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A&R Security Services, A&R ,Security Services, Security Lighting, Exterior Security Lighting, Commercial Security Services

Security light – Which is best for your business?

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Sixty per cent of commercial burglaries takes place in the evening or at night. This is because criminals know that they are far less likely to be identified or posted under the cover of darkness. To combat this, one of the most effective corporate security measures that can be put in place is exterior security lighting.

There are different types of exterior security lighting systems available. Your business locations, level of threat and your budget will determine the type of system that would suit you best.

Motion Activated Security Lights – Installing security lighting will make you see an increase in your electricity bill so you may want to consider using motion-activated lighting. Unlike other security light systems, motion-activated security lights only activate when they detect movement. As they are not permanently on, they won’t make your electricity bill break the bank and your premises are secure.

Solar flood lights – An environmentally friendly and cost-effective option, solar floodlighting is cost-effective as it gets its energy directly from the sun. Solar floodlighting is incredibly effective and with new systems having LED lighting, they provide a better quality of light giving you or your security guards the ability to identify trespassers. If your building has a power cut during out of hours, the solar lights will remain operational.

Halogen lighting – Halogen lights produce a bright white light that is the most popular system for security services to use. Halogen lights come in a wide range of designs and styles and can be used to light large outdoor areas such as car forecourts and trade yards.

Fluorescent lighting – first invented in the 1980s, fluorescent lighting has come a long way and is today used around the world – most often used in office strip lighting. Fluorescent light bulbs tend to last 10 times longer and use around 75% less energy compared to other bulbs. However fluorescent bulbs do buzz when turned on and so they may not be appropriate if your business is in a residential area.

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lighting – HID Lighting is perhaps the most effective exterior lighting solution. HID exterior security lights can make more visible light per unit of power than fluorescent and incandescent lights. HID lights cover large areas, making them ideal for lighting large external areas.

A&R Security Services can offer industrial Security Solutions including security guards and mobile security officers. If you would like more information or would like to request a quote then call 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details

Cardealership, A&R Security Services, Professional Security Services, Dealership security

Designing a lock-tight dealership security plan.

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It goes without saying that dealerships have tens of thousands of pounds worth of cars on their premises, so they must take their security seriously. In addition to keeping high priced vehicles protected, dealerships must also focus on keeping their customers and employees safe.

Thieves are drawn to high-value items that end-up returning a high profit so it’s important that dealerships don’t make it easier for criminals to breach their security.

Identifying weak points and securing them.

With any dealership, it’s important to assess potential weak points. This can be done by employing a security firm to assess access points and other potential weak points that would allow criminals to get in.

Here are some of the main places to pay attention too:

1.       Perimeter

2.       Carparks

3.       Main building and showroom

4.       Lighting

5.       Staff and customers

Perimeter:

The perimeter of your dealership is your first line of defence against criminals, and it’s in your best interest to keep it as secure as possible.

Make sure that access points are clearly protected, and that fences, walls and gates are used to protect the surrounding area. To boost your physical security barriers, you can employ security staff to man certain areas or mobile security to patrol the entirety of your dealership. You can also employ CCTV camera’s to visually monitor any suspicious activity.

Carparking:

The last thing dealerships want to do is attract criminals, so high valued vehicles should be stored inside showrooms and garages, rather than being left outside. Vehicles outside of the showroom can become easy potential targets to criminals – so having each of the car’s handbrakes engaged and employing parking blocks around the cars and major entrances and exits can deter criminals.

Main Building and Showroom:

The main building and the showroom are major potential targets and it’s imperative that they are secure. When no one is present at the dealership, it is important that windows, doors and other access points are securely locked before leaving. As previously mentioned, having manned guarding can ensure that the inside of the building won’t be broken into and employing CCTV camera’s inside can help monitor any activity. Installing security alarms is one security option that can easily alert to anyone trying to enter your dealership and there is a range of systems that will suit your needs.

Lighting:

Visibility is a major key in dealership security and safety. Therefore, the exterior and interior lighting are extremely important. Dealerships should make sure that they have adequate lighting for the entire exterior of your dealership premises. If you have areas that aren’t well lit, it’s good to employ motion-activated lighting. Motion-activated lights are triggered by movement and can make criminals feel caught and exposed. 

