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A&R Security Services, Security Services, Security, Knife Crimes, Knife Crime, Serious Knife Crime, Serious Crime, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool

Knife Crime- Fastest rising crime in the UK

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In recent news, it’s been reported that in the last 10 years knife crime has increased dramatically – with London and the boroughs surrounding the city having the highest crime rates.

However, data from 34 out of 43 police forces shows the rate of serious knife crime rising dramatically in areas outside of London in city boroughs like Manchester, Slough, Liverpool and Blackpool.

“We are suffering just as much as anywhere else,” said Byron Highton whose brother was fatally stabbed with a sword and an axe while he walked home in Preston, in 2014. “the whole country is suffering from knife crime, but small cities in the north like Preston get no mention”

The BBC asked all 43 regional police forces in England and Wales for detail about serious knife crimes in their area.

In Lancashire, figures showed that knife crime doubled in the past five years, rising from 455 offences in 2014 to 981 in 2018.

In recent years Manchester, Liverpool, Slough and Nottingham are all in the top 25 most dangerous places in England and Wales for serious knife crimes. The safest areas with less than one crime per 10,000 people include Dorset, the Cotswolds, Monmouthshire and the Malvern.

Although, Scotland police collect crime statistic differently so there are no separate records for knife attacks. However, knife possession has increased in recent years with more than 2,300 crimes reported last year.

Although men are usually the target for serious knife crimes, in Blackpool students Keeley 17 and Lauren 18 were both threated on an estate where they live with knives over not allowing a group of lads to play on their half of the pitch while both Keeley and Lauren played football.

In 2018, Blackpool had 14.3 serious knife crime offences per 10,000 people putting it in the top 25 most dangerous places in England and Wales for knife crime, of the 275 areas which gave data.

Drugs, gangs, school exclusion and expulsion rates, unemployment and cuts to services have all been blamed for the rise in youth violence in areas such a Blackpool and Preston. Last month, official figures showed that 8 out of 10 most deprived areas in England alone were in Blackpool.

In 2018, almost half of all suspects of serious knife crimes in England and Wales were aged 24 and under.

So, what does this mean for Cardiff and Wales as a whole?

Although Cardiff is relatively small compared to Manchester and London, it still has its fair share of serious knife crimes.

In July 2019 WalesOnline reported on how one of Wales’ largest hospitals University Hospital of Wales (Heath hospital) described that they were dealing with stabbings on a weekly basis.

The number of offences involving knife crimes has gone up more than 80% across Wales in the past decade. Police have said that teenagers as young as 15 are carrying knives.  Across Wales, in 2011 there were 741 incidents involving knives compared to 1,353 in 2018 – an increase of 83%.

Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Sebire, the national leader in tackling serious violent crime at the National Police Chief’s Council, blamed police funding cuts for the fall in charge rates.

“The large reduction in police funding since 2010 has meant that fewer detectives with less time and a bigger workload taking on long investigations, meaning it can be more difficult to get a charge”

“Some forces who have been given additional funding to tackle violence are using that to improve forensic capabilities, so even when the victim is unwilling to proceed, police can still progress a case.”

A spokesperson from the Home Office responded: “ We are taking action to tackle the violent crime which has such a devastating impact on our communities…. This includes supporting the police by recruiting 20,000 new police officers over the next three years, making it easier for them to use stop and search powers and investing £10m in additional funding to allow forces to increase the number of officers carrying Tasers.”

To read the full BBC article click here

A&R Security Services provides comprehensive security solutions to businesses in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend, South Wales and the South West. If you are in need of concierge services, mobile patrols or secure keyholding services then visit our website or call us on 01656 713950

 

 

 

Halloween, Trick or Treat, Cardiff,Newport, Swansea, RCT

How to stay safe this spooky Halloween

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Halloween is the best time of year for those who love everything spooky and want to let out their inner ghoul. For young children in and around Cardiff, it is a night where they can dress up and collect enough sweets to fill a whole sweet shop!

But even though Halloween is special to most, there is a much darker side. With the nights drawing in, children are twice as more likely to be hit by a moving vehicle and killed on Halloween than any other day.

