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.