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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.

 

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

Burglaries, Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, RCT, Bridgend, Security, Commercial Security, A&R Security Services

3 most common types of commercial burglaries in Swansea

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According to recent reports and statistics from Police.uk there were 1,231 burglaries reported in Swansea between August 2018 and July 2019.

Combined with data from You.gov – which shows that burglaries cost small businesses on average £2K and the UK economy over £1.8bn – clearly showing that burglaries present a threat to businesses in Swansea.

In order for business owners to protect their business, staff and assets, it’s important for business owners to understand what they are up against. Knowing what they are up against allows business owners to implement necessary security procedures that will protect their business.

There are three types of commercial burglaries. Here we’ll outline what they are as well as give you tips on how to avoid becoming a target.

Opportunistic Burglaries

These types of burglaries are often carried out on a whim. For example, a potential criminal may notice an open window or door that has been left unlocked. By taking advantage of these lapses in security, an opportunistic burglar will enter your property and steal as much as they can in a short amount of time.

Most of the time, opportunistic burglars will make little to no effort to conceal their presence and avoid detection by alarms or CCTV, and will often enter your property quickly, grab whatever they see and then leave.

Opportunistic burglars are the easiest to prevent. However, within the last year, only 5% of burglaries in the UK were solved by police, indicating that even opportunistic burglars aren’t successful.

In order to prevent opportunistic burglaries:

·         Ensure that doors and windows are closed and locked whenever your premises is unoccupied.

·         Close blinds to ensure burglars can’t see into your property.

·         Lock valuables and important documents in secure lock draws or cabinets

·         Don’t leave cash on your property (if it is un-avoidable keep it in a secure safe)

 

Smash and grab burglaries

Smash and grab burglaries involve criminals using heavy objects to smash windows and gain entry into a property. Occasionally stolen vehicles or heavy machinery are used to ram into shop fronts and help thieves make a quick getaway.

Crimes involving vehicles being used to ram into buildings is often known as ‘Ram Raiding’ and are especially dangerous to the public, to your staff and can be expensive to recover from.

Whether smash and grab burglars use a vehicle or not – Smash and grabs can often occur day or night, usually targeting the front of the building and are often over with within a minute.

To protect yourself from Smash and grabs:

·         Use metal shutters to protect the front of your business.

·         Ensure to use high-density glass on windows and doors throughout the property

·         Position visible CCTV cameras so that you always have a clear view of any large windows or doors.

·         Station security guards at the front of your business.

 

Sophisticated Burglaries

Unlike Opportunistic or smash and grab burglaries, sophisticated burglaries are often undertaken by criminals who observe to minimise their chances of being caught, as well as maximising the amount of time they can spend within your property.

Any criminal looking to undertake a sophisticated burglary will observe you and your staff and spot vulnerable security points that can later be exploited. For example, if your building is unoccupied either overnight or for a couple of days, they may choose these times to act. They may also approach employees in order to get insider information about your alarm system and how it can be deactivated. Alternatively, they purposely set your alarm system off numerous times to stop security guards and police responding to your property’s alarm system (thinking there is a fault).

To avoid becoming a victim here are some tips to help:

·         Hire mobile security guards to patrol the exterior and interior of your property at unscheduled times.

·         Ensure your staff do not give out codes or security information – regularly change your alarm codes.

·         Respond to all alarm soundings – no matter if it is a fault with the system or a purposeful activation

·         Hire manned security to guard your property overnight and over weekends

·         Monitor CCTV footage to see if anyone is spending time outside observing your property for long periods of time or approaching employees.

A&R Security Services provides professional security services in Swansea including manned guarding, mobile security, alarm installation and monitoring, and secure key holding services. If you would like to know more about our services call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Freshers Week, Freshers, Cardiff, Swansea, RCT, Newport, University, Students, Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, University of South Wales, Swansea University, USW, A&R Security Services, Security Services

University Guide – Keeping yourself safe during Freshers Week

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With the university academic year starting soon, the biggest student party will be marked on every student’s calendar – Freshers Week!

Bars and night clubs in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and RCT will be filled to the brim with students through the week – all looking to enjoy a good time. But Freshers week is the perfect time for criminals to strike – pickpocketing phones and/or money, administering drugs to un-suspecting students or dealing drugs to students who want to experience illegal highs.

