Posts

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

Lockdown: How to protect your Construction Site

/0 Comments/in /by

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

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

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

Risk Assessment

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

Construction Security

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

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

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

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

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

Create and maintain an up-to-date log

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

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

Have a clear zone around your perimeter

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

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

Mark Equipment

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

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

Reduce access points

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

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

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

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

How to keep your business safe during lockdown

/0 Comments/in /by

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

construction site, Security Services, unoccupied Site, Unoccupied, Vacant property, Vacant land

How to secure unoccupied land

/0 Comments/in /by

Around the Newport area, there are some areas of land that are yet to be developed on and are left unoccupied. Unoccupied land is very much like a vacant property and can be vulnerable to crime, which means that owners should take precautions to ensure the land remains safe and secure.

In Newport and the UK, vandalism is a growing problem where owners aren’t occupying the area. There is also the potential risk of squatters living on your property which can prove to be both time-consuming and expensive issues.

If you have a plot of land that is intended to be developed on or sold at a later date, then it may be worth it to keep reading and understand how you can properly protect and secure your unoccupied land.

Physical Barriers

Concrete blocks

Placing concrete blocks across tracks/lowered pavements/roads will prevent anyone from driving onto your site. As their name suggests concrete blocks are made of concrete and are extremely heavy which means that they cannot be easily lifted or moved by anybody who might want to get onto your land (unless they use machinery to move them)

Fencing

To maximise the security around your unoccupied land, having physical barriers such as fencing will prevent trespassers from getting onto your land.

Although having fencing on your site is not a sure way of keeping everyone out (especially if used on its own) it can add an additional layer of protection.

There are many types of fencing available, including some with anti-climb attributes or those with sharp points at the top. In many situations, the presence of fencing (especially ones that pose a physical threat) can often dissuade criminals from attempting to gain access to your unoccupied site.

Boarding

Boarding is mainly used as a temporary security measure for unoccupied land that may be vacant for a short period of time. Boarding usually entails boarding up doors and windows with solid timber boards. It’s a very cost-effect and simple solution to dissuade people from entering but it shouldn’t be used a long-term measure.

Security doors and windows

If you have a vacant building, then using steel security doors and windows are a great measure for safeguarding against vandalism.

Using heavy-duty security doors and windows offers a higher level of protection compared to standard doors and windows or boarding as they tend to come with anti-tamper fixings, as well as being damage proof.

This means that vandals and squatters and other trespassers are extremely unlikely to be able to gain access to your vacant property without having to use tools or machinery.

 

Security

CCTV

CCTV remains as one of the best deterrents to trespassers. If criminals feel like they are being watched, they are less likely to enter your premises in which they are not permitted.

CCTV allows the ability to monitor your site 24/7 and can provide detailed footage. This can help those who are monitoring your site and CCTV quickly identify any dangers or threats such as vandalism, thieves or other trespassers and can quickly respond before anything serious happens.

If something does happen on your property, the footage captured can be used as evidence for investigations and prosecution.

 

Other measures

Property guardians

Although property guardians is a new idea, they are used a temporary measure to help protect empty properties or commercial premises such as warehouses, schools and disused restaurants and pubs.

A property guardians’ role is to act as a ‘house sitter’ and live in unoccupied properties on a short-term basis so that it prevents squatters from moving in or damage taking place.

 Security guards

Although this would be quite an extreme measure for small plots of unoccupied land or properties, large properties such as warehouses and large plots of land can benefit from these services.

Manned guarding is mainly used to protect key access points such as gates and doorways so that no one can gain access. They can also be placed in areas that are deemed as a blind spot for CCTV camera’s and act as an extra set of eyes to ensure that there is no suspicious activity. Manned guards can also be used to monitor CCTV and can quickly notify other security guards or police that there is suspicious activity on your property.

If you have a large property or have multiple sites, then mobile patrols are the best solution. As the name suggests, mobile patrols can patrol the perimeter of your site or patrol the inside of your property, ensuring that key access points are secure and there is no suspicious activity. If there is an alarm sounded at any of your properties or sites then they can quickly respond and professionally deal with any intruders.

 

We at A&R Security Services can provide a range of professional security solutions from Keyholding and alarm response to manned guarding and mobile patrols across Newport and South Wales. To find out more about our security solutions then visit our website or to arrange a free security quotation then call us on 01656 713950

Christmas, Security Services, Security, Business Security, Christmas security

Festive cheer and crime? Protect your business this Christmas

/0 Comments/in /by

Christmas is a time for celebration and festive cheer, but for some, tis the season to cause mayhem. The truth is that Christmas isn’t always the fairy-tale scene for businesses. Behind the carol singers, glitter and bright flashing lights lie a sinister side to the festivities and for some business, it could spell the end.

