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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

Security Provider, Security Services, A&R Security, A&R Security Services, Manned Guarding, Mobile Patrols, Concierge Security

What are the 8 main things you should consider when looking for a security provider?

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When you type security provider into a search engine, hundreds of thousands of security companies pop up and can make you feel overwhelmed – especially if you are unsure of which provider is best suited to you and your business.

Here at A&R Security Services, we understand that when looking for a professional security provider, there is a lot to consider such as:

  • What services do they provide?
  • Do they have a good track record of keeping businesses safe?
  • Will they suit my business and fulfil my needs?

And choosing the right one is a big decision to make, as the one you choose will be protecting your business from physical threats when you’re not there. Knowing you can count on your security provider should be the top priority when choosing and to help you make the right decision, take a look at the top 10 things you should consider when hiring a security company.

Are they and their officers fully insured and licensed?

In order for a security provider to offer security services, they need to have the right licenses and insurances in place. SIA (Security Industry Association) is the governing body for the private security sector and if the security providers guards do not hold an SIA license, they will be breaking the law and face up to 6 months in prison or receive a hefty fine. So before choosing a provider, ask for evidence that all of their guards are fully licensed to operate. Also, you should see their insurance policies and check that they have the right insurances in place to cover your property should there be any incidents.

Are they able to provide you with the services you need?

When you look at a business, no two are the same and require different services to suit their needs. When looking for a professional security provider, it is always good to have an idea of what you are after. This helps reduce your search but also give you the ability to ask specific questions about the services that they provide and whether or not they are the best fit for you.

However, when you are looking for security services you may have several security services working with each other. For example, if you’re a construction site or large corporate office block, you may need manned guards, concierge services, mobile patrols and key holding and alarm response services. So it is important to see if they offer a range of services.

Do they put customer service first?

Although you are looking for a security provider to provide you with professional security services for your business you should also look at how they provide those services. We all like to be treated like we are special, so you would want a security provider that is willing to go above and beyond to ensure that you are happy with the service that they are providing. Choosing a security provider that puts their customer service at the heart of everything they do will help avoid any hassle further down the line.

What are their customers saying about them?

Most often the best way to find out how well a security provider performs is by speaking to their customers directly. Customers have an impartial voice when it comes to the services they are paying for and can help you reach a decision on whether or not the security provider you are looking at is the right choice for you.

You could also look at your network and ask for recommendations or look at online testimonials and reviews about their customers experience with them.

And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t make a big purchase without reading the reviews, so why should a security provider be any different?

Are their guards multiskilled?

As mentioned before, security guards need to hold a valid SIA license that allows them to operate within the security industry. But it is always good to ask what else their guards can offer? Investing in multi-skilled guards can prove cost-effective.

Costs

Employing your own security team may seem like the easier option but in actual fact, it isn’t. When employing your own security team, there are hidden costs such as uniform, training, insurances and SIA licensing – So employing the services of a professional security provider is a much better option.

However, when looking for a professional security provider, the costs will be the biggest things to consider. And as they say “cheaper isn’t always best” and will result in you paying out extra to fix your providers mistakes. So, when looking for a provider be willing to invest a bit more in a higher quality service.

Industry experience

There are many security providers that are at different stages of their experience. Although going with a newer security provider may provide them with experience, it could lead to teething problems and potentially costly mistakes.

So, when investing in a security provider it is always good to go with one that has the experience and knowledge needed to ensure that your business is kept safe.

Are they flexible?

When looking for a professional security provider and looking at their services, it is always good to ask if they have flexibility with their services. For example, you may only need security services for a couple of months, only require patrols in the evening or require security staff to work certain shift patterns. However, if you require a more regular service then a fixed long-term contract is best suited to you to ensure that you get a continuous security service.

For more information about our security services call our head office team on 01656 713950 or visit our website

Vacent Property, Unoccupied, Security, Commercial Security, Security Services, Coronavirus, Vacant, Manned Guard, Concierge Security, Mobile Patrols

What are the 5 biggest risks of leaving your commercial property vacant?

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The current Coronavirus pandemic has affected thousands of businesses within Wales and the UK, causing businesses to continue their operations from home or having to furlough their staff – leaving commercial properties empty and easy targets for criminals.

Whilst having employees working from home is helping the nation keep moving and maintain productivity, leaving your commercial property empty could leave you at risk of crime, damage to your property or accidents – all of which could cost you money and a massive headache.

We understand that the safety of your staff is your priority right now, but you still want a property that they can go back to when the pandemic is over, and restrictions have lifted. So, to ensure that your property is kept safe whilst your employees are working remotely, here are 5 of the biggest risks that you can avoid.

