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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

Key Holding, Key Holding Services, Security Services, Manned Guarding, Mobile patrol, A&R Security Services

What is key holding and why should you have it?

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When we think of key holding, you think of someone holding onto an extra set of keys in case of emergencies. However, secure key holding is more than just that.

Investing in key holding services for your business means that a security company has an extra set of keys to your building, allowing security guards to quickly respond to out of hours call outs, allow contractors into your business out of normal working hours or to give access to the building should the primary key ever gets lost or stolen.

Here at A&R Security Services we take key holding services to the next level, using the service alongside our mobile security and manned guarding services – allowing us to quickly respond to intruder alarm call-outs or conduct on foot internal patrols during out of hours.

There are a large number of benefits to investing in key holding services with A&R Security Services.

You and your staff are safe

It may be a good idea to give an extra set of keys to another member of staff in case of emergencies. However, if you or that member of staff respond to an intruder alarm call out, there could be still an intruder within your property putting you both at risk of harm. Investing in Key Holding means that our guards can quickly respond to alarm call-outs and effectively deal with any intruders within your building – keeping you and your staff safe.

Peace of mind

Nothing is worse than leaving your property for a number of days and thinking ‘Did I lock the main door?’ ‘Is the alarm armed?’. Our guards can conduct regular checks on your property while you and your staff are away from the property (during out of hours or during holidays) giving you peace of mind that your property is being protected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Insurance

Most insurance providers won’t cover property or payout if your alarm system is faulty. Having key holding with us not only means that we keep and an extra set of keys and quickly respond to call-outs. If there is an issue with your alarm system whilst our guards are locking up at the end of the day, our guards can notify right away.

To see more reasons why you should invest in Key Holding services take a look at our blog here. For more information give our head office a call on 01656 713950

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

re-opening, Security, lockdown, crime risk, business security, keyholding, mobile patrols, a&R Security Services

Can re-opening your business from ‘lockdown’ put you at risk of crime?

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Many businesses like yourself will be looking forward to re-opening your doors after months of lockdown. But besides ensuring that your staff and your customers stay safe when open, there are a few security risks that you need to consider when re-opening your business after lockdown.

Here are a few security risks that you need to consider:

Forgetful staff

We all know how easy it is to forget something when we haven’t done it for a long time, and this can be said for staff who have been furloughed. Some of your staff would have spent almost 10 weeks inside their homes and 10 weeks is a long time if your staff haven’t anything to keep their brains stimulated.

So, when staff return to work, it can be difficult for them to return back to their normal routine in work and can lead them to forget to close windows, doors, reset alarm codes or lock up. Leaving your building unknowingly vulnerable to criminal attacks.

To avoid your business becoming vulnerable at the end of the day due to forgetful staff invest in our professional key holding services. Our guards can conduct internal checks to ensure that all areas of your building is secure and can lock up when all of your staff have left for the day.

 Increased stock levels

You will most probably agree that lockdown has been playing on your nerves and you’re excited to get your business open once again. And you know what this means? Stock can be ordered; goods can be stored, and shipments can be made up for clients. However, with these increased levels of stock being left overnight or a large influx of deliveries, these can put your business at risk. Whether you have a warehouse or store full of stock our professional security guards can patrol your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ensuring that no unauthorised personal trespass onto your site.

Boundaries

As mentioned, 10 weeks is a long time for businesses to be closed and over those weeks, your business’ external boundaries could have been damaged by those attempting to trespass, compromising its integrity and effectiveness at keeping trespassers out. Before you open your business, conduct a patrol around the perimeter of your business, taking note of any damages or potential areas that could be exploited by criminals looking to target your business.

One way you can maintain your perimeter security is investing in our professional mobile guards. Our professional mobile guards can conduct regular or irregular patrols around the perimeter of your business looking out for any damages to your boundary fencing or suspicious individuals.

For more information about our professional security services and how they can help keep your business security when re-opening then take a look here or to arrange a free quote call us on 01656 713950.

Construction, Lockdown, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Construction Security Services, A&R Security Services

Lockdown: How to protect your Construction Site

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Those who work within the construction industry know that there are high levels of crime, with many reporting theft and vandalism on a regular basis. However, with only essential construction being carried out during the Coronavirus outbreak, many sites across Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and the UK have had to temporarily close their gates – leaving them vulnerable to criminal activity.

A survey carried out by the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) reported that 92% of sites claim to be affected by crime with a further 21% of sites saying that they are stolen from on a regular basis. These figures are often attributed to high staff turnover, poor record-keeping and poor security measures.

However, there are some cost-effective security measures that you can implement to boost your construction sites security during these difficult times.

