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Security Services, Security, A&R Security Services, Digital Occurrence Book

Has your security provider invested in new technologies?

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The development of technologies and the way we now think has changed and shaped how the security industry provides effective services to commercial properties across South Wales.

With CCTV and alarm system installations and monitoring now a basic service provided, professional security providers are looking at more innovative technologies to not only help protect their clients but to also make their guards’ jobs more efficient.

Here at A&R Security services we understand that to be the best security provider, you need to invest in new technologies. We have invested in a number of new technologies that have benefited both our guards and our clients including a StaySafe app that can be used to locate our security guards in an emergency and send immediate help, digital checkpoints where our guards log their checkpoint within a certain time and more recently digital daily occurrence books.

But what is a digital Daily Occurrence Book?

Just like a physical copy the digital daily occurrence book allows our security guards to digitally log their duties and any incidents that could have occurred during their shifts. As the system is cloud-based and digital it removes our need to use physical copies (helping us reduce our paper wastage and become more environmentally friendly) and can be accessed from any logged system or device.

Having this cloud-based system not only means that it can be used in any building or location, but it also allows our clients, the properties building manager and our security managers to view and monitor our security guards daily duties. Also, as all the data inputted is dated and timed, it can be used as evidence should an incident occur on site.

 

A&R Security Services provide a range of professional security services that can be tailored to suit your needs. We can provide effective concierge security right through to key holding and alarm response services. To find out more about our services or would like a free no-obligation quote call us on 01656 713950

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

Illegal Raves, Rave, Pandemic, Coronavirus, Music, Security, Unoccupied land, Empty Buildings

Are illegal raves becoming an increasing problem?

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When we think of raves, we think of warehouse and underground spaces filled with revellers enjoying live performances under strobe lights and smoke machines.

But since the coronavirus pandemic hit our shores and lockdown was announced at the beginning of March 2020, concerts, live music, parties, and licensed raves were all cancelled amid fears of the number of Coronavirus infections rising.

8 months on the Coronavirus pandemic is still going on and still sees live music and concert events cancelled until further notice.

However, since the start of the pandemic and the relaxation of lockdown rules within Wales & the UK in the summer, there have been an increasing number of illegal raves springing up – enticing revellers who are looking to escape the reality of the current pandemic.

These new illegal raves are very reminiscent of the outdoor parties and warehouse raves of the ’80s and 90’s before the UK passed it’s 1994 criminal justice & public order act, which banned unlicensed parties.  Although raves never went away and went further underground, in recent years they have had a resurgence. This came to head this year when experts predicted that the drop in the number of coronavirus cases and the relaxation of restrictions during the summer would see England and Wales experience a “summer of rave” not seen since 1989.

In an email statement to Dazed, Michael Kill, the CEO of the Night Time Industries Association said “People are frustrated, they have missed festival season, summer holidays abroad, nightlife, restaurants, pubs and social gatherings in general”

Unlike in the summer where you could turn up to a field in a t-shirt and shorts and survive until the early hours, Kill says “the winter weather has meant that many of these events are now taking place in warehouses and buildings left empty by businesses who have closed due to the pandemic”. This poses a number of problems, especially as COVID can be transmitted more easily within enclosed spaces.

Although organisers of these illegal raves have been hit with fines of up to £10,000, the number of illegal raves still continues to grow. Including a rave that was openly advertised and was set to take place at a Welsh Mansion in North Wales on Saturday 14th November 2020.

As mentioned before, empty spaces such as unoccupied land, warehouses and buildings will be picked as prime places to hold illegal raves and will result in potential damages and even theft.

So, if you have empty land, a warehouse or building that could be a potential target here are some tips to keep your property safe:

Fencing

If you have an empty lot or have a building/ warehouse that sits in its own grounds then it is worth investing in fencing. There are many types of fencing available, including some that have anti-climb attributes or those with sharpened points at the top. In most situations, fencing that poses a physical threat will often dissuade trespassers.

Security doors and windows

If you own an unoccupied building, investing in security doors and windows will ensure that no intruders can get in and cause potential damage.