So, with Freshers week fast approaching, what can you do to keep yourself safe?

Valuables

Take a cheap or older phone – Phones are one of the most targeted items by pickpocketers. Often if pickpocketers see an older or cheap phone, they won’t attempt to take it from you.

Keep your phone or wallet in front of you – A lot of students will often put their wallets or phones in their back pockets and female students will have handbags which can be easily reached by pickpocketers. To prevent pickpocketers from going after your phone or wallet, place them in the front pockets of your trousers and keep your hand on top. If you have a handbag, make sure that it is in front of you and keep your hand on the zip or clasp so no one can open it and reach in.

Use a passcode and Install ‘Find my Phone’ – Having a passcode is a basic but secure way to make sure that no one can gain access to important information on your phone. If your phone has been stolen, a passcode can act as a way to prove if your stolen phone is in fact either the pickpocketers or yours. If you are worried about your phone being stolen, install ‘Find my Phone’. This allows you or security to track your phone and is a fast way of getting your phone back.

 

Sexual Harassment or attack

Sexual Harassment or attack – If you are in a situation in a night club/ bar or outside and feel that you are being harassed or going to be potentially attacked, get the attention of security guards on doors or any police that are present. If you are with friends and cannot get the attention of security or police, tell them immediately and try to move away.

Stay in a group – Staying in a group ensures that you don’t get separated by anyone trying to harass you. Don’t wander off on your own and if you are going to the bar or toilet, tell your friends where you are going so they know where you will be and will expect you to return.

Report it – If you or a group of friends see any sexual harassment or attack on another person, immediately report it to security or police. Don’t ignore it.

 

Anti-Social Behaviour

Stay out of arguments or fights and report anything which gets out of hand to security.

If you feel uncomfortable in a night club or bar, move somewhere else to save arguments or anti-social behaviour.

Report anything suspicious to security staff or call 999 in an emergency – such as people in possession of weapons.

 

Health

Illegal Drugs – If you are in a night club/ bar make sure that your drink is in front of you or is covered by your hand. If you are by the bar getting a drink, make sure to keep track of your drink while it’s being made or served and if you see anything suspicious, send it back and request another one. If you see someone slip something into another persons’ drink – let that person know not to drink their drink and report it to security.

If you are outside or in a bathroom inside the bar/night club and are offered drugs – do not accept them no matter how much either the dealer or others try to persuade you. If you do see any drug deals or any other suspicious behaviour – report it immediately to security or police.

If someone is under the effects of drugs – report it to security or police so that they can notify emergency services.

 

Terrorism

Although there haven’t been many reported attacks on night clubs and bars during Freshers week it is still important to remain vigilant.

Suspicious Activity – If you see anyone acting suspiciously or see a suspicious object such as a bag, report it immediately to security or police and move as far away as possible.

Emergency – If you do feel that there is an emergency get the attention of security or call 999. If there is an emergency, keep calm and follow the instruction of security staff or the police.

Take a portable charger – If there is an emergency or you are separated from friends in an emergency, take a portable charger to keep your phone fully charged so that you can contact emergency services or friends.

 

A&R Security Services provide professional security services in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend, Newport and RCT. If you are interested in manned/ mobile security, alarm installation and monitoring, and secure key holding services – call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

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

Benefits of having A&R Mobile Security Guards

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Businesses in South Wales and the South West are constantly under threat from criminals and so installing or implementing strong security is an effective way at dissuading criminals from attempting to cause a crime at your business.  One strategy that can dissuade criminals from your property is mobile security guards.

Mobile security guards are an effective way of dissuading criminals from attempting to cause a crime at your business – Whether that is on one or multiple sites. Unlike manned guarding, mobile security can perform regularly scheduled or un-scheduled checks on the entirety of your property. This makes mobile guards perfect for shopping centres, rural businesses, industrial estates and large industrial units.

Here we’ll be highlighting key benefits that come with having Mobile Security Guards.

Strong Visible Presence

When protecting your business, you want criminals to know that it is effectively secured and protected. Uniformed mobile security guards can give a strong presence and warning to whoever is scoping out your business.

24/7 Monitoring

Mobile security guards can operate at any time of the day. But most criminals like to operate under the cover of darkness to avoid being spotted. By ensuring your property is being monitored regularly it will make it more difficult for criminals to get at your property.