Halloween is the busiest night of the year, especially for children – so steps need to be taken to ensure their safety and the festivities remain a happy memory.

So, here are some tips to keep your little ghouls safe:

Trick-or-Treaters

  • Plan your route – When searching for the best places for trick or treating, it can often take you many streets away from your home. So planning your route will ensure that you don’t get lost.
  • Stranger Danger – Any other time of the year, you wouldn’t knock on a stranger’s door and ask for treats. So, when knocking on a stranger’s door ensure that your children understand not to enter a stranger’s house.
  • Fire Resistant Costumes – Halloween Costumes can be a fire hazard; all it takes is your costume brushing up against a candle before it catches fire. Make sure when buying your children’s costume – they are fire-resistant.
  • Out of the Dark – in October the nights are long and dark, so it is likely that it’ll be dark when you are out trick or treating. When walking around make sure to light your way with a torch and to ensure that you are visible to other people and motorists.

Motorists

  • Pedestrians – In terms of people being out on the street Halloween is the busiest time of the year. Make sure to stay alert for children walking alongside main roads or in side streets.
  • If you don’t have to, don’t- if you can avoid driving at all, it will probably be safer to stay at home.
  • Drive Slow – Most residential areas in Cardiff and surrounding areas are 20-mph with speed bumps to ensure the speed is maintained. However, when driving ensure that you are driving below that on Halloween. This way if a small child walks or runs into the road, you can quickly stop your car.

Fire Safety

  • Decorations – with more and more of us decorating for Halloween, it is important to ensure that they don’t catch on fire. So, when decorating ensure that decorations are kept away from open flames such as candles.
  • Candles – Candles are great at making a spooky atmosphere, but they can also be a hazard. Try to use battery-operated ones to achieve the same effect or use glow sticks.
  • Smoke Alarms – many of use will be buying pumpkins to carve and to light ready for Halloween. However, pumpkins with open flamed candles inside them can be a potential fire risk. If you are planning to put candles inside of pumpkins this Halloween, ensure that your fire alarms are tested and fully working.

Here at A&R Security Services, we provide comprehensive security services to businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend, and RCT. If you are in need of manned guarding or secure key holding services then get in touch with 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.

Alarm System, intruder alarm, false alarm, false alarms, Security Services, A&R Security Services

Alarm systems: How to avoid false alarms

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Intruder alarms are a great way of alerting that someone is trespassing on your business. However, if your business is equipped with an intruder alarm, there is a chance that you will experience a false alarm.

False alarms are a lot more than just a nuisance-they can put a strain on emergency services and could potentially incur costly fees.

So, what are the causes of a false alarm?

User error

It’s estimated that 70% of false alarms are caused by user error. This is both a good and bad thing. On the positive, this means that 70% of false alarms can be eliminated and quickly dealt with – with proper training. On the downside, it indicates that employees aren’t properly trained when it comes to the intruder alarm.

To reduce the number of user errors and false alarms, it’s important that staff are properly trained (especially those who are earliest and the last to leave) and are informed of the most up to date passcodes, as well as showing them how to unlock and lock your business properly, arm and disarm the alarm and silence any false alarms.

Motion detectors

Motion detectors are a great way to ensure that you have no unwelcome guests walking around inside your business. However, sensors now are incredibly sensitive to the slightest of movement – which can cause issues.

People aren’t the only things that move. Falling objects (unbalanced paper, umbrellas, coats, etc), object such as blinds or balloons moving in a breeze and even large insects have been known to set off motion detectors.

To minimise the chance to false motion detection, you should ensure that your office is clean and tidy if anything that could potentially activate the sensor before leaving. Moving objects from air conditioning and remove any insects as soon as possible.

Unsecured doors and windows

Most alarm systems will be connected to sensored doors and windows. If one or of these doors or windows is poorly fitted, a false alarm may be triggered. This is because ill-fitting doors and windows may be able to move the slightest (even when closed) triggering sensors especially if there is bad weather conditions or someone slams a door somewhere else within the building.

To reduce the chance or windows and doors setting off your alarm, make sure that all doors and windows are properly fitted. Meaning that when they are closed there is very little to no movement when pushed or pulled.

