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Concierge Security, Security, Hotel, A&R Security Services

What is Concierge Security?

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Whether you visit a hotel or a large corporate building in Cardiff, you will see someone on the reception desk welcoming visitors and answering queries. However, with recent events making businesses such as these step up their security, many are investing in concierge or Front of house Security services.

But if you are looking to invest in Concierge Security, do you know what it is?

Here we look at what concierge security is and what the service entails.

What is Concierge Security?

Concierge Security acts as another form of reception where they greet visitors to your building, take messages and answer any queries. But Concierge security staff also have the ability to control access to your building (whether that is internal or external) monitor CCTV and quickly responding to any emergency situations.

What services does Concierge Security provide?

Control access to your building

If your business deals with a lot of sensitive information or expensive equipment, you want to keep unauthorised personal out. Concierge security guards can check who is coming into your building and issue them key cards or fobs that only allow them into certain parts of your building. If your building can only be accessed with a key code, card or fob from the outside and visitors are there to see someone within your building, they can check and grant access when approved and have them sign a visitors log.

Monitor CCTV

Many businesses have CCTV within their building but during the evening it can difficult to arrange a member of staff to monitor CCTV.

Concierge Security guards can monitor CCTV cameras throughout the day and evening, ensuring that anyone acting suspiciously or trying to break into your building are quickly responded too and apprehended. Alongside looking out for suspicious activity within your building, concierge security guards can monitor CCTV for any maintenance issues and quickly notify your facilities management team.

Deal with emergencies

Whether its someone seriously hurt or a fire alarm going off, it important to have someone who knows how do deal with an emergency in a professional manner. Concierge Security guards are fully trained to deal with any kind of emergency, whether that is administering first aid to a visitor or member of staff, calmly instructing staff and visitors to exit the building in a calm manner if there is a fire or to quickly apprehend a criminal and escort them from the premises.

Carry out Health & Safety checks

Health and safety should be a top priority when wanting to ensure the safety of your staff and visitors. Concierge security guards can carry out health and safety check within your building, ensuring that there the correct H&S procedures are being followed and report any maintenance issues.

 

If you are looking for concierge services for your business, then speak to A&R Security Services. We ensure that we provide a tailored service that suits your needs and our concierge security guards provide visitors and staff 5-star customer service. If you wish to find out more about our concierge security services, then visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

A&R Security Services, Martyn's Law, Security, Venue Security, Venue Security Services, Manchester,

Government backs Martyn’s Law airport security for venues

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In May 2017 the UK witnessed the biggest and most terrorising attack at Manchester Arena, where 22 people lost their lives. Since then the UK government has increased its terror threat and has increased security measures such as banning backpacks and large bags from large concert venues to prevent further harm to the public and prevent further terror attacks.

Since the attack, there have been campaigns to increase anti-terror security measures. This includes a campaign led by Ms Murray after her son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing. Her campaign wants to see concert and sporting venues to have airport-style checks to prevent further terror attacks against the public and in January 2020 the government-backed ‘Martyn’s Law’.

Security Minister Brandon Lewis said Prime Minister Boris Johnson was ‘100%’ behind the plans for bag searches and metal detectors at venues across the UK.

In January 2020, Manchester City Council announced that they were adopting the new law early and although there are no set deadlines to when venues will be seeing these new security measures, Ms Murray was happy with the move.

Now, the Home office has said it will consult on Martyn’s Law and see which venues will need to prepare for any terror risk.

Ms Murray said, “This consultation is the start of making us all that bit safer”… “Public venues already have all sorts of obligations from fire prevention to health and safety – but until now there has been no duty to protect their customers”…”Martyn’s law will change that. It’s a common-sense step that will save lives in the future”

To see more about Martyn’s Law story, visit the BBC website here.

If you are a public venue and would like additional security, please take a look at our event security services or call us on 01656 713950

Corporate Security, Security Services, A&R Security, Business

Improving your corporate security

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When running a corporate business, especially a large one, it can sometimes mean that some things such as security can be placed on the back burner. However, you shouldn’t put your business’ security as an afterthought. In the UK, crimes against businesses cost around £9 billion pounds per year, which means it’s imperative you secure your business and assets.

To ensure your business’ safety, you may want to consider hiring security services to prevent harm to your staff and your business’ reputation.

No matter the types of business you have, protecting your staff and visitors should be a top priority especially if you want to make them feel safe within the workplace.

To ensure that your staff and visitors are safe from harm, here are some suggestions that could be implemented when looking to hire a professional security provider.