Staff and customers:

It’s not always criminals that pose threats to your dealership. Threats can be actions that are taken by customers or the staff themselves. It’s important to make staff aware that they can play an important role in keeping your dealership safe and secure. Create an environment of honesty so that all staff don’t hesitate to take action when they witness something out of the ordinary, whether done by a customer or employee.

We at A&R Security services work with a number of car dealerships and can provide tailored security solutions to suit your needs. If you would like to have a free quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

Event Security Services, Security Services, Security

Having Effective Event Security

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With the British summer being set to be filled with an array of music events, festivals, sporting and community events, there has never been a more important time to stress the importance of event security.

Over the past few years, both small and large events have been targets for attacks, so security at events needs to hit the mark in protecting both the public and staff.
But what can be done to keep guests safe and an event trouble-free?

1. Choose the right venue – when planning an event and choosing a venue, keeping security in mind is important. Internal venues such as Concert halls, theatres, hotels, museums, etc are naturally secure sights, with physical barriers. Most venues will have emergency evacuation strategies in place with staff already briefed in preventing public panic and mass exiting. Major venues will have increased their security planning and provision significantly in answer to threats that events and venues face. Outside events such as festivals need a little bit more effort with security and patrols, planning how perimeters will be secured and properly patrolled.

2. Conducting security assessments- assessing potential threats to and at an event is important when protecting guests. High profile events such as music festivals, charity events or awards with celebrities and other prominent figures present more of a security challenge. Even with the level of security threat is known – a security assessment will highlight weak points in a security plan. When planning an event and putting a plan in place – it’s always good practice to have a contingency plan to ensure the smooth running of your event if anything were to go wrong. If you’re planning an event think ‘How will an uninvited guest be handled? What will happen in the event of a security breech? How will emergency procedures be implemented?’

3. Brief your team – when planning or running an event – communication is key! A breakdown in communication can make a plan fall apart and an event fail. Effectively communicating to your security team what their roles are and the protocols of what to do in an emergency. For example, if there is a need for mass evacuation, which exit are they to staff? Who will liaise with emergency services? How will your security keep guests staff safe?

4. Screening guests and staff – With recent attacks on events, security have had to screen guests and staff at venues. From checking bags to scrutinising tickets, security staff need to be clear and confident in screening both staff and guests when entering a venue.

5. Hire a professional security company – To ensure your event is really safe and secure, hiring a professional security firm can be critical. Professional security firms can perform detailed security assessments on your venue and plans, as well as providing SIA licensed security staff. Professional security firms are fully insured and can create bespoke packages from patrolling to front-of-house staff.

A&R Security Services has over 40 years of experience in the security industry and have worked with a number of customers across South Wales and the South West. We can offer bespoke event security packages that suit your needs. If you would like to know more or would like a quote, contact us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for more details.

School Security, Security, A&R Security Services, Summer Holidays, ARSS

Do you have school security for the summer holidays?

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Summer has arrived and school is nearly out! However, there are some people out there that ruin your summer plans, risking personal safety and property loss.

School summer holiday security should be on the top of the list for teachers and parents. According to statistics, the highest percentage of burglaries, thefts and vandalism occur during the summer holidays.

With technology becoming an integral part of teaching, property such as tablets, laptops/computers, projectors and smart boards can become potential targets for theft.  Tablets and laptops are the easiest of targets to steal as they can be easily taken and concealed within bags and jackets. Tablets and laptops are often protected with passcodes and encryption which can dissuade most criminals but there are more persistent criminals that are able to crack encryptions and quickly sell them on, becoming untraceable by the school or police authorities.

When securing tech such as tablets and laptops, it’s good practice to store them out of sight inside secure cupboards that have either a key lock or passcode system, with the cupboard being securely fixed to the floor.

Without completely dismantling a computer apart, it can be difficult to put them out of sight or in a secure location. Securing computer monitors and towers with anti-theft cables and locks to the desk can prevent thieves from quickly grabbing them and making a quick getaway. Projectors can be secured in a very similar way, where they are secured with anti-theft cables and locks to their cradle.

