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knife crime, Cardiff, Knife Crimes, Violent Crimes. Is knife crime on the rise?

Cardiff: Is Knife Crime on the rise?

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In a recent violent incident in the centre of Cardiff – where 6 were hurt in disorder and stabbings – there are questions surrounding whether or not the rise in knife crime is to blame.

On Saturday, 6 individuals were taken to hospital after being violently attacked by a group of four people aged 16 and 17 – one sustaining head injuries and another three stabbed (non-life-threatening). The incident was dealt with quickly by South Wales Police who detained the four people who began the attack. However, they have urged parents who suspect their child was involved in the incident to come forward.

Dept Supt Esyr Jones Said “Tackling knife crime is the responsibility of us all and any parents who have suspicions about their children being involved are not protecting them by remaining quiet”

But has this incident highlighted the increase in Knife Crime and is there enough being done to prevent such an attack from happening again?

In 2010-11 there were 382 offences of Knife Crime and other violent behaviour in the area of Cardiff. In 2018-19 that number was 737, up from 621 the year before.

Compared to London, Manchester & Liverpool, Cardiff is relatively small in size and population and has a small number of knife-related crimes compared to them. However, in 2019 there were a number of knife-related incidents. In a 3-month period during the summer of 2019, three young men in and around Cardiff lost their lives. In June Fahad Nur died after being stabbed 21 times near Cathays Train Station. Asim Khan, 21 died after being stabbed in St Mary’s Street in July and Harry Bake who was 17, died from stab wounds last September.

And earlier this year in February 2020, South Wales police were issued a Section 60 that allowed police officers the powers to stop and search those who are suspected of holding a knife in the areas of Butetown, Grangetown and Riverside. This came after two men were stabbed 24 hours of each other – one incident in Riverside’s Seamon Street and another in Butetown’s Loudon Square.

In light of the recent crimes involving knives, individuals from local communities within Cardiff have set up charities to help support young people to stay away from knife crime. James Bourne who runs local self-defence classes (Kalah) regularly gets calls from his community asking to retrieve knives that have been found within homes and understands the devastating effects Knife Crime can have (with him being a close friend to the family of Asim Kahn). In an interview with Wales Online James was asked how the issue surrounding Knife Crime could be solved and said “The only way forward is harsher sentencing powers for those found committing knife crime, and greater police power to prevent it getting to that situation”

James added, “it’s not just teaching them, it’s showing them. I show my students videos of parents who have lost their sons”. You can read more here

Two years ago, South Wales Police launched Operation Sceptre, an in your face approach to tackling knife crime and the problems of serious violence and drugs that are associated with it.

Superintendent Wendy Gunney, Lead for Operation Sceptre said “Police forces across the country have recorded a rise in knife crime but mercifully the level of those offences in South Wales is not the same as in other parts of the UK, with knife crime remaining rare for the vast majority of communities here.

“But we can never be complacent. Every incident involving a knife has consequences for all those involved and so this is an issue we take extremely seriously.

“Under Operation Sceptre we have put in place a number of measures to address any concerns communities may have and clamp down on those who are carrying and using knives.

“We have invested in a number of measures to help tackle the issue.” – you can read more about Operation Sceptre here

You can read more about recent knife crimes in England and Wales in our blog here.

Sentences surrounding the carrying and the use of a knife range from six months custodial sentence and a maximum of 4 years. However, there are calls for harsher and tougher sentences to be issued to those carrying knives to help dissuade others from carrying them.

What should you do if you suspect someone is carrying a knife?

Knives are very easy to conceal on a person. Keeping yourself safe is vital and if you are confronted with the threat of violence, you should immediately walk away. Once you are safe, tell someone you can trust – a parent, teacher, lecturer, friend or the police.  It’s vital that you report anything you know about knife crime to the police on 101 or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also report anything to do with knife crime 100% anonymously via fearless.

A&R Security Services can provide tailored professional security services for any business. For more information on how we can effectively protect your business contact us on 01656 713950 or here via our website 

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

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

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

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

Security Officer, A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Mobile Security, Manned Guarding, Commercial Security

Mistakes Your Company Is Making by Not Investing in Security Officers

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If you and your business are based in Swansea and are just being protected by your security alarm and CCTV system then you are seriously endangering your business, site and employees. With technology constantly changing, there are a lot of technologically advanced security systems that can provide you with intruder alarms, monitoring and sirens, but investing in security officers is something that you won’t regret investing in.

Most businesses in Swansea believe that their workplace is safe and free from intruders, criminals or suspicious activity. However, this kind of thinking can put your business at a disadvantage and if anything does occur, you or your staff will not be well prepared to handle a situation or deal with intruders effectively.  A&R Security Services can provide fully trained SIA licensed security officers that have experience in protecting commercial properties from intruders, criminals and suspicious activity in Swansea.