Risk Assessment

Before spending vast amounts of money to improve your construction sites security it is best to have a risk assessment carried out by a professional security provider. This will help you identify which areas will need security, which areas will need improvement and ensure that your security is covering all possible areas of weakness on your site.

Construction Security

Professional Security providers like ourselves will provide professional construction security services to sites. But to many sites construction security is a little bit of an unknown, with many site owners not really knowing what it is or what it does.

Construction Security is an umbrella term and usually entails services such as:

  • CCTV monitoring
  • Alarm response
  • Manned Guards and Mobile Patrols
  • Access Control
  • Secure Keyholding

Construction Security is very good for covering all aspects of security and can be easily tailored to suit your site’s needs while it is temporarily closed.

Alongside having construction security for your site there are a few other measures that can be implemented to give you tighter security.

Create and maintain an up-to-date log

Whether your site is on a small scale or large scale, you will have materials, equipment and possibly vehicles left on site (preferably secured). However, there are employees or criminals that will take advantage of the fact that your site is temporarily closed and will take this opportunity to steal anything that they can get their hands on.

Creating and maintaining an up-to-date log of materials, equipment and vehicles will help you keep track of what is and isn’t onsite – allowing you to quickly respond and report anything stolen. After all emergency services such as the police have a better chance at returning stolen good when they are reported missing quickly.

Have a clear zone around your perimeter

Fencing is a very basic security measure to keep trespassers off your site. However, if your fencing is close to the perimeter of your site this will make it very easy for criminals to sneak in and out of your site without anyone noticing.

When installing fencing on your site, ensure that it is a couple of meters away from the site itself. This will make it harder for criminals to sneak onto your site and easier for you, your guards or CCTV to spot them trespassing onto your site. It also makes it difficult for criminals to see what is actually stored on your site.

Mark Equipment

Equipment such as mini diggers, generators, heavy tools and other equipment can be very easy targets and are often stolen and quickly sold on. Engraving marks on your equipment will make them less likely to be stolen and if they are, they are easily recognisable.

Most tools on construction sites are metal so engraving certain numbers, your company logo or symbol will easily deter thieves. Engraving tools are cheap, readily available and easy to use, but the amount of money and time they will save you could be substantial. Some tools are interchangeable or can be broken down for easier transportation so make sure to engrave multiple areas.

Reduce access points

If you have a reduced team of workers working during your lockdown, then you may want to reduce the number of access points you have. This allows you or your security team to easily track who is coming in and out of your site and also ensure that your workers aren’t able to sneak off-site with valuable materials or equipment through another gate on site.

Reducing the number of access points make your perimeter stronger but your main access points (main gates) are still vulnerable. Placing CCTV camera’s, security lights and manned guards at your main access points will reduce the chances of someone attempting to get onto your site illegally.

If you are interested in our Construction Security Services then please visit our website for more information or contacts us on 01656 713950 to arrange a free quotation.

Coronavirus, Lockdown, COVID-19, A&R Security Services, Business Security, Commercial Security, Manned Guard, Mobile Patrol, Key holding and alarm response

How to keep your business safe during lockdown

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With Wales now put into lockdown to prevent further spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) many businesses have closed their doors to ensure the safety of their staff and the public.

However, with the closure of these businesses, many will be vulnerable to criminal activity such as burglaries, vandalism and malicious damages. So, what are they doing to protect themselves during these trying times?

Some businesses will have security measures such as CCTV and alarm systems in place. But these are sometimes not enough to dissuade and protect them from criminals.  To help keep your business safe during this lockdown period here are some effective security measures:

Identify Risks and Objectives.

Conducting risk assessments prior to hiring a professional security service will highlight areas within your business that will need additional security. This will help identify which area of your business is weakest against criminal activity and allows you to implement security measures accordingly.

If your business is still operating but only with a small team then it may be sensible to invest in manned security to increase your security measures.

Keyholding and Alarm Response

Finding someone to be able to hold onto your business’ extra set of keys and respond to alarm call outs at this time can be difficult. Outsourcing your keyholding services to a professional security provider will ensure that there is always someone is available to hold onto your extra set of key and quickly respond to call out – giving you peace of mind.

Manned Guards

Manned guards are both an effective deterrent against criminal activity and effective at crowd control. If your business is still in operation, manned guards can be used to control the number of visitors to your building and ensure that they are sanitising their hands before coming in. Also, if your business is closed over the lockdown period manned guards can be placed inside to monitor CCTV or placed at key access points to ensure that no one attempts to get inside.

Mobile Patrols.