So that’s the tech secured, what about the rest of the school?

CCTV

Installing CCTV in inconspicuous areas and near access points allow you to monitor any activity in different areas of your school premises.  CCTV is an effective way of visually monitoring any suspicious activity which you can immediately respond to. If you do have a break-in, CCTV can be watched back allowing you to identify any perpetrators that have entered your premises and have stolen or damaged property. It can also be used as evidence in legal cases such as convictions for theft or vandalism.

Security Lighting

Criminals often look for access points or areas of a premises that aren’t well lit so installing motion-activated security lighting outside can help deter criminals. Using security lighting is not only effective at lighting certain areas(when triggered by movement) they can activate and make a trespasser feel like they have been caught in the act but also feel exposed, effectively deterring them from accessing your school further. Security lights are also good to use alongside CCTV camera’s to clearly identify any criminals on your school premises.

Alarm System

Installing an alarm system is seen as the most basic of security measures but they are the most effective. Whenever a security alarm is triggered, it can alert the right people to respond. Alarm systems come in a range of systems so it is important to find the right one that would be effective at protecting your school from criminals.

Manned and Mobile guarding

Looking to have manned or mobile security can be a bit of a drastic security strategy plan but it can effectively send a message to any criminals that your school is professionally protected. Having professional security guards that are SIA licensed can guard certain areas or patrol the school premises and look out for any suspicious activity, detaining anyone who is entering your schools’ premises without permission. Security guards can also monitor CCTV and alarm systems, responding to any activity in your school premises.  If your school is having work carried out over the summer holidays, security guards can check anyone coming in and be a point of contact if anything were to happen.

Internal Security Door Systems

If you’re worried about unauthorised personnel entering your school during building work or holiday clubs, you can employ security guards to monitor activity in and out of the school or you can employ internal door security systems. Having internal security door systems such as a passcode or key card/fob system gives you the ability to track who is coming in and out of the building at what time. It can also prevent anyone who is not staff from entering your school or certain areas inside. Use of the incorrect passcode/key card/ fob can deny access to the school but if used too many times, can alert the right authorities that someone is trying to gain access to an area that is restricted.

If you are considering upping your school’s security for the summer holidays, then get in touch with A&R Security Services. We at A&R Security Services know the importance of protecting your property and can offer a range of services including:

Manned Guarding

Mobile Patrol

Alarm installation

Secure key holding and alarm monitoring

If you would like to know more about these services or would like a quote, then get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website.

Construction Site Security, Security, Construction Site, construction

Construction Site Security – A guide to securing your building site

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Construction sites are prime targets for criminals and are prone to several vulnerabilities, all of which can be protected with effective security measures.

One item that is always at a high risk of theft is machinery. Theft of machinery such as backhoes, generators and excavators can be called ‘Low Risk’ by criminals for a number of reasons. Construction sites are often easy to access, especially if a site has light security, meaning that criminals are less likely to be caught. Second, machinery themselves have very few security features. Some may have a one-key fits all ignition system making them easy targets. Unlike other vehicles, construction vehicles are not registered and when stolen can make them difficult to track, making them easy to sell on with very little consequences.

With the price of metals increasing, the risk of them being stolen also increases. Copper tubing and wire cable, in particular, have been targeted by thieves. Fuel too has been a target for criminals – whether it’s been stolen from storage tanks or from the vehicles themselves.

When construction sites have been left unattended for a period of time, they can become targets for vandalism and arson attacks. Both of these can occur for a number of reasons, notably political objections to the site’s construction or just a desire to cause violence.

Constructions sites aren’t always creating new buildings. When construction is taking place on an existing building, there is a risk of intruders breaking in throughout the building site, which may create new points of entry or compromise existing ones.

To help determine which of these threats a building site is particularly vulnerable to, construction managers should carry out a thorough risk assessment. For each potential threat, managers should rate the site and determine which areas are in most need of protection. The best way to identify these areas is to have an onsite-security survey by a security expert.  A&R security services offer a range of security services including manned guarding and mobile security, creating an effective deterrent to any criminals.  

It’s important that Construction sites should go through the appropriate lengths to keep their site secure from criminals. Thankfully there are extensive and effective measures that can be put in place to keep your site protected.