Ensure staff are protected

Ensuring your employee’s wellbeing and safety should be a top priority and having professional security will let them know that you consider their safety.

Within emergency situations, you should protect your staff by having them evacuate your building safely. However, staff shouldn’t be subject to threatening or violent behaviour

To ensure the safety of your employees and prevent any unauthorised persons from entering your building, think about issuing your staff with ID cards and pin codes for door access.

If you have a reception area that sees a high frequency of people, then hiring manned guards can give that added level of protection – quickly responding to anyone or anything that may be suspicious.

Increase visibility with high-quality CCTV

Installing CCTV cameras will allow you to see any potential threats and quickly respond to them. Within businesses there are many blind spots that trespassers can exploit, meaning that they can be difficult to see or even identify. Having CCTV cameras in areas that cover blind spots not only means that you can spot a potential threat, you can also use footage as evidence of a crime taking place within your business.

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.

If your business sees a high frequency of visitors, consider implementing visitor security procedures with your reception or concierge – instructing them to issue visitor ID passes and having them sign a visitors’ book.

If your business operates during the evening, it may be worth in hiring manned guards to work during unsociable hours to maximise security.

First aid training and evacuation procedures

Within a business, accidents happen, whether that is a fall or a cut. It’s standard procedure for businesses to have a designated first aider on-site, in case any accidents do happen. If an accident does happen, manned guards can quickly respond and act accordingly. To ensure that accidents don’t happen within your business, conduct regular checks on workspaces, stairwells and access points.

If your business is large, it is important to have an evacuation procedure in place in case of an emergency situation. This not only means that your staff lives are safe, but it also helps save time.

 

A&R Security Services can provide effective corporate Security Services to business in Cardiff and the surrounding area. To see how our security services can benefit your business take a look here or to arrange a free quote call us on 01656 713950

 

Knife crime =, crime, knife, england, wales, security

Has knife crime in England and Wales reached a record high?

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Within the UK, the police and ministry of justice have seen an increase in knife crimes and this year the number of cautions and convictions has reached record levels.

In September 2019 14,135 offences were recorded and when the number of offences involved possessing other weapons was added, the total was almost 22,300.

It has been reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead a new cabinet committee to look at ways to tackle the increase in knife crimes across England and Wales. The announcement of the new cabinet committee came after data released by the Office for National Statistics in October revealed that recorded Offences involving knives or sharp instruments hit a record high in the year to June – up 7% on the previous 12months to 44,076.

With the increase in knife crimes, the MoJ (Ministry of Justice) figures show that for most offenders this was their crime. Although many offenders are experiencing carrying a weapon to be their first crime, it has been reported that offenders are now more likely to be handed an immediate jail sentence for knife and weapon offences and for longer periods.

In September, 38% of knife crime offences resulted in an immediate custodial sentence compared with 23% for the same period in 2009. Whilst the number of knife crimes resulted in immediate custodial sentence increased so did the average length of prison sentences – from 6 to 8 months.

BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said ‘The record number of knife possession offences could reflect greater use of police stop-and-search powers, as well as a rise in the number of people carrying knives’

To read more about the article click here

A&R Security Services offer a range of tailored security solutions. To find out more click here or get in touch with us on 01656 713950

Eviction, Unoccupied, Empty, Squatter, Squatters, Industrial Unit, Industrial, Security Services

How to ‘squatter proof’ your empty industrial unit

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Industrial units are dotted all across the Cardiff area – with many being home to businesses. But when landlords have an empty industrial unit, it could attract unwanted attention such as squatters. Although squatting in non-residential properties isn’t ‘illegal’, many landlords of empty industrial units are reluctant to invest in updating their security.

However, updating your empty industrial unit’s security is a much easier and cheaper option than trying to evict squatters.

But how do you fully protect your industrial unit from squatters?

Protect and secure doors

Unprotected or unsecured doors such as fire exits, or entry doors are easy ways for squatters to enter your unit. Securing entry doors with solid steel security doors and other doors such as fire exits are fully secure. Remember, some doors only have one catch or no locks.

Protect your windows

Like doors, unsecured windows are an easy way for squatters to gain access into your unit. To protect your unit, cover windows with steel and use ant-tamper fixings. It may not add kerb appeal, but it will certainly stop squatters from getting in.

Securing skylights

If your unit has skylights, make sure that they are secured. Many squatters will try to climb through them to gain access but don’t realise, there may be a large drop and the surface isn’t soft.