Using heavy-duty security doors that are made out of steel offer a higher level of protection compared to boarding or standard doors and windows.

CCTV

CCTV remains as one of the best deterrents to trespassers as they don’t want to be seen. Investing in CCTV allows you or a security provider to monitor your site or building 24/7, quickly respond to any trespassers and use the footage as evidence for investigations and prosecutions.

Physical Security

Having physical security for your site or unoccupied building is often the best deterrent against trespassers looking to use your property for an illegal rave. Here at A&R Security Services, we can offer a range of physical security solutions including our Manned Guarding services and mobile patrols. Our manned guards can be stationed at main entrances to your site or building and can be used to monitor onsite CCTV for any intruders. To compliment our manned guard security, we can provide mobile patrols that can patrol your site at agreed intervals, ensuring that all areas of your site and building are secure and look out for any trespassers.

You can read more on how you protect unoccupied property in these two blogs here X X

If you have unoccupied land, warehouse or building that you would like to keep secure during the winter months, the get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.

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

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.

face masks, face masks, face covering, face covering, Coronavirus, retail security, security services, manned guards, mobile patrols, A&R Security Services

Face Masks: Are they a threat to retailers?

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Face masks. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and are often seen being worn by those in the medical profession. But with lockdown restrictions relaxing and the coronavirus still a threat to the public’s health there has been increased debate on whether the wearing of face masks within stores should be made compulsory.

Although face masks have been proven to be a benefit at preventing further spread of the Coronavirus, Wales has not made the wearing of masks within stores compulsory. Much of the public believe that they should and are being worn. However, with many retailers re-opening their doors to the public once again, the wearing of face masks and coverings can cause challenges to security.

Most retailers will have security measures such as CCTV in place, but this isn’t always a reliable way to positively identify thieves – with many CCTV systems having poor quality imagery, being placed in areas that create blind spots and obstructions. Add the wearing of facemasks into the mix and you have an even harder task to positively identify criminals.

So, what can you do?

Invest in physical security. Investing in Manned guards, mobile patrols or door supervisors can give your store that added protection from thieves looking for a target. Physical guards are trained to spot suspicious-looking behaviour and threatening body language – quickly resolving any situations that may become heated between a criminal and the public or staff.

Having physical security not only means that criminals can be caught in the act of stealing from your store, but they can also be easily identified and even dissuade other criminals from targeting your store.

Right now, your priority is to re-open your business as safe as possible during these difficult times, so allow us to keep you, your staff and your business safe.

For more information on how our manned guarding and mobile patrols can effectively protect your business then take a look at our website here. Or to arrange a free no-obligation quote call us on 01656 713950

Hospitality, Hospitality industry, Hospitality Security, July 13th, Pub, Restaurant, Hotel, Security Guards, Manned Guards, Crowd control, event Security, Pub security, restaurant security, hotel security

Hospitality Security: Why should you have Crowd Control?

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At the start of the pandemic in March, much of the hospitality industry within Wales and the UK closed their doors, with no end date in sight.

Although the government have been supportive with the furlough scheme and has helped many businesses within the hospitality industry keep paying their bills it can only go so far and soon the government will not be able to continue with the scheme.

Many businesses within the hospitality industry will be fearing that with no end in-sight and support from the government soon to end, many would be faced with the hard truth of having to cuts jobs and even close their doors for the final time. And for many owners and employees within the industry, working in hospitality is a passion, not a job.

However, during the past few days, there were the beginnings of light at the end of the tunnel when First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford announced plans for businesses within the hospitality industry to once again open their doors and welcome staff and customers.

But, even with the new announcement and the relaxation in lockdown rules, it is not as simple as opening the doors and letting customers walk in. There are still rules that both you and your customers need to adhere to, to ensure both your safety during this time.  This includes:

  • Limiting the number of customers within your premises at one time.
  • Ensuring ‘pinch points’ such as doors and tight corners/space are kept clear and social distancing is being followed
  • Using one-way systems for customers and staff to enter and exit your premises.
  • Preventing customers from doing up to the bar by introducing table service
  • Gather customer contact details so that ‘track & trace’ can be adopted should an outbreak of the coronavirus is reported.