December is a time of year where crimes such as drunken disorderly behaviour, burglaries and drink driving offences and deaths increase. When it comes to drink driving offences there is not much that can be done but for victims of vandalism and burglaries, there are steps that can be taken to prevent your business from becoming a victim.

So, what can you do to protect your business?

  • Plan – if you know that you aren’t going to be operating with not that many staff or shutting down over the Christmas period, plan for this by either CCTV coverage, mobile patrols or manned guards. Or a combination of all three!
  • Alarm – the simplest yet most effective security measure that can be used to protect your business. If you have a small team of staff in or are closing for the Christmas period, make sure that when your business is closed that the alarm is set. Also, to give you an extra bit of security and peace of mind we at A&R Security Services can provide key holding services and quickly and professionally respond to disturbances.
  • Be busy – the last thing you want for your business is to make it look like an easy target, so the busier your business, the better. If your business is closed over Christmas, our manned guards can station themselves outside of your business and make your business look like it is in use, deterring anyone from causing havoc on your business.
  • Lights – Many criminals like to strike businesses under the cover of darkness and if you have a large business or multiple buildings spread over a site, then it can be easier for criminals to strike. Investing in motion-activated lighting can easily deter thieves and make you look less like a target.
  • Be flexible – Mobile patrols are the perfect solution to check that the perimeter and the outside of your premises is safe. At A&R Security Services our mobile patrols can visit your site at agreed intervals that can deter any criminals and scare away opportunists.

As a business owner, you will do all you can to protect yourself from harmful situations. This year don’t let harmful situations ruin your Christmas.

If you are looking for keyholding services, mobile patrols or manned guarding services for your business over the Christmas period then get in touch with A&R Security Services.

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 713950

Taxis and Private Hire vehicle, taxi, PHV, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Security, Personal Security, Security Services, A&R Security Services

Staying safe in Taxis and private hire vehicles

/0 Comments/in /by

Whether it’s travelling to the airport or getting home from a night out in Cardiff, Swansea or Newport, you will most likely hire a taxi. With private hire vehicles such as uber, it is easy to make bookings.

Since 2017 the number of taxis and private hire vehicles increased by 1.7% in England and Wales, which is quite a large increase, as it’s the highest since they were first recorded in 2005.

But like any industry, there is a downside, with crimes in recent years committed by drivers leading to a consultation launch on the taxi and private hire industry in the hope to implement stricter rules on licensing drivers to protect vulnerable people.

If you’re planning to travel by taxi or private hire vehicle, follow some simple tips on how to stay safe.

 

Wait near well-lit areas and CCTV cameras

In the UK, only a small group of licensing authorities require taxis and private hire vehicles to have CCTV installed (however this could change to all taxi’s and PHV’s to require CCTV) Until this new law is put into effect, waiting in Taxi ranks which have CCTV installed will allow people to trace where passengers are being picked up in an event of an emergency situation. Criminals are less likely to target passengers who will have evidence of them being attacked. Also standing in well-lit areas when it is dark will make you more visible to passers-by and to taxi’s/ PHV picking you up

 

Let someone know when you are travelling

Telling someone that you are on your way to meet them, or someone who you have just left will reassure people that you are safe. When travelling, make sure that your phone has enough charge and if it hasn’t, have a portable charger so that you will be able to get in touch with someone in an emergency.

 

Plan your journey

If you are travelling to somewhere that you are unfamiliar, it is best to plan your journey. Outlining your route will give you peace of mind that you will be travelling to your destination in good time and show others that you are safe. Try and familiarise yourself with the location in advance and keep relevant information at hand, including an emergency contact.

Have find my phone installed

Having apps such as Find my phone or find my device will help locate your smartphone if it is lost or stolen. Too often, many people who go on a night out will get into a taxi and realise that their phone is missing. In the UK 183 phones were stolen with the majority being iPhones. So, it may be a good idea to install these apps to trace your phone.

 

Be alert

If you are travelling alone, stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you are on your own trying to travel back at night, hail a taxi in a well-lit area where there is plenty of people and traffic. No matter what, it is important that you are visible to plenty of people so there are witnesses who can help you in an emergency.

If you are in a taxi or a Private Hire Vehicles, check that the direction you’re going in is familiar to you. If it is not, check on maps on your smartphone that you are travelling in the right direction. If you feel that you are in danger, don’t hesitate to ask the driver to stop at the nearest opportunity – if they do not stop, stay calm and call 999.

 

A&R Security Services offer comprehensive security solutions to commercial properties in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our security solutions visit our website or to arrange a free quotation call us on 01656 713950

 

Security, Security Services, Inhouse, In-house, Outsourced, In-house v Outsourced, In-house Security, Outsourced Security, Newport

In-house vs Outsourced Security Services: What’s the difference?

/0 Comments/in /by

Nearly every business in Newport needs some form of security.

