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

SIA Accreditation: Why is it so important?

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

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

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

Quality that you can trust

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

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

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

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

Accommodating business demands

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

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

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

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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.

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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?

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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.

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.

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.