How to reduce false alarms

Even though the main culprits for false alarms have been highlighted, there are some other things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing a false alarm.

Carry out routine maintenance – False alarms can be triggered by a fault within your systems. Simple things like batteries running out, short-circuiting or damage. Carrying out regular check can ensure that these don’t happen. If you have an older alarm system – it may be liable to falsely alerts so it may be a good idea to upgrade to a newer system.

Keep everyone in the loop – if you make any changes to your system, it is best to notify your monitoring service provider. This includes adding or changing passcodes, adding or removing authorised users and making changes to arming times/locations.

Enforce entry/exit procedures – it’s important to inform employees of which entrances and exits they are permitted to use and what times. Make sure that employees lock all doors and windows correctly before leaving and show authorised users how to properly arm the system before leaving.

Log all false alarms – If your alarm system is falsely alerting on a regular basis, make sure that you record the time and dates of every occurrence. This will help you work out why your alarm system is falsely alerting and allow you to put measures in place to prevent it from happening again.

Make sure your system is properly installed – when having a new alarm system installed, ensure it is being installed by a certified security provider. An alarm system that hasn’t been installed correctly is far more likely to falsely alert.

 

A&R Security services provide alarm response and secure key holding services to businesses in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend, RCT and South Wales. For more information about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

CaravanStorage, Caravan Storage Security, Security Services, Cardiff, Newport, RCT, Bridgend, Swansea

Caravan Storage – Keeping your site secure

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With holiday prices rising over the years many families have turned to caravanning, visiting historical landmarks, picturesque countryside and fabulous beaches – and South Wales has plenty of those.

But after the summer sun has hidden behind the clouds, this time of year sees caravaners shutting their caravans for the winter and putting them into storage – presenting thieves a perfect opportunity to either break into caravans, stealing valuable equipment or stealing the caravan itself.

According to the Caravan and Camping club in 2015 caravan thefts had risen by 20% on previous years. Although there are peak times for caravans to be stolen – thefts can happen all year round.

To minimise theft, caravaners will possibly look at caravan storage facilities. But it is important that your caravan storage facility has lock tight security to deter criminals and put owners’ minds at ease.

If your site doesn’t have lock-tight security – what can you do to boost it?

Robust gates and fencing

Many storage facilities will have gates and fencing around the perimeter of their site, but it is important that they are robust enough that they are not easily damaged and broken into to get into your storage site. To make your perimeter security more robust use electric gates that have either a keypad or key card entry system. Not only does this mean that only your staff and caravan owners enter your storage site – it can allow you or security to monitor who is coming in and out.

Also using fencing that has a tight lattice and sharpened edge to the top can prevent criminals from attempting to squeeze through fencing or climb over the top.

CCTV

Although CCTV is basic security, it can help monitor your site day or night – helping security staff lookout for any suspicious activity either around the perimeter of your storage facility or to any caravans inside and respond accordingly.

Lighting

Security lighting is another basic security measure, but it can easily deter criminals from attempting to get near your caravan storage site – especially under the cover of darkness. Having security lights can light up areas that are normally blind spots for security guards or CCTV and if anyone attempts to get near, if criminals are lit up – they will be made to feel like they have been caught.

Security Guards

Depending on the location and the size of your caravan storage site, security guards can provide that extra bit of security. Manned guards can be positioned near gates or areas that are often exploited by trespassers and can monitor CCTV for any suspicious activity. Mobile Security Guards can patrol your facilities different compounds, making sure that gates are secure and there have been no attempts at entering your storage facility. If there is any activity, security guards can quickly respond to trespassers and deal with them accordingly.

 

A&R Security Services can provide manned guarding and mobile security services to storage facilities in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend and RCT. For more information about our security services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Hopsitals, Hospital, Hospital Security, Security Services, Security

Is your hospital security at risk?

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In recent years the Welsh NHS has been increasingly under stress despite having increased budgets for a number of its services. Although the NHS is one of the biggest employers in Wales and the UK – it has seen a number of shortages which has had an effect on A&E waiting times and the performance of their services.