Mobile patrols are another effective deterrent against criminals. Mainly used to patrols large building or areas, mobile patrols guards can patrol the perimeter of your business (Externally or internally) ensuring that access points such as doors, windows and skylights are secure and look out for any suspicious behaviour or disturbance. Mobile patrols can also be key holders, allowing them to quickly respond to any alerts at your business and investigate.

 

Having these security measures in place can help ensure the safety of your business during the lockdown period. If you are going into lockdown but would like to invest in further security, then please take a look at our website for further details or call us on 01656 713950

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

A&R Security Services, Keyholding services, secure keyholding services, Security Services, Keyholding services, keyholding

5 reasons for outsourcing your keyholding responsibilities.

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It’s all well and good giving an extra set of keys to your business either to a close friend or work colleague. But if an alarm goes off in the middle of the night you don’t really want to put them in a potentially dangerous risk (especially if there is a threat still at your business).

Here are five reasons to outsource your keyholding responsibilities:

Staff safety

It is estimated that 5% of out-of-hours alarm calls are a result of a genuine break-in situation. If your keyholder is a work colleague or another member of staff, you are potentially putting them at risk should an intruder still be there.

A recent British crime study (2018) confirms the possible risk. It says that property crime accounts for 70% of crimes committed, of those 22% were deemed violent.

By delegating secure keyholding responsibilities to a third party such as A&R Security Services, you are safeguarding your staff. You are also ensuring that any alarm alerts are responded to by a trained security professional.

Corporate Safety

If your keyholder is a key member of your team they tend to be experienced, trusted and valued employees.  However, if such a person is attacked whilst responding to an alarm call, this can have a massive impact on your business. Having a key member of staff off sick can lead to your business operating ineffectively and that’s before you consider sick pay for their recovery period.

Injury in fulfilling work-related duties (even outside of work hours) could leave your company liable for damages. By outsourcing this responsibility, that risk is reduced.

Doubling up

Normally keyholders are paired up to respond to alarm calls, for reasons of personal safety. In real terms, one keyholder is always going to get there first and respond to the alarm, which can put them at risk. Even with two members of staff, their safety isn’t always guaranteed. After all, there is no way to know how many are involved in the break-in.

With third party keyholding services, key holders are already familiar with the possible risks. They can attend the property as a pair if need be and are fully trained security personnel.

Training

Some keyholders aren’t adequately trained to respond to alarm calls and this doesn’t mean dealing with possible intruders at your business (although that is important). Even switching off and resetting the alarm requires a thorough knowledge of the system.

Team morale

By hiring security professionals to act as your company keyholders you send a clear message to your staff. That message is that you value them and their safety. This can greatly boost employee morale as a whole. For keyholders, even if they don’t encounter a threat, it is a difficult role. False alarms in the middle of the night can be infuriating and disruptive. By outsourcing your keyholding responsibilities you’re showing that you care about your employee’s work/life balance.

 

If you’re a business in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Bridgend and in need of keyholder services, then get in touch with us. At A&R Security Services, we provide the best Secure Keyholding Services and Alarm Response. For a free quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Old castle, Old Castle Primary School, Key Holding, Key Holding Services, Secure Key Holding, Security Services, Bridgend

Case Study: Old Castle Primary School

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With recent budget cuts to the education sector many schools in South Wales and the UK are feeling the squeeze – with funding for teachers, extracurricular activities being cut. So, schools have had to come up with ingenious ways for generating extra funding for themselves.

Many schools offer after school clubs for families who can’t get childcare for after school or offer their school as a venue space for local organisations and groups.
One school in particular who has felt the recent squeeze is Old Castle Primary School. Old Castle Primary school has the capacity to hold large parties, classes and even meetings within their classrooms. One organisation that regularly uses their main hall is a local choir group based in Bridgend.

At the time Old Castle Primary schools’ caretaker would lock the school every Thursday after choir practise had finished – ensuring that no one else would be able to access the school. However, the caretaker was no longer able to lock up the school – meaning that Old Castle Primary could have potentially lost their way of generating extra income.

A&R were already providing cleaning services during out of hours and when it was announced that the caretaker could no longer secure the school after the local choir’s choir practise – that is when A&R Security Services stepped in. A&R Security services were able to employ a secure key holder to ensure that every Thursday after choir practise, the schools security system was armed and that all doors and windows were secured before leaving the building.

Having secure key holding allows Old Castle Primary School to continue offering their school as a venue for local organisations and groups in and around the area of Bridgend. Alongside securing the school after hours, any alarm alerts are quickly responded too and logged by our secure key holder – giving them peace of mind that their school is in safe hands.

To find out more about our secure key holding services visit our website or call 01656 713950