Crime and Vandalism

For criminals, an empty property is a very attractive target, even if you’ve emptied out valuable assets. However, do not underestimate criminals who will go to extreme lengths to make quick cash. Wiring containing high valued metals, copper piping and radiators all have considerable value and most criminals won’t think twice about tearing your premises apart and selling every last bit of it for scrap. And it’s not just criminals that target buildings for their scrap value that you have to look out for. Vandals and delinquents can also be attracted by an empty property and can easily cause thousands of pounds worth of damages, with you having to pay for the repair work and clean up.

How to protect your property:

There are a number of ways you can dissuade criminals from targeting your premises whilst it lays empty.

  • Ensure that all access points such as emergency exits and entry points are fitted with looks or door reinforcements.
  • If you know your property is to be vacant for a large period of time, it may wise to consider boarding up the windows and doors.
  • Invest in professional security services such as mobile patrol security, manned guards, CCTV systems and alarm response services. Having a strong security presence at your property can easily dissuade criminals from targeting your premises and risking them getting caught.

Squatters

With homelessness within our cities on the increase, many will look too empty properties to find shelter from the elements. And with the employees working from home, your property could be the perfect target. Squatting refers to the practice of occupying or living in an empty or abandoned property without the permission or knowledge of the owner. Even though squatting in residential property was deemed illegal in 2012, the laws surrounding squatting in commercial properties is a bit more complicated in the eyes of the law.

According to GOV.UK being on someone’s non-residential property without their permission isn’t a criminal offence but a civil offence – meaning property owners must obtain a court order and issue claim against the squatters for eviction.  However, if other crimes such as the theft, damage or the using of utilities are committed this could help speed up the process and result in the arrest of the squatters.

How to protect your property:

  • Ensure your property is properly secure and alarmed.
  • Have yourself or security guard perform regular checks on your building for signs of forced entry.
  • Turn off/disconnect utilities.
  • Hire a 24/7 security guard to man the property and deter any entry.
  • Consider mobile patrol services to check on the property and respond to any alarm call outs and suspicious activity.

Fire or Water damage

Whether caused by accident or intentionally done, fire and flooding can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, leaving you to foot the repair bills and preventing your business or offices from reopening when you can.

With the winter month turning colder, many properties with older water systems are at greater risk of water pipes bursting and causing damage. However, burst pipes don’t mean a huge burst causing gallons of water to flood an office or business. When water freezes it expands, causing pipes to crack or come loose at joints and when the temperature increases, water can easily leak out of these damaged areas. And if your property is unoccupied, it could be days or weeks before anyone notices that there is a leak. And the longer the leak is left undiscovered and dealt with, the more damage and the bigger the repair bill will be.

Fire is the most destructive and if the fire is not tackled quick enough, it could lead to you losing your property and whatever other assets you have inside. Although some fire damages are caused accidentally (faulty wiring /electrics) most are caused by arson attacks and for arsonists, an empty property is a perfect target. Within the UK there are around 60 fires a day occurring in or near vacant or abandoned properties in the UK.

How to protect your property:

  • If your property is vacant for a long period of time, turn off your water supply at the mains.
  • To avoid your pipes freezing during the winter months, put your boiler system on a timer.
  • Hire a professional mobile patrol to conduct patrols within your business to check of any leaks or burst pipes.
  • Consider outsourcing your key holding services, so your property is accessible 24/7 to make essential repairs.

To protect from fire:

  • Check that your property follows fire regulations and ensure that your insurance covers fire damage and is valid.
  • Perform regular fire alarm tests to ensure it is working correctly and is able to detect any fires and smoke.

Loss of assets

Some businesses who have vacated their premise for a long period of time would have either removed or stored much of their assets away from prying eyes. However, if you’ve taken the decision to leave your property vacant for a short period of time and left valuable assets out on display, then you are going to attract criminals looking to make quick cash. However, if you’re a larger business, removing assets from your property isn’t a viable option especially if you are looking to quickly bring your employees back to work.

How to protect your assets:

  • Ensure that all doors and windows leading to and within office spaces/work areas are closed and secured.
  • Audit all assets that are within your premises before leaving and perform another when returning to ensure nothing has been taken.
  • Register or mark assets with a UV pen so they can be returned if stolen.
  • Set your alarm systems to ensure any break-ins are detected
  • Consider investing in alarm response services to ensure that every alarm activation is thoroughly investigated and resolves, minimising hassles and danger for you and your employees.

Invalid insurance

With the recent government announcements for employees to work from home once again in Wales, it can be easy to assume that your insurance provides cover for your property if it is vacant for a large period of time. But this isn’t always the case and if your property has been a target for criminal activity whilst vacant, it could see your insurance not paying out on repairs.