Rapid Response

As mobile security guards are not fixed to one position they need to quickly respond to any emergency – whether that is an alarm sounding, an intruder caught on CCTV or guards getting notified of suspicious behaviour.  For them to quickly respond to any emergency, a good mobile patrol team will ensure that they are always either on-site or in close proximity to it throughout the duration of their shift. Mobile Security will also record any incidents in logbooks, 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 a fire, having first aid and fire safety trained mobile security guards will be beneficial. If any of your employees or visitors become unwell, if a fire breaks out or there are a health and safety issues – a patrol officer knows how to deal with the situation in a rapid and professional manner.

Internal Patrols

Mobile Security can patrol your property externally, but they can also patrol internally. They can monitor and patrol areas of your building such as warehouses, rooms that contain valuables, corridors and stairways.  While patrolling they can remove any health and safety hazards and ensure emergency exits are clear of any clutter and debris.

Keyholding

Alongside patrols, monitoring and H&S skills, Mobile security guards can offer secure key holding services. If your business has work scheduled to be carried out after working hours or you have early/late deliveries, mobile security can allow them into your property but also monitor who is coming in and out of your building. Also, if your alarm system goes off, mobile security can enter your property and check for any suspicious behaviour.

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

Pride, Cardiff Pride, Cardiff, LGBTQ, Security, Event Security, Event, Security Services, A&R Security Services

How to keep yourself safe during pride!

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Pride is the biggest celebration of the LGBTQ community in the world and every year Cardiff celebrates with a massive two-day event spectacle within the heart of the city.

If pride is your first event or you’re a veteran, keeping your personal security in mind is important. There are a number of potential risks and threats, so it’s always best to be prepared for anything that may ruin your experience.

If you’re worried about your personal security, then take a look at our guide on staying safe at pride.

Theft:

Consider bringing a cheaper or older model phone which is unlikely to get stolen. 

Take a bumbag or money belt rather than a rucksack or a handbag as criminals will catch sight of these and attempt to open or take them – especially in crowded areas.

Disposable cameras may be a thing of the past, but they are less of a target to criminals compared to expensive digital camera’s or phones. If you cannot get hold of a disposable camera, take an older model camera. 

Never leave your valuables unattended even for a few minutes. If you are sat with a group of friends, make sure that all of your bags are in the middle of the group. If you need to leave to get food or use the toilet, ask one of your friends to keep an eye on your bag.

Download ‘Find your phone’ on your smartphone so if someone did steal your phone, you can track it and hopefully get it back securely.

 

Sexual Harassment/attacks:

If you feel pressured into anything sexual or get harassed, get the attention of the event security staff who should be on-site 24/7, or tell a friend where you are immediately.

Stay in groups of friends and never walk away on your own, even if you know the layout of the event grounds.

If you see something which classes as sexual harassment or violence, report it to the event security or police right away – don’t just walk away.

 

Anti-social behaviour:

Stay out of arguments or fights and report anything which gets out of hand to event security.

If you feel uncomfortable in an area of the event, move somewhere else away from arguments or anti-social behaviour.

Report anything suspicious to event security staff or call 999 in an emergency – such as people in possession of weapons.

Respect other event-goers so don’t try to get a good spot for a performance – everyone is there for a good time and to feel safe.

 

Health

Do not accept illegal highs from anyone – no matter how much that person is trying to convince you.

Stay hydrated and eat well.

Weather in the UK can be unpredictable so make sure you have adequate outerwear such as pack-away raincoats and daps.

Carry a first aid kit with you for minor injuries such as cuts, grazes and stings.

 

Terrorism:

Report any suspicious activity, bags or objects to event security or police and get far away as possible.

If you think there is an emergency, call 999 and look out for event security staff who have walkie-talkies or radio mics

If something does happen – keep calm and follow instructions from event staff/emergency services.

Keep your phone charged in case you need to make an emergency call and let people know that you are safe.

 

Holiday Home, Holiday Home Security, Security Services, Security, A&R Security Services, A&R Security

Guide to Holiday Home Security

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A holiday home is a great investment if you want somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. So keeping your holiday home safe and secure is paramount, especially if it is not occupied for most of the year.

So, what can you do to keep your property safe?