Security Alarms

To ensure that no one gains access to your unit, install a security alarm. Installing a security alarm allows either yourself or security staff to quickly respond to intruder alerts.

Decommission utilities

Many units will have water, gas and electricity still being provided to them. Decommissioning utilities like electricity, gas and water will make your unit less appealing to anyone looking to make your unit their home.

Carry out regular checks

Carrying out regular checks on your unit ensures that all is in order and nothing has been disturbed whilst you have been away. If you cannot perform the checks, we can provide mobile patrols to perform regular checks around and inside your unit. This will make your insurers much happier.

 

If you have an industrial unit that is empty and are in need of additional security, get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website to see more of our services.

Warehouse security, Security Services, A&R Security, A&R Security Services

Warehouse Security: 5 Effective Ways to Improve it

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Warehouses in today’s world are not just a storage facility, they are an effective distribution system that is fundamental to the success of a business. However, if you want to have a successful business is with a productive supply chain, you will need to have proper warehouse security in place.

Within Cardiff, there are many warehouses that hold goods that are worth millions and due to this, they can become easy targets for criminals looking to make quick money. Some warehouses in Cardiff are located in industrial estates where others are located in more remote locations due to their size and complex layouts. These factors can create the risk of external theft or theft from employees – which is difficult to detect.

Large companies such as Amazon (with warehouses located in Swansea and Bristol) often report theft from their own employees with one employee suspected of stealing $250,000 worth of goods from their warehouse.

So, to prevent your warehouse being stolen from, we have listed some ways that can improve the security of your warehouse – ensuring that valuable inventory and assets are protected from theft or vandalism.

Employee check/screening

You want to minimise the risks of inventory being stolen from within your warehouse, so conducting check or screenings prior to hiring will help you identify any prior criminal offences.

Controlled access

If your warehouse is large and has areas that shouldn’t be accessed by all within the building, then having a proper access control system can minimise unauthorised personnel from accessing your warehouse. If you need to monitor who is coming to your warehouse, then hiring security guards will help protect your business from losses and maintain your reputation.

Another way of controlling access is through the use of ID Cards or electronic passes that enable access to the building.

A&R Security Services can provide fully trained SIA licensed security guards to monitor access to your warehouse and ensure that your premises don’t fall victim to vandals or anyone posing a threat to your business.

CCTV

CCTV is a highly effective visual deterrent for criminals. When installing CCTV it is best to install them in high places around your building and have multiple video screens to show that employees are watched at any given time.

Mobile Patrols

With warehouses becoming larger and larger to accommodate more inventory, it is important to ensure that every inch of your warehouse is protected. Having full protected within your warehouse and outside will allow your distribution operations to run smoothly.

Mobile patrols have the ability to effectively monitor every inch of your warehouse and maintain total security throughout the warehouse. Many opportunists often take advantage of larger areas and therefore visibility is important. Mobile patrols are fully uniformed and in a marked vehicle and will act as a highly effective security measure.

Random checks

With employee theft on the rise, it’s been reported that thefts have cost UK businesses £40m. Most employees are honest and will not steal from their employer, however, there are a small few who will take advantage of their position.

Carrying out random checks of your workforce will deter employees from taking the opportunity to steal your goods. If you cannot conduct the searches yourself – trained security guards can conduct regular random check and stock takes to ensure that nothing has been stolen or gone missing.

A&R Security Services can provide tailored professional security solutions to warehouses and industrial units in Cardiff and South Wales. To find out more about our security services visit our website or get in touch with us on 01656 713950

 

Demolition Site, Demolition Security, A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Security Services

Pembroke Demolition Site – A&R Security Services Case Study

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It can be seen as nigh on impossible to arrange security cover at such short notice, at A&R Security Services we have a large team of staff who are available at short notice for those last-minute calls.

Over December we were contacted by a demolition company that were working on a site in Pembroke. They were closing for the Christmas period but needed the site protected as there were hundreds of thousands of pounds of equipment on site but also to keep trespassers out for their own safety.

To be able to do this, the site required protection 24/7 for a 3 week period whilst the company was on shut down. With only 2 days’ notice, we were able to put a team together ready to provide full protection to the site and satisfy the needs of the companies insurance policy. With our latest in technology, we are able to know that staff are on-site and checking in regularly to ensure they are also safe whilst working on their own.  We were able to set up check-in areas to ensure the staff were completing mobile patrols and checking the perimeter of the site as per the client’s request. Using this technology we can also log incidents and the clients are able to see them as they happen.