However, it can be a bit of a minefield to know what the best security solution for your business is – whether that is having an in-house or an outsourced security team.

Here we look at the benefits of having a professional outsourced security team over an in-house security team.

Reliability and expertise

When looking for security for your business, you want a reliable security team that can protect your business from criminals. Employing your own security team allows you to gauge if that person is best suited to your business, reliable and have the expertise that you are looking for. However, finding the right person for your business can take a lot of time and effort which could be used to run your business.

Employing an experienced and accredited security provider provides your business with more than just a security solution.  Professional Security providers such as A&R Security Services will have years of experience and knowledge and can provide advice and support for your business, ensuring that it is properly protected.

Professional Security providers will be aware of the threats that your business will face, and this allows them to input tailored security measures to your business’s requirements. This not only keeps the cost down; it guarantees your business will remain secure.

 

Time-Saving and Cost-effective

When creating and maintaining an internal security team, it can be an expensive and time-consuming process. For guards to work in the security industry, they must hold a valid SIA license – which can cost over £200. Add to this uniform, equipment, insurance and other additional costs, creating an in-house security team can quickly mount up.

Whilst having an in-house security team in your business is fine, they would need someone to manage them so hiring experienced, dependable and hardworking staff can sometimes be difficult and costly. Also finding additional staff to cover sickness absence or leave can be quite difficult.

Refresher training – especially around health and safety, first aid, fire safety – can prove to be expensive as well. However, if your staff are not properly trained in these areas, you risk exposing your business to threats.

When you choose a professional security provider, all training, management, equipment, uniform, insurance and recruitment costs are eliminated. Plus, if their staff are off sick or on annual leave, they will have the staff to cover on short notice.

 

Guaranteed quality service

The UK Security industry is tightly regulated to ensure that companies do not put their customers at risk with low-grade security solutions. However, when creating your own in-house security team, you won’t be subject to these regulations.

Unless you have previous experience or knowledge about how to implement effective security, your internal security team is unlikely to meet the standards that private security providers are expected to achieve. This can be dangerous as any security incident that occurs will be entirely your responsibility – whether that’s legal repercussions, maintenance costs or other consequences of failing to protect your business or staff.

If you chose to hire a professional security provider, you can be rest assured that the service you receive will meet all legal requirements, that all staff will be properly trained and vetted and not only would security incidents be far less likely to occur, you won’t be left to pick up the pieces on our own.

 

Flexibility and growth

Any business will eventually begin to grow and expand. As your business grows, the security measures that you have in place will change to coincide. If you have outgrown your old office and are moving to a new office space in Newport, it can throw up a whole set of new security issues.

If your business grows and you have an internal security team, it can take a long time to find extra staff and this can leave gaps within your security. Also, as your in-house security team grows, so do the costs which could result in channelled resources being moved away from core projects which could have a knock-on effect of the growth of your business.

Choosing a professional security provider allows you more room to either scale up or down your security needs. Having this ability ensures that your business is protected throughout your transition and that your resources are allocated effectively.

Also, a professional security provider will be able to cover any temporary security requirements that you may have during your growth.

 

Additional Solutions

The word ‘Security’ Covers a large range of activities. From CCTV monitoring and secure key holding to manned guarding and mobile patrols. And the list goes on.

As your business grows and changes so will your business security requirements over time. For example, if you open second office space in Newport City centre, you may require CCTV monitoring, secure key holding and alarm response. However, implementing these security measures can be difficult. Having additional security for a second location requires purchasing equipment such as alarm and CCTV systems and hiring additional guards to provide key holding services.

This often makes it difficult for businesses to implement the security solutions that they need and unfortunately results in businesses letting their security lapse as they struggle to find the right security providers, purchase new equipment, research and hire and/or train new staff.

A professional security provider will have expertise in each of these areas. This means that they can provide any additional services quickly saving you time and money, as well as ensuring that you are still receiving a high-quality service.

 

If this has changed your mind from employing an in-house security team but not sure what to look out for when hiring a professional security provider then take a look at our guide here.

A&R Security Services provide comprehensive security solutions to businesses in Newport, Cardiff, Swansea and South Wales. If you would like further information about our services, visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950 to arrange a free quotation.

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?

/0 Comments/in /by

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.

A&R Security Services, Security Services, Halloween, Halloween Security, Security, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, RCT, Bridgend, South Wales, South West, Business Security

How to protect your business this Halloween

/0 Comments/in /by

Halloween is the spookiest time of the year. With many of us dressing up as vampires, witches, zombies and ghosts and trick or treating the night away. However, there are ghoulish people out there that plan to play tricks on your business.

although some crimes during Halloween are petty and aren’t serious, there are some incidents that are serious and can result in damaged businesses. A spokesperson from a security firm states ” Halloween is great fun for kids, but it can be an extremely expensive time for business owners. Every year there is a surge in crimes around business premises by youths looking for bonfire materials. everything not nailed down is fair game, from tyres and pallets to expensive building materials and even oil theft. warehouses, construction sites, yards and unoccupied businesses are particularly vulnerable”

So, what can you do to keep your business safe this spooky Halloween?