Keep your property under lock and key:

Good security should start with the basics and having a lock and key is important to keep your property safe. But as all property owners know a lock can be easily picked and keys can be copied. When taking on any new property especially a holiday home, make sure you install a lock that bears the Kite symbol (comes under British Standard BS3621) or is classed as a five-lever mortice deadlock. Some insurers may require you to have your windows fitted with key-operated locks to insure the contents of your property over a certain amount. If your property has shutters some insures may ask if they have internal catches.

Alarm systems:

Alarm systems aren’t a requirement for insurers unless the contents of the property are of high value. But installing one will give you peace of mind. Installing an alarm system is a great way of deterring criminals, however, some alarm systems will activate without anything triggering them, and so you may upset a few neighbours if it goes off and you’re not there to deactivate it. If you do install an alarm system and live far away, consider leaving a key and your alarm code with someone local and who you can trust or have a security firm to monitor your system.

If you’re renting the property during peak season or even out of season, make sure to leave clear instructions on how to operate the alarm and what to do if something does go wrong. Encourage guests to lock all windows and doors before leaving the property for the day. It may also be worth installing a lockbox or small safe so that guests can store their valuables away.

CCTV :

CCTV is a great way of monitoring the perimeter of your property while you’re not there. Reputable security firms can offer and install a range of CCTV systems that would suit your needs. Some CCTV systems can connect to the internet allowing you to remotely monitor your property. If you have a CCTV system installed by a security firm, ask if they do surveillance monitoring.

Security Lights:

Security lights are readily available from any DIY store and are an easy solution to deter criminals from your property. Security lights come in a variety of light options and are triggered by movement, making them perfect for making thieves feel like they have been caught in the act. Security lights are very effective if you are in view of other properties.

Time Switches:

Time switches are extremely useful for creating the illusion that someone is home – even when they aren’t. If you’re leaving your holiday home empty for a period of time,  install time switches to turn lights on during certain times in the evening so that it looks like someone is home.

Be careful of what’s on show:

Thieves will often look through windows and see what is available for them to take. When the property is empty of occupants (whether that is for a short or long period of time) make sure that valuable items such as phones, laptops, money and keys are out of sight. Also when leaving make sure that all windows and doors are locked and any garden tools and ladders are put away and locked out of sight, so that an intruder cannot enter your property.

Speak to your neighbours:

When buying a holiday home, it is always good to introduce yourself to your neighbours. When you talk to them, mention that your property will be unoccupied for long periods of time. When you’re not there, leave contact details with them so that they can get in touch with you if anything happens or there is suspicious behaviour around your property.

Insurance:

Getting the right insurance is important to protect your property. When buying a holiday home, seek specialist advice from a holiday home insurer – whether your property is in the UK or abroad. Many who own holiday homes will seek advice from their main home insurance providers but this would result in adapted policies that would restrict you, especially if your property is going to be empty for months at a time. In the end, it is best to consult with an expert in holiday home insurance who can offer policies to suit holiday homeowners particular needs.

If you would like to know more about our security services or would like to have a free quote, call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details

Cardiff, Tourism, Security, Security Services, A&R Security Services, Tourist, Personal Security, Pickpocketing, Pickpocketers, Personal Security

Staying Safe in Cardiff – Tourist Guide

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Cardiff may be one of the youngest cities in the UK but it is a bustling metropolitan city steeped in Celtic history, boasting a medieval castle, a thriving creative arts scene and sporting stadiums that play host to top international sporting events.

With a population of 470,000, Cardiff sits in South Wales near neighbouring cities Newport and Swansea. As the largest city in Wales, Cardiff has the highest crime rate in the country with 4317 crimes reported in May 2019.

This presents tourists with a dilemma. Cardiff offers plenty of attractions – on the other hand, is visiting them worth the risk? The UK is generally a very safe place to visit, meaning that even with the most dangerous areas – the UK is a safe place to visit in global terms.

However, like any large city – there are certain things that you need to be aware of when visiting Cardiff.

So here are some tips and precautions for keeping yourself safe.

Try and avoid looking overly touristy- Criminals such as pickpocketers look for easy targets all the time and tourists come under that category. When walking around, make sure that you’re not standing to look at maps and that your camera or smartphone is in a bag out of sight and not dangling around your neck or sticking out of a pocket.

In crowded areas such as buses and trains keep your wallet or phone in front pockets (and place your hand on it) or keep your handbag or backpack closed and have it in front of you.

