Posts

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

Are illegal raves becoming an increasing problem?

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

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

Cardiff: Is Knife Crime on the rise?

/0 Comments/in /by

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?

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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?

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

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?

/0 Comments/in /by

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.