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Construction site, construction site security, COVID-19, theft, Pandemic, Construction Security, Security Services, A&R Security Services

COVID-19 – Is Construction Theft rising?

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For a long time, the construction industry has come under attack from thieves and vandals looking to steal plant tools and equipment and make quick money. Overall, the estimated losses from construction sites very from £400m to well over £1bn every year with an additional £770m per year lost to metal thefts.

Earlier in April 2020, The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) found that in the first two weeks of lockdown plant and tool thefts sharply rose compared to pre-lockdown levels due to personnel including on-site security leaving as a result of coronavirus social distancing measures – resulting in criminal gangs exploiting the situation. And although some construction sites have returned to normal operations they are still being targeted.

In December 2020, four men and a woman were arrested in connection to a number of thefts in the South Yorkshire area. Between March and November 2020, around 40 new housing developments were burgled with thieves stealing newly installed boilers as well as machinery and tools.

For larger construction sites the bigger they are the bigger the potential problems. This means that larger construction sites need to boost their security profile, investing in GPS trackers for their vehicles alongside current security measures such as CCTV and manned guard points.

Whilst new developments are still being built, many councils and local authorities look to regeneration projects, leading to re-furbishing and regenerating buildings and site which pose their own unique set of problems. Arron Mills, director of Archon Services – a firm specialising on construction and property security said “The rise of large-scale regeneration sites that cover dozens, if not hundreds of acres of land create a new challenge for security” “these sites are often very open because its not possible to encircle the entire area with fencing or boarding’s due to the presence of public spaces and community facilities.

For most security risks, the first line of defence against physical threats is to have plenty of deterrents in place to make thieves think twice about attempting to target your site. Signage, mobile or roaming patrols and visible CCTV can all play a part at deterring trespassers. With advancements in technology, many CCTV cameras give you the ability to remotely monitor your site and are alerted to any unauthorised access to your site – letting you or your security teams to quickly respond.

The other line of defence is investing in GPS tracking technology. This allows you to monitor your vehicles if they are located at different locations – letting you undertake fewer onsite visits to check they are still there.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can protect your construction site take a look at our blog here. Or if you would like more information about our construction security services, visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

Delivery Driver, Delivery Drivers, Stole, Vehicle, Delivery Vehicle, Cardiff, South Wales

Cardiff: Are Delivery Drivers Safe from Theft?

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Christmas is often a stressful year for some, with many scrambling to get to our high streets to get everything ready for the big day. However, with the Coronavirus still around, people are being urged to maintain social distancing when shopping it’s resulted in many avoiding their high street and taking to online shopping to their shopping done.

Although statistics regarding sales in November have yet to be released yet, in October 2020 the National Office of Statistics found that in the month of October food sales increased by 99.2%, department store sales increased by 87.2% and other non-food stores by 89.7%.

And with a majority of online sales being made at the largest retailer Amazon, there has been an increased number of delivery drivers, delivering our precious orders. However, with this increase in sales and deliveries, there has also been an increase in delivery van thefts.

Earlier this month, South Wales Police released footage showing a delivery driver pulling up to a property and delivering parcels in Bridge Street in the Centre of Cardiff. Moments later a person sees the van left running and open and immediately climbs into the cabin and leaves with the van and all the parcels inside. You can see the footage on their social media page here https://fb.watch/2iYoQ4QDHh/

And this isn’t the only theft. Another delivery vehicle was stolen in Llanrumney containing 30 parcels – some of which were later found discarded in a nearby lane.

South Wales Police are still investigating the theft of these vehicles and their contents so if you have any information regarding this please get in touch with them.

In another part of the UK, one delivery driver hung onto his van while a thief stole his vehicle in an attempt to stop his vehicle from being stolen. You can read more here

Following this recent spate of delivery van thefts, South Wales Police have issued some advice to delivery drivers delivering parcels this Christmas.

Remove keys and lock vehicle doors.

Whenever the vehicle is left attended, even for a second it’s important that you remove the keys and lock your vehicle. This includes paying for fuel, making a delivery, or receiving instructions.

Lock your doors when driving

Drive with the doors locked in order to deter thieves who may try to enter the vehicle when it’s stationary. If anti-theft systems are fitted make sure they are working and use them.

Park at approved locations

If you are parking the vehicle overnight, park them at approved locations and avoid dark isolated places. Try to park in a way that prevents thieves from gaining access to the rear doors. If you have a fleet of vehicles that are returned to a parking lot in the evenings, then you may want to read our recent blog here on how to protect them.