So, what measures can be put in place?

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

CCTV is frequently used by all business especially ones that are in retail. CCTV can be used as an effective deterrent for a construction site-based crime. Placing security cameras around the perimeter of a building site will discourage criminals but also identify any who to try to either vandalise or steal from your site.

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

Lighting may not be always associated with security, but it can make a huge difference to the safety of a construction site. Illuminating areas such as site entrances at all times for smaller sites – with larger sites illuminating areas that can act as entry points can discourage criminals from potentially intruding on your site.  Illuminating areas can also help CCTV and Security guards identify perpetrators or other threats that are on your construction site.

Although security alarms are normally installed permanently to protect properties, temporary burglar arms are highly effective in securing construction sites.  Larger sites can benefit from intruder alarms, which will draw guards’ or workers attention to a break-in that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Installing a burglar alarm during the construction phase will provide you with the option to easily repurpose it later.  A&R Security Services can install but also remotely monitor your alarm systems and respond to any intrusions on your property.

Ideally, the exterior of a construction site should be so secure that specific on-site security measures wouldn’t be needed. However, ensuring optimum safety is important to give vehicles, fuel stores and other on-site equipment their own protection. Larger machinery such as tower cranes should be secured at the base with a combination of lock and padlocks. Secure safes can also be used to secure keys to vehicles or important documents that may need to be kept onsite 24-7. 

A&R Security Services offer a range of security services that can be tailored to your business needs. If you would like to find out more about our services or would like a quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website  

Security Services, A&R Security Services, Office Security, ARSS

Top Tips for a safe and secure office.

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When running a business, it’s important that your office is secure and properly protected against potential issues. Having office security is important not only for your business’s success but also for the welfare of your staff.

So here are our top tips for a safe and secure office for your business and your staff.

Employee theft prevention:

According to a survey from May 2016 – employee theft can potentially cost businesses more than £190 million annually. And it’s been found that more than two-thirds (67%) admit to stealing from the office often. There are a few measures that you can implement to prevent any theft, including checking staff’s bags as they leave, having security sensors, using time sheets to see if anyone is lingering after hours and securing store cupboards, lockers and desks with locks or password protection.

Security Officers:

Security officers are an effective way of protecting your business. Highly trained and professional security officers can identify suspicious or threatening behaviour quickly and act accordingly. Having security officers can be positioned in areas that require ID whether that would be at the entrance of the building or certain levels and they can approach anyone who they think may be trespassing and escort them out.

Access Control:

Using access control such as access card readers or coded doors can be a way to prevent trespassers from entering your building or entering certain rooms and levels. To restrict further access, you can close doors in busy corridors, preventing anyone tailgating staff who work in the building.

CCTV:

CCTV can allow business owners to watch and keep an eye on their business from the comfort of their own home. CCTV not only allows business owners or security guards to keep an eye on certain areas of a building but also watch for trespassers on your property or identify thieves.

Employee Awareness Guidelines:

Staff are one of the best assets at preventing crime from happening, so creating staff guidelines and giving training staff gives them a better understanding of physical and cybercrime.

Updating passwords and pins

Nearly every business has password-protected devices which contain important and sensitive information, but most devices may have the same password. Tools such as Password managers can store multiple passwords in one secure place. Also, consider making it mandatory for staff to change their passwords every 90 days.

Evacuation plan:

Ensuring that your staff is safe during an emergency is important to avoid disastrous consequences. When creating an evacuation plan, think about keeping passageways to emergency exits clear, ensuring that there is the correct amount of fire exits on each floor and there is a safe meeting evacuation point. To avoid staff not knowing what to do in an emergency, regularly train them by running fire drills but also make them aware of who is the fire and safety officer and who is trained in first aid.

Alarm System:

Installing an alarm system is a sure way of dissuading trespassers and criminals from entering your property and can alarm you immediately. Regularly maintaining and checking your alarm system is working and updated to prevent criminal activity taking place, and make sure that the alarm system is certified by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspections Board.