Right now, with lockdown rules in Wales relaxing, social distancing very much remains in place. To ensure that your customers follow strict social distancing rules, invest in having crowd control services from A&R Security Services.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been continually providing effective security for our clients across South Wales and all of our security staff understand the importance of social distancing during this time and how to effectively implement it.

With crowd control now being the important topic for businesses within the hospitality industry who are looking to re-open on the 13th July, it’s not only the logistics that they have to think about, it’s also the necessary implementation of professional and trustworthy crowd control services that will keep both customers and staff safe.

As stated by a member of the police force on this week’s news, “Alcohol and social distancing don’t mix” especially when some customers may have had one too many. Investing in physical security guards to provide effective crowd control means that you have the safety of your customers and staff firmly in your mind and it takes the pressure off your staff having to ensure that your customers are staying safe whilst having a good time.

For more information on how we can work with you to provide effective crowd control for your business then visit our website here or give us a call on 01656 713950 to arrange a free quotation today.

Vehicle theft, theft, vehicle crime, manned guards, mobile patrols, security services, A&R Security services

Did you know that a vehicle is stolen every 9 minutes in the UK?

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Across England and Wales, it’s been largely reported that vehicle thefts are on the increase – with reports saying vehicle theft rising by a fifth over the past three years. With vehicle

Last year the DVLA reported that 56,288 vehicles were targeted by thieves last year. That number of vehicles stolen equated to one being stolen every 9 minutes or 154 vehicles being stolen every day.

Which vehicle is stolen the most?

One leasing company (Rivervale leasing) conducted their own investigation and looked at a decade of government data and found that Ford Fiestas were the most targeted vehicle – with 2,384 being stolen last year. They also listed Range Rover, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and BMW 3 series being on the top 10 list for most stolen vehicles in the UK (you can see the full list here)

Premium cars are the most targeted vehicles to be stolen and out of every 5 cars stolen, only two are returned to their owners – with 75% of them being damaged and 22% of them being completely written off.

And it’s not just the vehicles that criminals are targeting, it’s also their parts. With the recent lockdown, many manufacturers of car parts had stopped operations amid worries about their staff safety, leading to a gap in the market for vehicle thieves to target cars for their parts.

Rivervale Leasing found that 34.7% of popular items stolen are exterior fittings such as bumpers, lights, and grills, with 16.5% of electrical equipment being stolen, other vehicle parts being 9.5% and wheels being 2.2%.

Also, recent reports have revealed that there has been an increase in the number of catalytic converters being stolen – with 1,000 being stolen each month in places like London. Insurers have also seen a 600% increase in claims involving catalytic converters – costing an average of £1,000 per claim.

It’s not just a financial impact

Having a vehicle stolen doesn’t just cause a financial impact on a person or business, it can also affect the owner’s mentality with 84% of drivers saying that they have been emotionally affected by their vehicle being stolen.

But is it just personal vehicles being targeted?

No, it’s not just personal vehicles that are being targeted, commercial vehicles are too. Parkers (a van distributor) conducted their own research and found that between 2015-19 van thefts increased by 45% with 10,000 van thefts in 2018/19. During lockdown many abandoned or closed offices, factories or construction sites have also been targets for theft- with construction sites seeing a 50% surge in criminal activity.

Is it opportunist or organised criminal behaviour?

Both. Although many personal vehicles are victims of opportunistic thefts, many vehicles that are kept within compounds such as a construction site, fleet yards or car showrooms are victims of more organised crime (due to security measures). You can see our blog on Car Showroom security here.

So, what steps can you take to ensure the safety of your vehicles?

CCTV:

Many businesses like yours would have CCTV in place to monitor the perimeter of your business but they can only see so far. If you have vehicles that are parked in front or a parked in a compound close by, it is worth investing in further CCTV to ensure that blind spots are covered and you or your security staff can easily monitor and look out for any suspicious activity close by.

Vehicle tracking:

If you have multiple vehicles within your business, installing vehicle tracking allows you to track and monitor their location. So, if a vehicle is stolen from your property or whilst out on-site, it can be easy for you or the police to track its location and apprehend the thieves.