Be aware of bogus officials

It can be easy to assume that when someone is wearing a uniform and ID badge their official. However, you could be wrong. It’s important that you are aware of bogus official (who could be wearing stolen uniforms). It’s also important not to be distracted by other delivery drivers alerting or stopping you for supposed punctures, accidents, etc.

If a theft is being carried out on your vehicle stay in your cab

If you have pulled up to a location (whether that is for a delivery or parked for a break) and you realise that a theft is being carried out on your van, do not confront them. Stay in your cab. Lock the doors, start the engine, switch on the lights and if necessary, sound the horn to attract attention.

Be Alert

When driving, most of our attention is fixated on the road and traffic ahead of us. However, it’s important to take note of any vehicles behind you and ensure that they aren’t following you to a number of locations along your delivery route.

Have a fully charged phone

Whether your vehicle is being burgled while you’re in it or it has been stolen while your delivering, it’s important that you have a fully charged phone at hand to report any incidents to the police.

If you have been in an incident where your vehicle has been broken into or stolen, then contact South Wales Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Here at A&R Security Services, we understand the devasting feeling and effect a stolen vehicle can create to anyone. If you require security solutions for your fleet of vehicles or even your property then get in touch with us on 01656 713950 or visit our website to see how our tailored security solutions can protect your business.

face masks, face masks, face covering, face covering, Coronavirus, retail security, security services, manned guards, mobile patrols, A&R Security Services

Face Masks: Are they a threat to retailers?

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Face masks. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and are often seen being worn by those in the medical profession. But with lockdown restrictions relaxing and the coronavirus still a threat to the public’s health there has been increased debate on whether the wearing of face masks within stores should be made compulsory.

Although face masks have been proven to be a benefit at preventing further spread of the Coronavirus, Wales has not made the wearing of masks within stores compulsory. Much of the public believe that they should and are being worn. However, with many retailers re-opening their doors to the public once again, the wearing of face masks and coverings can cause challenges to security.

Most retailers will have security measures such as CCTV in place, but this isn’t always a reliable way to positively identify thieves – with many CCTV systems having poor quality imagery, being placed in areas that create blind spots and obstructions. Add the wearing of facemasks into the mix and you have an even harder task to positively identify criminals.

So, what can you do?

Invest in physical security. Investing in Manned guards, mobile patrols or door supervisors can give your store that added protection from thieves looking for a target. Physical guards are trained to spot suspicious-looking behaviour and threatening body language – quickly resolving any situations that may become heated between a criminal and the public or staff.

Having physical security not only means that criminals can be caught in the act of stealing from your store, but they can also be easily identified and even dissuade other criminals from targeting your store.

Right now, your priority is to re-open your business as safe as possible during these difficult times, so allow us to keep you, your staff and your business safe.

For more information on how our manned guarding and mobile patrols can effectively protect your business then take a look at our website here. Or to arrange a free no-obligation quote call us on 01656 713950

Security, Business, Rethink, Security Measures, A&R Security Services, Security Services, Antisocial behaviour

Should you rethink your business security?

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Vandalism, burglary and malicious damage cost Welsh and UK businesses thousands of pounds. With an estimated 1 in 5 businesses being negatively affected by crime, many will see security as a top priority.

Businesses that work across different sectors see a range of threats and criminal offences. But who from?

The Home office published a recent report that looks at the issues that contribute to crimes against businesses within the UK.

Organised Crime

As the name suggests, organised crimes are planned, coordinated and conducted by people working together. Organised crime is normally seen within the agricultural, forestry or fishing sector, with many businesses reporting that crimes conducted are believed to be carried out by organised criminals.

22% of reported crimes from these sectors were burglaries (including attempted burglaries) and it is thought that 40% of these were carried out by organised groups.

Anti-social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is an umbrella term for a range of smaller crimes conducted. Vandalism is the most common type of crime that is reported by businesses. Malicious damage and petty thefts come under anti-social behaviour and cost businesses thousands and is often put down as a result of young, rowdy and aggressive people or YOB culture as it is better known as.

1 in 5 business are impacted by crime

According to a study carried out by a leading business insurer – petty theft, vandalism and malicious damages cost business £9.8 billion a year. 1 in 5 business are impacted by these crimes and can cost them anything between £20,000 and £66,000 each year, depending on their sector and geographical location.