Motion Sensor Lighting:

Having motion sensor lighting can help detect and catch intruders attempting to enter your business outside during the night. The light emanating from them can make intruders feel exposed and being caught in the act.  Whenever installing new security lighting, make sure that all cables are hidden and that switches/main boxes are hidden behind objects or underground.  Places that they are most effective are above entrances and exits, bushes and garden objects and shaded area’s that aren’t well lit.

Install reliable cybersecurity systems.

Technology such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and even cloud-based technology has helped businesses do more work quickly and efficiently. But with more business becoming more active online, they can become potential targets for cybercriminals trying to hack important information such as client information or bank details. Installing reliable cybersecurity systems can protect your systems from potential hacking and theft of important and sensitive documents. Ensuring that your business is safe and runs smoothly.

A&R Security Services provide a range of security options for offices – If you’re interested in finding out more visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

 

 

 

Security Services, A&R Security Services, ARCS

Top tips for choosing the right Security Provider for your business

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No matter what type of business you have, it will always be a potential target for thieves and vandals. To ensure that your business is safe, it’s important to think about security. So, why not look at someone to do it for you?

Statistics from the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) show that crimes against firms’ cost £12billion annually – directly affecting between a quarter and a third of UK businesses annually.

To help ease the fear of being a potential target for thieves, security providers can offer safety solutions which will help deter suspicious behaviour.

So here are some things to look out for when choosing a new security provider:

  • Valid Accreditation – When considering a security provider, check that they are fully accredited by the correct accreditation bodies such as SIA, ACS and ISO. All of these bodies have an official say on what makes up a professional security service.
  • Flexibility – Having a security provider that is flexible with its services and can adapt to your needs shows that they are committed to working with you. We at A&R Security Services know that no two businesses are the same and so we tailor our services to you. Making sure that you get a personal and professional service.
  • Available all year 24/7 – Your security and business are constantly under threat day or night at any time of the year. Criminals can strike and enter properties which may not always have staff present. Your business can also be a potential target during national holidays and times when people are on annual leave. Security providers can be hired to deploy their staff to your premises 24 hours a day.  We at A&R Security Services know that businesses with very little staff can be a potential target and so provide manned and/or mobile security services.
  • Health and Safety Aware – Having Health and Safety, and First aid trained staff are a great asset when there is a medical emergency at your business. A security guard can respond immediately to someone who needs help after an accident or other health-related issues keeping protection levels high.
  • High Customer Retention rate – When looking, it always good to see security providers with customers that they have been working with for a number of years. This shows that they value their customers and continually provide high standards if service.
  • Experience – Finding a security provider that has many years of experience is great, as they have extensive knowledge of what would be beneficial to your business’s security.
  • Multiple Role Capabilities – Security officers acting as concierge or reception are a huge benefit. They can check who is coming in and out of your business but also allow regular contractors into your business while you’re away or out of hours. Security guards can act as a visual reassurance that your business is in safe hands and under consistent control.

A&R Security Services offers a range of security services for many businesses including manned guarding, mobile security, key holding & response, alarm installation and monitoring. Not only do we provide these services, but we also go the extra mile and provide other services that other firms might not, including Monthly Health and Safety checks, CheckPoints, Staff Login and out on-site, Incident Reporting and all our staff are customer service trained

Call us today for a free quote on 01656 713950 and find out how we can provide your business with professional and effective security solutions.

Did you hear? Our Security Services are officially launched!

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We at A&R have always been known for providing professional commercial cleaning services to businesses across South Wales. With the cleaning services growing to employing nearly 200 staff and servicing 100 clients, we believed that offering extra security alongside our cleaning services would benefit our clients. So, on March 29th we officially launched our brand new security services.

Friends, family, clients and local business from the surrounding area were invited to join the A&R team at our official launch event, enjoying plenty of prosecco and a delicious hog roast from The Fountain, Aberkenfig.

With 200 staff – A&R Security Services have the infrastructure in place and aim to be a one stop facilities management service, providing a range of services including:

·         Manned Guarding

·         Mobile Patrols

·         Key holding and Alarm response

·         Alarm installation and Monitoring

Our aim here at A&R Security Services is to provide businesses with professional standards, with the personal touch and bespoke possibilities that a family-run company can offer.

To see our official launch take a look at our new video!