Many businesses will have one of their own members of staff provide extra security when it is needed. This can be a big hazard as employees aren’t trained or equipped with the knowledge to deal with threats to the business. Having Manned or Mobile security officers can help be a visual deterrent to criminals and can effectively and quickly deal with any threats to the security of your business.

If your business access isn’t controlled by security entry (concierge, key fob/card, pin) then it can be quite easy for intruders to enter your premises. Security officers such as manned guards can ID people that want to enter your site and notify you or other employees if someone is there to see them. This can deter intruders from entering your business and reduces the risk of any crimes occurring. Also, manned security officers can check visitors’ belongings for any suspicious articles. This will help you and your business relax and not worry about any security threats taking place.

A&R Security Services provides exceptional security services to protect businesses and personnel in Swansea and South Wales. Hiring security officers such as manned guards or mobile security guards will certainly put your business at an advantage. Officers provide a more physical presence and are able to survey your business for any suspicious activity or potential security threats.

A&R Security Services can provide your businesses with professional Manned guarding or Mobile security officers. All of our security staff have experience in providing exceptional customer service to our clients. If you would like to know more about our other security services visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950.

 

Christmas party, event security, event, security, security services, office christmas party, office party, christmas

Top tips on running a safe and successful Christmas Party

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With Christmas coming careering towards us, many offices in Cardiff will be organising the Office Christmas party. Celebrating everyone’s hard work is certainly a lot of fun but having everything in place for a great night of festivities is no easy task. When organising a Christmas party, there is a lot that you need to consider – and the most important one is ensuring your colleague’s safety.

When organising its important that you take precautions and stick to good event security and safety practises (especially if you want everyone to have a good night but also stay safe at the same time). By sticking to these you can keep everyone safe – except embarrassing themselves with bad dancing and some dodgy karaoke or comedy.

 

Be alcohol safe

When the bosses have a free bar going and the drink starts flowing, it can be easy to misjudge and get carried away with the festivities. However, from an organisers point of view, alcohol can cause more issues than just embarrassing incidents.

Alcohol can lower our inhibitions and alter our sense of risk meaning that people who have one too many may be tempted to do things that they wouldn’t normally do – like dance on tables, take part in drink competitions or even get into fights. If you’re trying to avoid such situations try and keep an eye on how much your guests are drinking and intervene when you think someone has had too much.

 

Keep a guest list and plan seating

When organising an event and inviting guests, it is important to have up-to-date records of who is coming and who isn’t. If you’re allocating people to tables, make sure you have thought about who is sitting where and whether the people sitting next to each other have things in common. If you have a new member of staff – sit them with someone who will be able to keep the conversation going.

For guests to know where they are sat, place guests lists at the venues entrance or the restaurants front of house so that uninvited guests are unable to enter your party. If the venue doesn’t have extra staff to monitor who is coming to the party, hire extra security staff that are able to monitor who is coming in and out of the venue and ensure that no unwanted guests try to crash the party.

 

Theft

Although thefts may seem like an unlikely thing to happen during a Christmas party, bags and coats left on chairs or at the side of the room can give opportunists the chance to swipe valuables whilst everyone is busy busting out dance moves. So when guests arrive, make sure that they know where the cloakroom is and ensure that security staff are positioned close-by.

 

Dietary requirements

When organising an event such as an office party, it is important that everyone’s dietary requirements are catered for. So, before the big event, make sure that your guests have informed you of any food allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements.

Epilepsy/Hearing/Sight impediment

For any event, it is important to heed advice from anyone suffering from Epilepsy or other impairments relating to hearing or sight. Precautions such as reduced strobe or LED lighting, considering music volume or planning for people with guide dogs can go a long way.

Here at A&R Security Services can help you run a safe Christmas office party by providing guards that are fully trained in First aid and Health & Safety. Having properly trained security at your party means that help is on hand straightaway if a situation arises.

 

Car parking

If your party is in a hotel, restaurant or club, make sure that there is a carpark close by or there are designated parking spaces for guests who want to stay sober and drive home. If you are expecting guests with mobility issues, make sure that there is disabled access such as disabled parking, lowered curbs, ramps and power-assisted doors and enough space to move around freely inside the venue.

When choosing a venue as well, it is a good idea to look at where the venue is in relation to guests – how will the get to and from homes? If you choose a venue that is quite far from work, check what public transport is available.

 

Enjoy yourself!

When you are the person organising the Christmas party you want everything to go perfectly and without a hitch but it’s important that you can ley your hair down and relax. Make sure to drink responsibly, eat well, dress to impress and give yourself a pat on the back for a successful and safe Christmas party! Just make sure that you don’t drink too much and tell your boss something that you may regret on Monday morning when you’re back in the office.

 

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to event organisers in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our security services visit our website or call us for a free quote on 01656 713950

 

A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Security, Mobile Security, Mobile Patrols, Security Services, Cardiff, RCT, Newport, Bridgend, Swansea

SIA Accreditation: Why is it so important?