Perimeter fencing and gates

Whether you park your vehicles outside your building or in a compound close by, having perimeter fencing and gates will provide extra protection for your vehicles. However, it is important to choose sturdy fencing and gates as some fencing and gates can become easily damaged by criminals trying to get in.

Invest in physical security

To some physical security guards can seem like an expensive investment but actually it can save you money in the long run. Outsourcing your physical security to us means that you don’t have costly uniform, training or vetting fees to look at and allows you to get on and run your business, whilst we effectively protect your business and your vehicles with our manned guards and mobile patrols.

Manned guards:

Although having manned guards to protect your work vehicles may seem excessive to some, they are an effective way to deter criminals. Manned guards can be used to monitor CCTV camera’s 24/7 for any activity close to your business or vehicles and quickly respond to any disturbances of any attempts to damage or steal your vehicles. Manned guards can also be placed in front of main gates to monitor activity coming in and out of your property or vehicle compound, ensuring that only authorised personnel are allowed access to your vehicles.

Mobile patrols:

Mobile patrols are another effective deterrent against criminals and compliment our manned guarding services. Whereas manned guards can be used to monitor activity via CCTV or being stationed by main gates and access points, mobile patrols guards can patrol single or multiple areas – depending on the size of your property – at regular or irregular intervals and can quickly respond to any disturbances that are located at a different location.

Both our physical guard services can greatly benefit your business and are effective deterrents against criminals looking to target your vehicles.

To find out more about our manned guards, mobile patrols services or any other security services then visit our website here or give us a call on 01656 713950 to arrange a meeting.

Has lockdown reduced crime rates in Cardiff?

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Right now, lockdown and social distancing have become the new norm.  But, with the recent relaxations in lockdown rules here in Wales and in Cardiff, there are more people walking the streets and businesses are beginning to welcome back staff and re-open their doors to the public (all the while maintaining social distancing rules).

However, if you looked at the streets in Cardiff Central or the large towns in the surrounding areas a few months ago, you would have seen them empty with a few people or vehicles going by. So, it would be easy to assume that with the lockdown measures in place crimes rates would have fallen. Right?

Well to answer that question we did a little comparison of the Crime Rates in both Cardiff Central and Cardiff County over a period of 6 months (3 months before and 3 months during lockdown).

Overall Crime Rates in Cardiff Central

February 2020 March 2020 April 2020
1,617 1,460 1,219
November 2019 December 2019 January 2020
1,458 1,518 1,453

 

Overall Crime Rates in Cardiff County

February 2020 March 2020 April 2020
3,907 3,641 4,152
November 2019 December 2019 January 2020
3,769 3,688 3,863

 

Compared to November’s recorded crime rate in Cardiff Central, February had the highest recorded number of crimes with it steadily decreasing in April by 16.1%. However, with April having the lowest number of recorded crimes out of the months spanning from November 2019 to March 2020 it had the highest number of anti-social behaviour reports at 533 (increasing by 87.7%).

However, the statistics for Cardiff County paint a very different picture with crimes rates being significantly higher in April compared to the 3 months during and before lockdown. With Anti-social behaviour being the highest recorded crime at 2,019 reports.

Normally Anti-social behaviour relates to youths either loitering, fighting, making loud noise or other behaviour but it also involves in the trespassing and the damaging of properties – which can cost struggling businesses thousands to put right.

So these statistics show that even with the stricter lockdown rules in place for the public’s safety, there were still a high number of crimes committed in Cardiff Central and in the county – which begs the question should you be investing more heavily in your security now?

We say yes.

Right now lockdown rules are beginning to relax and we are seeing more people walking around and travelling which increases the risk of businesses becoming targets for more damaging crimes – which can be devastating for businesses who are currently struggling during this difficult time.

One way you can deter criminals from targeting your business is investing in our professional Manned Guarding and Mobile patrols. You may be thinking having guards to protect your business may seem excessive, but they are the perfect solution to give your security that physical presence.