Don’t flaunt expensive belongings such as cameras, smartphones, jewellery or cash in public. Keep them safe in ether your front pockets or tuck them inside the pockets of your bag instead of the outside where they can be easily reached and stolen.

Be cautious around ATMs. When using an ATM make sure that there is nothing suspicious around the card reader or above the keypad or screen. When typing your pin make sure that it is shielded and when withdrawing cash make sure that you aren’t carrying too much cash around.

If you’re planning on going out at night, avoid walking and instead opt for public transport or a taxi. If you do have to walk, stick to well-lit areas.

If you are in need of directions or help, approach either a police officer or shop owner. Even though smartphones and tablets are great for downloading map directions, if these get stolen you might want to keep a physical copy of directions to places of safety.

Wearing expensive and designer clothes or accessories can make you a more likely target to criminals so opt for cheaper clothing and accessories when out and about.

Stay connected and up-to-date. Whether it’s using mobile data on your smartphone, hotel wifi or Wifi hotspots, keep up-to-date with what is happening in the city during your stay.

It’s good to read up on any protests or large events such as international Rugby matches occurring during your stay. Keeping up-to-date with current affairs/news stories in Cardiff will go a long way to you feeling safe travelling in and out of the city.

Take a portable charger with you and charge up your device enough so that you won’t run out of battery.

In Cardiff, around 43 cases of pickpocketing were reported to South Wales police in May 2019. To prevent yourself from being stolen from:

  • Prepare properly – whenever you have documentation with you, make sure that you have a copy in your hotel room and keep them separate from the originals.
  • Don’t carry valuables such as laptops and tablets. These are best left in your room inside a locker or safe.  If your room doesn’t have a locker or safe, keep them out of sight under clothing in either a suitcase or bag.
  • Secure your bag from pickpocketers. Pickpocketers will avoid creating a disturbance and it suits them better to separate you from your valuables quickly and efficiently. Making yourself an obstacle can put pickpocketers off. If you are sat outside a cafe or restaurant, loop a strap around your arm, leg or chair.
  • Consider using a money belt. A money belt is a fabric pouch on an elastic strap that fastens around your waist. They’re ideal for carrying documents, cash and personal identification and can be worn underneath clothing.
  • Stay vigilant when travelling. Pick Pocketers will try and confuse unsuspecting travellers. So be wary of arguments, fight or jostling occurs on public transport. Watch for crowds as these present targets and escape routes to thieves. When standing to leave public transport, be alert as this is the perfect time for a grab and run.

Tourist tips:

If you’re visiting from outside of the UK be aware that traffic drives on the left side of the road. When crossing busy roads use designated crossings and cross when the green man is shown. Also, be vigilant to look left and right before crossing any roads.

If you are planning to visit the many bars and restaurants in Cardiff, don’t accept drinks from strangers. Make sure that your bags and coats are safely under the table. If you are there with friends, check up on them by phone or text to make sure that they have gotten home safely.

Cardiff is host to many street food festivals and street food stallholders. If you decide to use one, make sure that they are displaying a vendors license on their cart.

A&R Security Services has over 40 years of experience in providing professional security solutions in Cardiff. We are professional in what we do and provide SIA trained guards and have a customer-orientated approach to each client. If you would like to find out more about our security solution get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

 

Student Housing, Student Housing Security, Security, Security Services, Rented Accomodation

Security advice and tips for student housing

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Whether they’re going to university for the first time or returning to study for another year, students will often find themselves in new accommodation – from halls of residence to private rented property.

Students and student housing are one of the highest at-risk groups of crime in the country, often targeted for high-value laptops, tv’s and entertainment systems which are often left in plain view and unsecured against intruders. It’s important that students are aware of how to keep themselves and their possessions safe.

Safety and security should be on the top of a students list when they move into new student housing, or return to their previous place, as dealing with the effects of crime can be an unsettling experience. By carrying out simple measures to maintain a safe and secure property can put students (and parents) minds at ease.

It’s all too easy to assume that previous residents have handed in their keys and while this may well be the case, it doesn’t mean that extra copies have not been made by either former residents, employees, contractors or even rogue tradesman.

When students are visiting their new student housing, it is important to question what locking systems are in place, when they were last replaced and how the copy of keys is controlled.

In private rented property’s, it is the landlord’s responsibility and duty to install quality locks with patented keys which can’t be copied without proof of ownership or restricted keys which cant be easily copied due to their unique design.