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When making the decision to invest in security for your business, you’ll want to be able to rely on a trustworthy provider and have a clear idea of what you are getting.

One way to ensure that you are getting value is to hire fully trained and vetted SIA Security Guards, like those at A&R Security Services.

But why is it so important to have SIA licensed guards?

Quality that you can trust

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was created by the government to protect your business. It helps regulate the private security industry effectively where businesses have seen reduced criminality, raised standards in services and personal and a clear picture of a high-quality service.

When having a guard that holds an SIA license, you can be sure that they are fully trained and vetted to complete their job.

Fully licensed SIA guards will have been trained to respond to any situation that they may experience out in the field. Training for SIA licenses is broken down into three core areas. Trainees begin by learning the essentials of common security industry knowledge including awareness of the law in the private security industry, health and safety, fire awareness, emergency procedures and communication with customer care.

Following this training the SIA will develop this initial training into specialist sections where training officers have the opportunity to learn the following services in-depth: patrolling, access control, technology and systems in the security environment, security officers, the law and communication, reporting and record-keeping: all of which are essential as guards will need a basic understanding of each when they are out in the field protecting your business.

Accommodating business demands

The private Security Industry Act was brought in to regulate the private security industry in England and Wales in 2001 which was later implemented in Scotland in 2007 and Northern Ireland in 2009. Since then they have been a number of changes to the accreditation and despite scrutiny of its effectiveness it remains, and businesses can see the clear benefits of hiring security guards that are fully trained and hold an SIA license.

Here A&R Security Services we are proud to provide SIA vetted security guards to effectively protect your business from criminal activity. For more information or to arrange a free quotation call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Industrial Security, Industrial Security Services, Warehouse Security Services, Warehouse Security, A&R Security Services, Security Services

Industrial security: What is it? And how can it help you?

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Owning an industrial business in Newport comes with the responsibility of ensuring that everyone who works for you and what is inside your premises always remains safe and secure.

Whether it’s a factory or warehouse on one site or spread over numerous locations in Newport, industrial security is essential if you want your company to succeed.

Recent statistics show that the UK manufacturing industry contributes £6.7 trillion to the economy. However, with that being said, it is vital to look at security options that are effective at deterring thieves, vandals and keeping your industrial business safe.

So, what exactly is industrial security and how can it help you and your industrial business?

Manned Security Guards

Security guards provide a physical presence to prevent trespassers from setting foot on your premises. Manned security guards aren’t just an effective way to spot potential trespassers, they can deter them as well.

Manned security guards can be placed and prevent people from accessing entrances to your industrial unit and can keep watch of anyone who looks suspicious. ID passes can be checked, and inspections of bags and coats can be checked as employees leave the building after business hours.

 

Mobile Security patrols

Just like manned guards – mobile security patrols can be a physical presence to deter potential criminals from your industrial business. Mobile Security patrols are a highly effective form of industrial security, especially if you own warehouses, factories or gatehouses entrances over a number of locations.

 

CCTV Monitoring

CCTV is a widely used and popular form of security. CCTV can be remotely monitored from a central location and can be used in numerous points across different locations. Cameras can be placed in hard to reach areas, as well as near entrances and exits to monitor who is entering and exiting your business.

Also, if any legal action is taken either against you or to prove someone has attempted to carry out a crime on your property, CCTV can be used as evidence.

 

Inspections

Carrying out frequent inspections, both planned and unplanned will provide extra peace of mind knowing that your assets (stock and equipment) is secure at the end of the day.

Carrying out regular car inspections are also useful especially when checking if any vehicles have been broken into and any potential congestions coming in and out of our industrial business is kept to a minimum

 

Alarm installation

Intruder alarms are another popular and regularly used security feature and can alert that there is an intruder at your business – allowing security staff to respond quickly and deter criminals.

When installing an alarm system, it important to find one that will be suitable for your industrial business’ layout. Also, if you have one professionally installed – ensure that it is regularly serviced to prevent false alarms.

 

Security lighting

Security lights can provide that added security, especially during the winter month when daylight is limited and when most criminals operate. Security lighting can be effective when criminals get close to access points – triggering motion sensors and surprising them.

However, when installing security lighting – make sure that controls and wiring are hidden underground or behind large obstacles and lights are installed out of reach.

 

Update PINS and Passwords

No matter the number of employees you have, regularly updating your PINs and passwords regularly will decrease the chances of someone guessing correctly and ruining your business by stealing valuable assets.

If your industrial business as a lot of technology such as tablets, laptops and computers then it is very important to regularly update passwords to reduce the risk of hacking or cyber threats.

 

A&R Security Services provides industrial security solutions to businesses in Newport and South Wales. To find out how our SIA licensed security teams can deliver a service you can trust then call us today on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.