measures such as mobile security. Our Mobile security offers a more flexible approach to protecting your business and can patrol your business internally and externally at agreed intervals – making your business look less of a target.

The current Coronavirus Pandemic has already made 2020 a stressful year so don’t let criminals ruin your Christmas.

If you are looking for keyholding services, mobile patrols, manned guarding or concierge security for your business over the festive period then get in touch with us.

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and South Wales. For more information visit our website or a free quotation call us on 01656 338705

Christmas Party, event Security, Cardiff, Event, Security Services, A&R Security Services

Event Security: Does your Christmas party need it?

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We are now officially in the run-up to Christmas. This means that it is acceptable to wear garish Christmas jumpers, sing and play Christmas songs and eat chocolate and mince pies every day!

But, it’s also that time of year where businesses throughout in Cardiff plan their Christmas parties.

According to a poll, 23% of workers have admitted to awkward dancing at the Christmas work party, 20% said they kissed a colleague and 14% admitted to flirting with the boos (bit risky).

While event security guards can’t do much to prevent some dodgy dancing or some office flirting, they can help ensure that your Christmas party goes without a hitch.

So, here is how event security can help keep your Christmas party under control.

Access control

If you are in a venue with multiple events going on, it can be easy for gate-crashers to sneak in posing as your business’ employees and if it’s a large crowd of gate-crashers – it can be a big problem.

Handing over your guest list to event security guards that are stationed in front of doors can ensure that only legitimate employees are allowed inside. Having professional security guards on the door also gives the event organiser more time to mingle with other employees and enjoy themselves – and ensures that the entry process is done in a professional and safe manner.

 

Crime Deterrent

Having event security guards on the door not only means that unwelcomed guests are kept out, but it also invites employees who are in the party to be well behaved and stay out of mischief.

This means that arguments, fights and other disturbances are less likely to occur – and ensures that everyone gets home safely and in one piece. It also means that cloak-room thieves or even other employees are less likely to steal private possessions such as phones, wallets and bags. If they do try, they are more likely to get caught and be dealt with accordingly.

Situation management

In any party, there is always someone looking to push the boundaries when it comes to harmless games and situations can quickly get out of hand. Dancing on tables and building human pyramids could potentially become dangerous (especially with drink involved). However, having a quiet word from a security guard will be enough to bring people back down to earth.

With security guards constantly monitoring what is going on at all times, the chance of any serious accidents is less likely to happen.

 

Emergency liaison

Security guards are fully trained to quickly respond and make decisions in any security incident. If an incident does occur at your Christmas party, security guards will make sure that it is dealt with in an effective and practical manner – this includes notifying the relevant emergency services.

 

We at A&R Security Services can provide effective event security services to corporate events in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Christmas, Security Services, Security, Business Security, Christmas security

Festive cheer and crime? Protect your business this Christmas

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Christmas is a time for celebration and festive cheer, but for some, tis the season to cause mayhem. The truth is that Christmas isn’t always the fairy-tale scene for businesses. Behind the carol singers, glitter and bright flashing lights lie a sinister side to the festivities and for some business, it could spell the end.

December is a time of year where crimes such as drunken disorderly behaviour, burglaries and drink driving offences and deaths increase. When it comes to drink driving offences there is not much that can be done but for victims of vandalism and burglaries, there are steps that can be taken to prevent your business from becoming a victim.

So, what can you do to protect your business?

  • Plan – if you know that you aren’t going to be operating with not that many staff or shutting down over the Christmas period, plan for this by either CCTV coverage, mobile patrols or manned guards. Or a combination of all three!
  • Alarm – the simplest yet most effective security measure that can be used to protect your business. If you have a small team of staff in or are closing for the Christmas period, make sure that when your business is closed that the alarm is set. Also, to give you an extra bit of security and peace of mind we at A&R Security Services can provide key holding services and quickly and professionally respond to disturbances.
  • Be busy – the last thing you want for your business is to make it look like an easy target, so the busier your business, the better. If your business is closed over Christmas, our manned guards can station themselves outside of your business and make your business look like it is in use, deterring anyone from causing havoc on your business.
  • Lights – Many criminals like to strike businesses under the cover of darkness and if you have a large business or multiple buildings spread over a site, then it can be easier for criminals to strike. Investing in motion-activated lighting can easily deter thieves and make you look less like a target.
  • Be flexible – Mobile patrols are the perfect solution to check that the perimeter and the outside of your premises is safe. At A&R Security Services our mobile patrols can visit your site at agreed intervals that can deter any criminals and scare away opportunists.

As a business owner, you will do all you can to protect yourself from harmful situations. This year don’t let harmful situations ruin your Christmas.

If you are looking for keyholding services, mobile patrols or manned guarding services for your business over the Christmas period then get in touch with A&R Security Services.

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and South Wales. For more information visit our website or a free quotation call us on 01656 713950