With so many relying on the NHS in Wales it is important that healthcare facilities and hospitals can deal with any threats from both patients and employees.

So, there are some questions to consider when implementing security in healthcare facilities and hospitals.

How often are risk assessments conducted?

Carrying out risk assessments is vital to ensure that you can spot potential hazards which could injure patients and staff, cause ill health or leave people in a vulnerable position. By holding regular risk assessments, hospitals can spot potential hazards before they cause major disruptions.

Are my staff subject to violence?

In Wales, alone there have been 18,000 reports of violent attacks, aggression or verbal abuse on staff either from patients or other employees in hospitals.

The most effective way to check that your staff are protected from violent behaviour is to install CCTV systems in areas such as entrance areas, reception areas, waiting areas, outside nurse stations and staff rooms and corridors.

Another way in which the situations can be avoided is by hiring security staff and station them in areas where there may potential for conflict.

Also implementing reporting systems will also help staff to record everything that happens, so evidence can be provided if any legal action is taken.

Are Medicines and hazardous substances secure?

To ensure medicines and hazardous substance are not stolen, ensure that they are locked away in secure cupboards and other secure locations within the building. For added extra security, ensure that doors and cupboards are PIN secured or padlocked when not in use to avoid anything being stolen or tampered with and conducts regular audits to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.

What equipment needs to be updated or secured?

If equipment is outdated or in need of repair, make sure that they are replaced or fixed as soon as possible. Make sure that they are regularly checked and maintained, and any faulty machinery have warning signs to alert staff and patients no to use it.

How Secure are the staff entrances?

Within hospitals there are areas that the public cannot enter. But having doors or corridors without key card scanners or password protected doors can allow the public gain access to confidential records.

Is there help for staff suffering from stress?

Mental health well-being is something that can become compromised especially dealing with stressful situations on a regular basis. It is important to offer staff help if they feel overworked or unable to cope with the challenging demands that they face. Doing so ensure that staff are not overworked and reduce of medical mistakes.

 

A&R Security Services can provide comprehensive security solutions to healthcare facilities in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bridgend and South Wales. If you are in need to Manned Guarding, Mobile Security or Concierge Services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Robbery, Armed Robbery, Violent Robbery, Robberies, Violent Robberies, Armed Robberies, Violent Crime, A&R Security Services

Violent robbery rise blamed on police cuts and rise in smartphone use

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In recent news, it’s been reported by the BBC that robberies are increasing at a faster rate in England and Wales than in any major developed country.

Within the last year, it’s been found that 269,000 young people were involved in or at risk of violent crime and that the use of smartphones and cuts to police patrols are behind the rise.

Between 2014 – 2018 robberies in England and Wales has increased by 33%, which researchers believed was significant because robbery acted as an entry point for violent crimes. With knife-related robberies increasing by 33%.

Violent crime recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by 19% in the last year – with the number of homicides (including murder and manslaughter) rising from 649 to 739 an increase of 14% since the end of September 2018. This is the highest total for crimes since 2007.

The report run by the BBC suggested that the availability of smartphones are connected to the increase of violent robberies with 8 in 10 people in the UK using them, higher than any country.

It also suggested that pressure on policing after budget cuts to officer posts between 2010 and 2018 was a contributor to the increase and pointed out that only 7% of robbery cases resulted in a suspect being charged compared to 21% four years ago.

Mr Redgrave from Crest Advisory said “ Criminals respond to incentives and if they feel they’re not being effectively policed – often these crimes are opportunistic – we’re likely to see an increase in these types of offences”

However, a spokesperson from the Home office suggested that changes in the way that robberies were logged are partly responsible for the rise in violent robberies.

“We are pleased with improvements in police recording, which have contributed to reported increases in robbery offences” they also added “ We are giving police the tools they need to keep families, communities and our country safe, including recruiting 20,000 new police officers and making it easier for them to use stope-and-search powers”

For more information about the report, robberies or violent crimes visit the BBC News website here.

A&R Security Services provide comprehensive security solutions in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and South West. For a free quote call 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details of our security services.

Manned guarding, office security, manned office guarding, manned guards, A&R Security Services, A&R Security,

Why manned guards are beneficial to your office building in Cardiff.