To learn more about our construction security or manned guarding services then visit our website. If you would like to arrange a free quotation call us on 01656 713950

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

How to secure unoccupied land

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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

Security Officer, A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Mobile Security, Manned Guarding, Commercial Security

Mistakes Your Company Is Making by Not Investing in Security Officers

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If you and your business are based in Swansea and are just being protected by your security alarm and CCTV system then you are seriously endangering your business, site and employees. With technology constantly changing, there are a lot of technologically advanced security systems that can provide you with intruder alarms, monitoring and sirens, but investing in security officers is something that you won’t regret investing in.

Most businesses in Swansea believe that their workplace is safe and free from intruders, criminals or suspicious activity. However, this kind of thinking can put your business at a disadvantage and if anything does occur, you or your staff will not be well prepared to handle a situation or deal with intruders effectively.  A&R Security Services can provide fully trained SIA licensed security officers that have experience in protecting commercial properties from intruders, criminals and suspicious activity in Swansea.

Many businesses will have one of their own members of staff provide extra security when it is needed. This can be a big hazard as employees aren’t trained or equipped with the knowledge to deal with threats to the business. Having Manned or Mobile security officers can help be a visual deterrent to criminals and can effectively and quickly deal with any threats to the security of your business.

If your business access isn’t controlled by security entry (concierge, key fob/card, pin) then it can be quite easy for intruders to enter your premises. Security officers such as manned guards can ID people that want to enter your site and notify you or other employees if someone is there to see them. This can deter intruders from entering your business and reduces the risk of any crimes occurring. Also, manned security officers can check visitors’ belongings for any suspicious articles. This will help you and your business relax and not worry about any security threats taking place.

A&R Security Services provides exceptional security services to protect businesses and personnel in Swansea and South Wales. Hiring security officers such as manned guards or mobile security guards will certainly put your business at an advantage. Officers provide a more physical presence and are able to survey your business for any suspicious activity or potential security threats.

A&R Security Services can provide your businesses with professional Manned guarding or Mobile security officers. All of our security staff have experience in providing exceptional customer service to our clients. If you would like to know more about our other security services visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950.

 

Christmas Party, event Security, Cardiff, Event, Security Services, A&R Security Services

Event Security: Does your Christmas party need it?

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We are now officially in the run-up to Christmas. This means that it is acceptable to wear garish Christmas jumpers, sing and play Christmas songs and eat chocolate and mince pies every day!

But, it’s also that time of year where businesses throughout in Cardiff plan their Christmas parties.

According to a poll, 23% of workers have admitted to awkward dancing at the Christmas work party, 20% said they kissed a colleague and 14% admitted to flirting with the boos (bit risky).

While event security guards can’t do much to prevent some dodgy dancing or some office flirting, they can help ensure that your Christmas party goes without a hitch.

So, here is how event security can help keep your Christmas party under control.

Access control

If you are in a venue with multiple events going on, it can be easy for gate-crashers to sneak in posing as your business’ employees and if it’s a large crowd of gate-crashers – it can be a big problem.

Handing over your guest list to event security guards that are stationed in front of doors can ensure that only legitimate employees are allowed inside. Having professional security guards on the door also gives the event organiser more time to mingle with other employees and enjoy themselves – and ensures that the entry process is done in a professional and safe manner.

 

Crime Deterrent

Having event security guards on the door not only means that unwelcomed guests are kept out, but it also invites employees who are in the party to be well behaved and stay out of mischief.

This means that arguments, fights and other disturbances are less likely to occur – and ensures that everyone gets home safely and in one piece. It also means that cloak-room thieves or even other employees are less likely to steal private possessions such as phones, wallets and bags. If they do try, they are more likely to get caught and be dealt with accordingly.

Situation management

In any party, there is always someone looking to push the boundaries when it comes to harmless games and situations can quickly get out of hand. Dancing on tables and building human pyramids could potentially become dangerous (especially with drink involved). However, having a quiet word from a security guard will be enough to bring people back down to earth.

With security guards constantly monitoring what is going on at all times, the chance of any serious accidents is less likely to happen.

 

Emergency liaison

Security guards are fully trained to quickly respond and make decisions in any security incident. If an incident does occur at your Christmas party, security guards will make sure that it is dealt with in an effective and practical manner – this includes notifying the relevant emergency services.

 

We at A&R Security Services can provide effective event security services to corporate events in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, South Wales and the South West. To find out more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.