Keep the perimeter of your business well lit:  With the autumn nights drawing in – this presents the perfect opportunity for criminals to break into your business. Using security lighting will help deter criminals from breaking into your business. installing motion-activated lights will accomplish the same goals while conserving energy.

Limit access to your property: Sometimes businesses in built-up areas will stay open to hand out treats to trick or treaters. However, when doing this ensure that the back of your building is secure – with all windows and doors securely shut and locked. If your business is closed during Halloween, ensure that only certain people have a set of keys. Also, make sure that bins and outdoor equipment are in well-lit areas.

Review your current security: Ensure to test your security alarms regularly and review your security system annually. Your system may not be as effective compared to newer models.

Train employees to be vigilant: Criminals like to watch a business first before making an attempt. make sure your employees know what to look out for when people are inside or outside your business and have a plan in place to deal with these individuals.

Celebrate safely: If your business is hosting a Halloween party for staff or customers, ensure that your fire protection is effective and operating properly. Be certain that fire extinguishers are in place and fire exits are clearly marked and don’t hang decorations from sprinklers.

Here at A&R Security Services, we provide comprehensive security solutions for businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and the South West. To arrange a free quotation call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.

 

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

5 reasons for outsourcing your keyholding responsibilities.

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Here are five reasons to outsource your keyholding responsibilities:

Staff safety

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

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

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

Corporate Safety

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

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

Doubling up

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

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

Training

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

Team morale

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

 

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

rural crimes, rural crime, smash and grab, smash and grab burglary, bank, atm, Smash and grab, ATM theft, Farm Machinery, Farm machinery theft

Rural Crime: Why is it Increasing?

/0 Comments/in /by

In a recent BBC show, it has been reported that crimes in rural areas is at a 7-year high – costing the UK economy £50million a year.

One rural crime that has seen an increase in ATM’s (cash point) being torn out by stolen farm machinery. These ‘Smash and Grabs’ of ATM machines have seen businesses and banks become heavily damaged – making banks reluctant to replace stolen ATM’s or reopen their rural branches.

Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire has been one of the hardest-hit rural communities in the UK for smash and grabs on ATM machines, with the village seeing two of it’s ATM’s be ripped out by stolen farm machinery and never replaced.

In Britain, there were 1,000 smash and grabs involving cash points in 2018, with half happening in the countryside.  Rural communities such as Great Shelford rely on physical cash transactions rather than using card and these attacks on ATM’s have seen local shops see fewer customers and many businesses having to compensate with having to pay bank charges for card transactions.

But why are ATM raids on the rise?

Although there is a higher risk with stealing heavy farm machinery and tearing out ATM’s out of banks, there is a higher reward with some ATM’s storing up to £100,000 in cash. Many rural ATM’s will have larger sums of cash compared to ones in the city because they are refilled less often.

Another reason why ATM raids are on the rise is that police response times are double what they are in towns or cities, allowing criminals more time to steal an ATM machine.

To some, smash and grabs on ATM’s may look opportunistic but they are very sophisticated crimes. With criminals researching, looking for farms close by and looking for heavy machinery big enough to rip out ATM’s.

As mentioned before farm machinery are often used for smash and grabs and stolen farm machinery is on the rise. Last year, farm machinery thefts cost farmers nearly £7.5million with many having to pay to replace them.

Although the police are taking measures and are working with local farmers to ensure that they are taking precautions to prevent the theft of vehicles. However, due to their nature farmers can’t close gates to their farms as they operate 24hrs.

Police in Norfolk have seen trends in these smash and grab crimes with Telehandlers being used to rip out ATM’s from banks and many of the crimes being committed by people living in rural communities and have experience operating farm machinery.

So, what measures can you take to prevent the theft of farm machinery?

  • Remove keys from vehicles if they are not in use: Although farms operate 24/7 it is important that any farm machinery that is not in use has its keys removed and is securely looked up day or night.
  • CCTV: Although it is a basic security measure having CCTV cameras located in areas where machinery is kept can provide a better visual on them and can be monitored 24/7. If machinery is stolen, the CCTV footage can be used to find out who the perpetrator is and use it for evidence in a court of law.
  • Security Lighting: Having security lighting in conjunction with CCTV is a very good security combo. Having security lighting that are censored can be an effective deterrent to criminals as if they attempt to approach your farm or vehicle, they will light up the trespasser making them feel caught.

If your farm or business is in need of extra security services, then get in touch with A&R Security Services. We can provide comprehensive security solutions to businesses across South Wales and the South West. To find out more call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.