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There are multiple office blocks located in and around the city of Cardiff, with many being home to multi-million-pound businesses. Having manned guards located outside or inside your building is an effective way of dissuading criminals from attempting to commit a crime at your business.

Here we’ll be highlighting some key benefits that come with having manned guarding

Strong visible presence

When protecting your business, you want criminals to know that it is effectively guarded and protected. Having uniformed manned guards can give a strong security presence and warning to anyone scoping out your business.

24/7 monitoring

Manned guards can operate at any time of the day. They can monitor CCTV and monitor who is coming in and out of your building – making it more difficult for criminals to attempt anything.

Rapid Response

Whether it is an alarm sounding or an intruder being caught on CCTV – as manned security guards are already on site they can quickly respond to an emergency or notify mobile security. If there has been an incident, they can log them in incident report books, detailing any security events so that you have a record of what has happened.

Health and Safety Skills

If there is a medical emergency or fire, having first aid and fire safety trained manned guards will be beneficial. If any of your employees or visitors become unwell, if a fire breaks out or there is a health and safety issue- a manned guard knows how to deal with the situation in a rapid and professional manner.

Prevent unauthorised access

Most new office blocks will have inbuilt security features such as key card or fob entry to prevent any unauthorised access. However, there are office blocks that are older and do not have access security systems such as key or fob entry in place.

Manned guards can act as concierge, keeping track of who is coming in and out of the building and notifying employees about visitors being there to see them.

Keyholding services

Alongside manning reception, monitoring and H&S skills, manned security guards can offer secure key holding services. If your office building is having work done out of hours or you have earl/late deliveries, manned guards can allow them access into your property but also monitor who is coming in and out of your building.

Here at A&R Security Services, we offer professional manned guarding to businesses in Cardiff and across South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

 

SIA, SIA Licensed Guards, SIA Security Guards, Construction Site Security, Construction sites, Construction Site, Construction Security, Security Servives, Security, Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Swansea, RCT, A&R Security Services, A&R Security

Construction Site Security – Why should you have fully SIA licensed guards on your site?

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Construction sites up and down South Wales can become very easy targets for criminal activity. The construction industry suffers enormous loses as a result of theft of equipment and materials, and damage by arson attacks. It is estimated between £600million and £1billion were lost because of theft alone from construction sites across South Wales and the UK.

A large portion of these losses can be attributed to inefficient or non-existent construction security measures.

Construction sites are easy targets for thieves. Constant staff turnover means it is difficult to keep good construction site security records. High-value equipment such as heavy machinery can lead to quick turnover and easy profits for successful thieves.

Even though construction sites are easy targets for criminals, many sites will contract external security services with fully licensed guards.

So why is it important to have fully licensed SIA security staff?

SIA (Security Industry Association) is an organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry.

Anyone who wants to work in the private security industry must have a full SIA license. Having a full SIA license means that anyone who is a security guard is legally able to work and have the skills and training necessary to operate.

However, fully licensed SIA security guards also require a CSCS Construction Related Occupation (CRO).  The reason why security guards must hold a CSCS card is to show that they can operate safely on a construction site. During day or night patrols, individuals must be aware of specific health and safety risks that are exclusive to a construction site. This is so that a security guard can work safely, efficiently, minimising the possibility of accidents.

SIA Licensed Security guards can perform a range of duties on a construction site including:

·         Manned and Mobile guarding

·         Door/ gate supervision

·         Public Space Supervision (CCTV)

·         Secure Keyholding

Manned / Mobile Security

Having Manned and or Mobile Security is effective at deterring any potential criminal activity. Having security guards not only allows you to place them in areas that are likely to be entered by criminals, but you can also have them patrol the site – covering all areas. This is especially helpful overnight or when the site is unattended for a period of time.  We at A&R Security services can provide manned guarding services to properties that require guarding 24/7, deterring any criminals from attempting to vandalise or steal from your site.

Door/Gate Supervision

Construction sites aren’t just new builds – they can be redevelopments of existing buildings. But these types of construction sites can still be easy targets for criminals. Placing guards in front of gates or doors can help monitor who is coming in and out of your site and watch out for any suspicious vehicles or activity.