Before you leave your property, you should notify your insurance provider of your decision and check the details in your policy surrounding the vacating of your property for long periods of time. Depending on the policy you have, your insurance may be reduced or become invalid if your property has been vacant for a long period of time and classified as unoccupied (typically after 30-45 consecutive days). As empty buildings are at greater risk of crime, damage, and decay, you may need to purchase further unoccupied insurance to ensure that your premises and its contents are protected.

How to protect your property

  • Consult with your insurance provider and check how long your property can remain unoccupied before the insurance is reduced or becomes invalid.
  • If you surpass their limit, ensure you update your cover.

What else can you do to protect your property?

Although we have highlighted some suggestions that you can implement yourself, you can take further steps to protect your building. And that is investing in a reliable, experienced and professional security provider such as A&R Security Services.

Here at A&R Security Services we service a large number of commercial properties within South Wales and offer a range of effective security services such as:

  • 24/7 Concierge security
  • Manned Guard Security
  • Mobile patrols services
  • Key holding
  • Alarm Response Services
  • And much more

To learn more about our professional security services give our friendly team a call on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Concierge Security, Concierge Security Services, Security Services,Security, A&R Security Services

Concierge Security: 5 reasons why you should have it

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Whether you are a corporate building, a lavish hotel in the heart of the city centre or a manufacturing unit based in outskirts, they all need one thing. Security. In Swansea, there are hundreds of security providers offering a range of security services that will protect your business including concierge security.

But what is concierge security we hear you ask?
Concierge Security acts as another form of receptionist where they greet visitors to your building, take messages and answer any queries. But Concierge security staff also have the ability to control access to your building (whether that is internal or external) monitor CCTV, quickly respond to any emergency situations and apprehend criminals targeting your business.

So, what are the 5 reasons why you should have concierge security?

Instant protection

There are many benefits to having concierge security and one of the main benefits of having concierge security is instant support in terms of safety and patrols.  Not only can concierge monitor CCTV and raise alarms should there be anything threatening the safety of your business, but they also have the correct skills and training to handle and diffuse potential criminal situations.

By hiring concierge security for your business, you will have someone who is watching for any potential threats to your business. Giving you peace of mind that you can leave your premises lone for long periods of time.

Fully Vetted and Trained Staff

When looking for concierge security it is important to hire fully vetted, licensed and trained staff to protect your business. All of our staff are employed directly by us and are fully vetted by ourselves, ensuring that they are legally allowed to work within specific buildings and areas and are trained to the highest of standards.

Employing your own security staff can be tricky and a bit headache-inducing so letting a professional security provider that is able to fully vet and train their own staff, leaving you more time to focus on running your business and us taking care of the security.

It’ll save you money

We all like to save a bit of money where we can but outsourcing your concierge security can do the same. As you only need to pay for one service you don’t have to deal with pay, uniform, training and vetting costs. Outsourcing your concierge means you pay for specific staff as and when you need them and what’s great about outsourcing your concierge to us, you only have to pay for the services you want (no hidden costs or price hikes).

5-star customer service

You want to give your customers and visitors a face that they can trust when they walk into your building. Having concierge stationed by your reception will allow them to greet clients and visitors to your business and answer any queries or concerns that they may have.

Alongside providing clients and visitors with 5-star customer service, they can ensure that they receive all the regular protection they need. Concierge security can arrange emergency procedures and can ensure that any incidents are fully logged and taken care of.

Clients and visitors so to your business will find concierge a wealth of knowledge and information, as well as help. They will make sure that your business is fully protected and that your guests receive full answers to their burning questions.

Takes the hassle off your hands

When thinking about concierge security for your business it can be very tempting to employ security staff yourself but with further inspection, it can be both timeconsuming and expensive. And think about the other hassle you need to deal with such as welcoming and checking in guests, making sure security protocols are being adhered to.

So, outsourcing your concierge security is a bit of a no brainer. You won’t have to worry about vetting or checking anyone that comes or goes from your business. Our professional security staff can be set to work in establishing a firm but friendly face at the front of your business. They’ll follow your security protocols and will make sure that your CCTV and other security measures are monitored and analysed.

Running a business can take up a lot of your time and you may not have thought or considered concierge security for your business, but there are plenty of reasons why it can benefit you and your business in the long run.

Rather than having to focus on employing your own security staff and training them, why not look at hiring concierge security from a security provider that you can fully trust.

A&R Security provides a wide range of security services that have benefited many businesses across South Wales and the South West. If you are considering Concierge Security for your business visit our website or call us on 01656 713950 for a free non-obligation quote.