Manned Guards

If you are looking for a more fixed physical presence for your security during lockdown, then our manned guards are the perfect solution. All of our staff are fully trained in customer services and are SIA licensed to operate and provide security services and can work in shift patterns allowing your businesses to be protected 24/7 365days a year.

Depending on your business or premises our professional manned guards can be stationed by main entrances or main gates to monitor who is entering or exiting your building and turn away anyone who may be acting suspiciously or in a threatening manner. If you need secure keyholding our manned guards can hold onto a set of keys for your business, allowing contractors, tradesmen, authorised staff, and emergency services to enter your building. They can also be used as concierge, providing customer service to your staff and visitors, answering queries and monitoring CCTV for any suspicious activity or damages (such as leaking pipes, etc)

Mobile Patrols

If you are a business that is located in a remote location, a large area or are spread over multiple sites then having mobile patrols is the perfect solution.

All of our Mobile patrol vehicles are fully branded and show criminals that you take the security of your business seriously. Our mobile guards can conduct regular patrols at a time that is suited to you or if you want to make the patrols less predictable then we can have our mobile guards conduct patrols at irregular times. Alongside conducting patrols around your property, we can create electronic check-in points for our guards to check-in so that you know that your business is being patrolled and is secure. Very much like our manned guarding services our mobile patrols can act as secure key holders, allowing contractors, authorised personnel or emergency services into your business and quickly respond to any alarm call-outs.

But not only do these two security services give your business a more physical security presence, it also showcases to staff that when they return to work that you take their safety seriously and you have taken steps.

Throughout lockdown, we have been providing effective and professional security solutions to businesses across South Wales including a large office block within Cardiff Central. Although the building saw a large number of their occupants leaving at the beginning of lockdown to work from home, our professional manned guards continued to provide our security services. To ensure that the building was secure throughout the day and evening our manned guards worked in shift patterns, providing concierge services to those visiting the business, monitoring CCTV for any suspicious activity, and quickly responding to any alarms and alerts.  Giving the building manager and owner peace of mind that their building was in safe and capable hands.

For more information about our Manned guarding, mobile patrols, concierge services and key holding visit our website or to arrange a free quote call us on 01656 713950

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Security, Social Distancing, Crowd Control oh my!

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Lockdown has been a worrying and uneasy time for businesses across South Wales, with many having to furlough staff and close their doors for which could be the final time.

But with the Welsh Government slowly relaxing lockdown rules, many businesses across South Wales will see this as an opportunity to get staff back in work and begin the process of returning to normal operations.

However, even with plans for staff to return and businesses returning to normal operations, it is important for you to do this safely and at the right time, ensuring that strict social distancing measures are still being followed to keep everyone safe.

This means that you should be planning for the safety of your staff, visitors, and reputation to avoid any costly and potentially devastating mistakes. If you haven’t already thought or considered a security presence at your business, thinking all security guards do is simply patrol at night in industrial estates, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Just as your business has had to change adapt to the changing environment, so have we and there are several ways a trained and specialised security presence could benefit your business.

1.      Social Distancing and Security

Although lockdown procedures are relaxing social distancing rules are very much still in place. Our Security officers are trained to maintain social distancing measures and understand the increased risks that lockdown may have caused to your business. Our professional security guards can assist with the monitoring of people allowed within your building and can have security officers inside to keep your staff and customers safe. This may include guiding people to follow your one-way system and managing some individual who don’t follow guidelines.

2.      Crowd Control

For businesses in the retail industry during lockdown queues outside as become the new norm, with many setting strict 2-metre guidelines. For supermarkets and smaller local businesses, this many see an increase in crowds at peak times (especially around lunchtime) and these will need to be managed.

Having security guards at your business acts as an incredible deterrent to unfavourable behaviour and can support social distancing measures too.

3.      Traffic Control

Many popular fast-food restaurants are implementing drive-thru services and at peak times this could mean large queues of traffic. Maintaining good traffic flow within and outside of the restaurants’ premises, assisting with any parking or one-way systems and being highly trained in de-escalating any potentially heated outbursts, our security guards can be a welcomed addition in these difficult times.

 

If you are looking for quality professional security solutions for your business during these uncertain times please give get in touch with us here or visit our website for further details.