Public Space Supervision (CCTV)

CCTV is frequently used by businesses and can be used as an effective deterrent for construction-based crimes. Placing security cameras around the perimeter of your site will discourage criminals but also identify any who try to either enter, vandalise or steal from your site.

CCTV can be an effective way for Security guards to monitor but also rapidly respond to any infiltrations. CCTV can also be used in court to help prosecute any offenders who manage to steal or damage the site.

Secure Key Holding

Although it is very easy to give someone a set of keys to your site in case of an emergency there is no stopping that person from letting anyone into your site and causing criminal damage. Security Guards can hold your keys and quickly respond to any suspicious activity on your site during out of hours. They can also allow trades onto your site and monitor them coming in and out – and can securely lock up your site at the end of the day.

If you are interested in Manned Guarding, Mobile Patrols, Secure Key Holding or other commercial security services please visit our website or call us on 01656 713950

Staying safe at night, personal security, walking at night, staying safe while walking at night, walking alone at night, walking at night, A&R Security Services, A&R Security

Tips for staying safe while walking at night in Cardiff

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Whether it is after a night out with friends or coming home from work, many residences in Cardiff will find themselves walking alone at night. For some living in Cardiff, it is a regular occurrence – for others, it is a far less common thing. Either way, walking at night can be a daunting and slightly scary experience – especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

To keep yourself safe and to make your night-time journeys a bit more bearable, here are some tips for staying safe while walking at night in Cardiff.

Keep your keys ready

If you’re walking home or to your car, hold your keys in your pocket. Select the one you need and keep it in the proper position so that when you get to your destination you don’t have to fumble for keys and get distracted.

Wear or carry appropriate shoes

A good set of heels can finish the perfect outfit, but they aren’t the most practical to walk in. If you are planning on walking home at some point during your night out and your journey home, try to wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. If trainers aren’t a realistic option (they don’t fit in your handbag) stash a pair of lightweight pumps, before you go out.

Stick to well-lit areas

During the day it is easy to take shortcuts through side paths,  lanes and parks to get to your destination quicker. But these areas can change during the night and can become perfect places for someone to hide in the dark and attack. It may take longer than normal to get to your destination, but it is important to stick to well-lit areas and densely populated areas such as housing estates. Try to avoid walking through lanes, side paths, parks and open fields.  If you are forced to walk on the road – face traffic coming towards you, meaning both yourself and vehicles will see each other in the night.

Fake it until you get home.

Criminals will often target people who don’t look confident while walking home. If you are someone who feels nervous while walking, try to make yourself look confident, walk tall, take speedy strides and keep your eyes forward (don’t be afraid to make eye contact with those you pass). If you get lost or begin to start to feel panicked don’t change your gait, just head to a nearby store, restaurant or pub so that you can gather your bearings.

No headphones

A lot of us like to walk while listening to music to help calm our nerves (especially during the night) but wearing headphones affects your ability to detect sounds around you. To remain alert, keep your headphones out. This will help you avoid traffic and notice and respond to any unusual sounds.

Phone a friend

Call a friend or family member. If it is early in the night a pleasant chat with a loved one will calm your nerves and let people know where you are. Even if it is very late. If you are genuinely concerned, someone will be happy to take your call. Stay on the phone until you reach your destination and talk them through what is happening.

Worried? Head to a safe place

Even at night, you can use certain places to seek refuge. For example, many bars and pubs will have security officers positioned outside. If you’re worried and such a venue is nearby, walk toward it – the presence of trained security guards and member of the public will deter criminals from targeting you. Other safe places include corner shops and police stations. If you strongly believe that ones if following you, call the police.

A few other tips:

·         Mobile phones can double up as a torch

·         You can carry a whistle around your wrist or hand in case you need to raise an alarm.

·         Regardless of the cost, if you are tired, lost, drunk or distracted take a taxi home.

·         Don’t text or play games on your phone while you walk.

·         Leave valuables – such as Laptops or tablets – at home.

A&R Security Services offer night time manned and mobile security services in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and RCT. If you would like to arrange a free quote call 01656 713950