Some businesses are more at risk than others

Different sectors are often more at risk than others. Utilities, engineering, transport, construction and agriculture see the most crimes, with theft of materials, equipment and vehicles, vandalism and even arson costing businesses up to £155 million a year.

It’s not just big business that are targeted

Although big businesses have the most in terms of valuable assets, they are often harder to commit crimes due to stronger security measures. Smaller businesses have the same amount of security as larger businesses and often see themselves becoming targets for burglaries – costing small businesses £3,340 per crime.

When are businesses at risk of crime?

In regard to time, vandalism and malicious crimes can happen at any time but 77% of vandalism normally occurs in the evening and during the cover of darkness. Also, a report shows that 59% of incidents involving antisocial behaviour often occurs during the week compared to 41% over the weekend.

In regard to businesses being burgled, it is more difficult to get clear statistics. However, most intruder related incidents often occur over the weekend. Evening and nights remain the most common time for crimes to be committed.

 

What can businesses do to reduce their security risks?

Many leading business insurers put emphasis on the importance of preparing for risks that they may face and to have the right levels of protection in place. Ensuring that you have adequate defensive measures in place such as CCTV, Alarms, Locks, guards and patrols is crucial when maintaining your businesses security.

Burglary and vandalism can be devastating to any business no matter their size and sector. Having professional security solutions in place can provide effective protection to your business.

A&R Security Services can provide professional Security solutions to businesses in South Wales

To find out more about our professional security services visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

rural crimes, rural crime, smash and grab, smash and grab burglary, bank, atm, Smash and grab, ATM theft, Farm Machinery, Farm machinery theft

Rural Crime: Why is it Increasing?

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In a recent BBC show, it has been reported that crimes in rural areas is at a 7-year high – costing the UK economy £50million a year.

One rural crime that has seen an increase in ATM’s (cash point) being torn out by stolen farm machinery. These ‘Smash and Grabs’ of ATM machines have seen businesses and banks become heavily damaged – making banks reluctant to replace stolen ATM’s or reopen their rural branches.

Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire has been one of the hardest-hit rural communities in the UK for smash and grabs on ATM machines, with the village seeing two of it’s ATM’s be ripped out by stolen farm machinery and never replaced.

In Britain, there were 1,000 smash and grabs involving cash points in 2018, with half happening in the countryside.  Rural communities such as Great Shelford rely on physical cash transactions rather than using card and these attacks on ATM’s have seen local shops see fewer customers and many businesses having to compensate with having to pay bank charges for card transactions.

But why are ATM raids on the rise?

Although there is a higher risk with stealing heavy farm machinery and tearing out ATM’s out of banks, there is a higher reward with some ATM’s storing up to £100,000 in cash. Many rural ATM’s will have larger sums of cash compared to ones in the city because they are refilled less often.

Another reason why ATM raids are on the rise is that police response times are double what they are in towns or cities, allowing criminals more time to steal an ATM machine.

To some, smash and grabs on ATM’s may look opportunistic but they are very sophisticated crimes. With criminals researching, looking for farms close by and looking for heavy machinery big enough to rip out ATM’s.

As mentioned before farm machinery are often used for smash and grabs and stolen farm machinery is on the rise. Last year, farm machinery thefts cost farmers nearly £7.5million with many having to pay to replace them.

Although the police are taking measures and are working with local farmers to ensure that they are taking precautions to prevent the theft of vehicles. However, due to their nature farmers can’t close gates to their farms as they operate 24hrs.

Police in Norfolk have seen trends in these smash and grab crimes with Telehandlers being used to rip out ATM’s from banks and many of the crimes being committed by people living in rural communities and have experience operating farm machinery.

So, what measures can you take to prevent the theft of farm machinery?

  • Remove keys from vehicles if they are not in use: Although farms operate 24/7 it is important that any farm machinery that is not in use has its keys removed and is securely looked up day or night.
  • CCTV: Although it is a basic security measure having CCTV cameras located in areas where machinery is kept can provide a better visual on them and can be monitored 24/7. If machinery is stolen, the CCTV footage can be used to find out who the perpetrator is and use it for evidence in a court of law.
  • Security Lighting: Having security lighting in conjunction with CCTV is a very good security combo. Having security lighting that are censored can be an effective deterrent to criminals as if they attempt to approach your farm or vehicle, they will light up the trespasser making them feel caught.

If your farm or business is in need of extra security services, then get in touch with A&R Security Services. We can provide comprehensive security solutions to businesses across South Wales and the South West. To find out more call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website for further details.