School, Security, A&R Security Services, Security Measures

How to improve your school’s security

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Within today’s society there are people out there looking to damage, vandalise or even destroy school property. With increased incidents regarding these types of anti-social behaviour, it is important that schools keep their pupils, staff and property safe.

The highest threat that schools face is criminals breaking down or jumping fences to damage school property or even harm pupils. Creating a safe place for children should be a high priority for schools and so should look at ways to improve their current security measures.

To improve your school’s security there are numerous ways of implementing effective security measures. To help protect your school here are some effective measures that we provide:

Key Holding and Alarm Response:

Many schools will have their own caretake to open and close their school and respond to any alarm alerts during unsociable hours. Outsourcing your keyholding and alarm response services will ensure that someone is guaranteed to check that all areas of your school is secure during the evening and quickly respond and report and alarm alerts.

Access control:

Schools will have a reception area that is often closed off to the rest of the school. However, some schools don’t have this and often see criminals walk into a school without the need for permission. Manned guards can be stationed in reception areas, asking visitors to sign in and out when visiting and who they are there to see.

Patrols:

Night-time is usually when criminals will strike a school. Having mobile patrols walk around your school can ensure that all areas of your school is secure and can check for any signs of disturbance. They can also be an effective deterrent by conducting regular or irregular patrols around your schools, making them less predictable and potentially putting criminals off.

Having these security measures in place is mainly to protect and keep pupils safe from harm. There are many laws surrounding security for schools, so it’s important that they get their measures exact. However, there are problems that can arise, such as:

  • Before, during and after school, pupils can roam across school premises meaning that there are opportunities for unauthorised personnel to get into your school and steal assets.
  • With technology becoming a regular site within schools, many have restricted access online. However, there are criminals that are able to ‘Break in’ and steal valuable information, causing damage to your school.
  • Assets such as computers, laptops, monitors, tablets and projectors are the most valuable within a school and present criminals with a tempting target. To ensure that they are safe, lock them away within secure cupboards or have anti-theft cables and locks if they cannot be moved.
  • Fire alarms are a very easy way to cause a distraction to steal or cause large amounts of damage to a school.

If you are wanting to improve your school’s security through the use of professional security services then take a look at our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

Concierge Security, Security, Hotel, A&R Security Services

What is Concierge Security?

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Whether you visit a hotel or a large corporate building in Cardiff, you will see someone on the reception desk welcoming visitors and answering queries. However, with recent events making businesses such as these step up their security, many are investing in concierge or Front of house Security services.

But if you are looking to invest in Concierge Security, do you know what it is?

Here we look at what concierge security is and what the service entails.

What is Concierge Security?

Concierge Security acts as another form of reception where they greet visitors to your building, take messages and answer any queries. But Concierge security staff also have the ability to control access to your building (whether that is internal or external) monitor CCTV and quickly responding to any emergency situations.

What services does Concierge Security provide?

Control access to your building

If your business deals with a lot of sensitive information or expensive equipment, you want to keep unauthorised personal out. Concierge security guards can check who is coming into your building and issue them key cards or fobs that only allow them into certain parts of your building. If your building can only be accessed with a key code, card or fob from the outside and visitors are there to see someone within your building, they can check and grant access when approved and have them sign a visitors log.

Monitor CCTV

Many businesses have CCTV within their building but during the evening it can difficult to arrange a member of staff to monitor CCTV.

Concierge Security guards can monitor CCTV cameras throughout the day and evening, ensuring that anyone acting suspiciously or trying to break into your building are quickly responded too and apprehended. Alongside looking out for suspicious activity within your building, concierge security guards can monitor CCTV for any maintenance issues and quickly notify your facilities management team.

Deal with emergencies

Whether its someone seriously hurt or a fire alarm going off, it important to have someone who knows how do deal with an emergency in a professional manner. Concierge Security guards are fully trained to deal with any kind of emergency, whether that is administering first aid to a visitor or member of staff, calmly instructing staff and visitors to exit the building in a calm manner if there is a fire or to quickly apprehend a criminal and escort them from the premises.

Carry out Health & Safety checks

Health and safety should be a top priority when wanting to ensure the safety of your staff and visitors. Concierge security guards can carry out health and safety check within your building, ensuring that there the correct H&S procedures are being followed and report any maintenance issues.

 

If you are looking for concierge services for your business, then speak to A&R Security Services. We ensure that we provide a tailored service that suits your needs and our concierge security guards provide visitors and staff 5-star customer service. If you wish to find out more about our concierge security services, then visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950