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Concerts, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Security Services , Security, Concert Security, live music

Keeping yourself safe at concerts in Cardiff

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Cardiff is a young city but has a fast-growing creative scene and has proven itself to be one of the best places for live music concerts in the UK. With the Principality Stadium playing host to top musicians such as Take That, Ed Sheeran, the Spice Girls and Pink!

But with recent terror attacks on concerts such as the Ariana Grande Manchester attack, large stadiums such as the Principality Stadium have had to boost and tighten its security measures, to make sure that you the public are safe.  But even with tighter security, there are criminals who are there to ruin your fun. With concerts, thousands of people will be flooding into venues like the Principality Stadium to reach their seats or to get the prime spot by the stage. But with so many people packed in corridors, seats and by the stage – these can present the perfect opportunity for criminals.

So, what can you do to keep yourself safe at concerts?

Take a cheap or older model phone – Now everyone likes to share what they are doing online and take pictures of a once in a lifetime experience. But taking your latest modelled phone to a concert can attract pickpocketers. To prevent them from taking your phone, take an older model or cheaper phone so that you are not worried about it being stolen or going missing.

Take a bumbag or money belt instead – Rucksacks and handbags can easily catch the sight of pickpocketers as these can be easily opened or grabbed in large crowds. So instead take a bumbag or money belt that sits in the front of yourself.

Download ‘Find my Phone’ – Having ‘Find my phone’ can be incredibly useful as you can track it if anyone were to steal your phone.

Sexual harassment and Violence

Sexual Harassments and attacks – In concerts you are in very close quarters and many criminals will try to either sexually harass you or attack you. If you feel pressured into anything, get the attention of either a friend or the concert security staff.

Stay in a group – As mentioned before, you will be in very close quarters with other people visiting the concert and you can easily lose sight of your friends. If you are in a group try to stay close and if you do lose each other in a crowd, arrange to meet at a point outside of the venue at a certain time.

Report it – A lot of people will focus on the act that is performing on stage, but you should still be vigilant of any sexual harassment or violence. If you see anything, report it to the event security or the police. Also, if you see any suspicious activity inside the concert or anyone carrying weapons – report it immediately.

Health

Drugs – If you are drinking at a concert be aware of people trying to spike your drink with illegal drugs. When drinking, make sure that your drink is in front of you or the top is covered by your hand/thumb or cap. Do not accept any illegal high from anyone, no matter how much they try to persuade you.

Hydration – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Terrorism – As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, terror attacks on concerts have seen an increase and so if you see any suspicious-looking items left, report it to the event security and move away as far as possible.

Call 999 – If you think there is an emergency at the concert call 999 and get the attention of the event security staff with radio mics or walkie talkies.

Don’t accept a stranger’s bag – No matter how nice or normal they look, do not accept a strangers bag or any other object that they may ask you to look after.

Follow emergency instructions – If there is an emergency at the concert you’re attending, keep calm and follow the instructions of the event staff and/or emergency services.

Keep your phone charged – Make sure that your phone is fully charged in case you have to call emergency services. It is also good practise to take a portable charger with you if your phone does run out of charge.

A&R Security Services has 40 years experience in the Security Industry. We can effectively provide both manned and mobile event security to locations across South Wales and the South West. If you would like to know more about our services visit our website for further details or call us on 01656 713950

Event Security Services, Security Services, Security

Having Effective Event Security

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With the British summer being set to be filled with an array of music events, festivals, sporting and community events, there has never been a more important time to stress the importance of event security.

Over the past few years, both small and large events have been targets for attacks, so security at events needs to hit the mark in protecting both the public and staff.
But what can be done to keep guests safe and an event trouble-free?

1. Choose the right venue – when planning an event and choosing a venue, keeping security in mind is important. Internal venues such as Concert halls, theatres, hotels, museums, etc are naturally secure sights, with physical barriers. Most venues will have emergency evacuation strategies in place with staff already briefed in preventing public panic and mass exiting. Major venues will have increased their security planning and provision significantly in answer to threats that events and venues face. Outside events such as festivals need a little bit more effort with security and patrols, planning how perimeters will be secured and properly patrolled.

2. Conducting security assessments- assessing potential threats to and at an event is important when protecting guests. High profile events such as music festivals, charity events or awards with celebrities and other prominent figures present more of a security challenge. Even with the level of security threat is known – a security assessment will highlight weak points in a security plan. When planning an event and putting a plan in place – it’s always good practice to have a contingency plan to ensure the smooth running of your event if anything were to go wrong. If you’re planning an event think ‘How will an uninvited guest be handled? What will happen in the event of a security breech? How will emergency procedures be implemented?’

3. Brief your team – when planning or running an event – communication is key! A breakdown in communication can make a plan fall apart and an event fail. Effectively communicating to your security team what their roles are and the protocols of what to do in an emergency. For example, if there is a need for mass evacuation, which exit are they to staff? Who will liaise with emergency services? How will your security keep guests staff safe?

4. Screening guests and staff – With recent attacks on events, security have had to screen guests and staff at venues. From checking bags to scrutinising tickets, security staff need to be clear and confident in screening both staff and guests when entering a venue.

5. Hire a professional security company – To ensure your event is really safe and secure, hiring a professional security firm can be critical. Professional security firms can perform detailed security assessments on your venue and plans, as well as providing SIA licensed security staff. Professional security firms are fully insured and can create bespoke packages from patrolling to front-of-house staff.

A&R Security Services has over 40 years of experience in the security industry and have worked with a number of customers across South Wales and the South West. We can offer bespoke event security packages that suit your needs. If you would like to know more or would like a quote, contact us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.