Student hall of residence:

Student halls of residence have their own security systems in place, CCTV, Alarms, and Key card or fab access, but it is always good practice to check that their security is up to date.

1.       Request information on locking systems and how they are regulated, controlled and recorded.

2.       When moving into new student accommodation, consider making a checklist of all valuables such as laptops, entertainment systems etc.

It is also good to be aware of anyone tailgating to get through entrances with or immediately after you.

Students in private rented accommodation:

1.       Ensure that the house that you’re renting has quality locks on the front and bedroom doors and they meet insurance requirements. If you are unsure, speak to a qualified locksmith.

2.       Walk around the property, take note of any areas that could be potential weaknesses and discuss this with the landlord.

3.       Avoid obvious key hiding places such as doormats and flowerpots as these are areas that criminals will look for when trying to enter your property. If you are leaving the property or your room for a long period of time, leave your key with either a trusted family member or friend.

4.       When relaxing in warm sunny weather, it’s tempting to leave doors open to allow people easy access in and out of the house. It’s all too easy for a thief to ‘walk-in’ gaining access through open doors. So students should be vigilant and not forget that simply closing the door doesn’t mean it’s locked.

5.       If a room or shared house is going to be left unoccupied for a number of weeks, students should make sure that all valuables are either moved out of view or taken from the property. If they have a trusted family member or friend to check on the property whilst they’re away, leave a key with them.

Here at A&R Security Services, we offer a range of tailored security services to suit your ongoing needs. If you are looking to improve your security for the new academic year, get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more services.

 

shoplifting, Security, retail security, A&R Security Services, A&R Security, Shoplifters, retail, Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, RCT, Newport

Retail security: 5 ways to prevent shoplifting

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During high peaks in the shopping calendar, retail business owners will see an influx of people visiting local shops, shopping centres and supermarkets. During this busy period and with so many people visiting stores, it can present the perfect opportunity for shoplifters to steal your goods.

In Cardiff, shoplifting accounts for 9.88% of the cities crimes committed between July 2018 and June 2019. Although this number is small compared to other places around the UK, it can have a damaging effect on small retail businesses.

To help prevent loses, here are 5 easy ways to prevent shoplifting.

  1. Welcome, Every Customer – Welcoming every customer serves two functions. Firstly it makes genuine customers feel welcomed and looked after. Secondly, it demonstrates to potential shoplifters that you are paying attention – and that may be enough to dissuade them from trying to steal any of your stock.
  2. Consider the layout and design of your store – Although you may occasionally meet a ‘Grab and Run’ shoplifter, more common ones are more likely to spend longer in your shop trying to conceal items on their person. These types of shoplifters need time and space, so you need to make sure your store doesn’t make it easy for them. Blindspots are the first thing a shoplifter will look for, so when designing your store, eliminate them by using mirrors and adequate lighting. Continuing with the first point and welcoming every customer, place your till quite close to the front of the store so you have a full view of both the shop front and the rest of the shop floor. Keep fixtures and displays low to increase your visibility. If you have change facilities, check on how many items they have when entering by giving them a tag and limit the number of items that they can enter with at one time.
  3. Keep your products ‘Faced’ –  A cluttered store is an easier target to shoplift from compared to a clean one. When stocking shelves, make sure that they face forward and are placed on the edge of the shelf. When people take things from this ‘Wall’ you can keep track of who’s taken what. If they’re a genuine customer they will come up to you to make a purchase. If not, you will notice any would-be shoplifters attempting to leave your store.
  4. Anti-theft/shoplifting signs – Shoplifters will always look for small soft targets such as small shops and boutiques, which lack the resources to properly protect themselves.  Larger stores employ simpler techniques such as using anti-theft/shoplifting signs. Although these types of signs may not fit your shops look, they are an effective way of discouraging shoplifters and are a cost-effective solution. You can place these signs quite high up close to CCTV cameras since shoplifters are for more likely to look for these than legitimate customers.
  5. Professional Retail Security – Hiring professional retail security can be a bit overkill if you’re a small business but their presence is an effective deterrent to shoplifters. Having retail security allows them to quickly respond to any suspicious behaviour or theft in your store. Additionally, retail security can provide overnight security – keeping your property secure 24/7

If you would like to find out more about our security services or would like a quote, call 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details