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beauty spots, staycation, staycationers, littering, bad behavior, illegal camping, security, gwynedd, snowdonia, snowdonia national park

Do our welsh beauty spots need security?

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Wales, it’s a small country but it has its fair share of beauty spots. With the natural beauty spots such as the Pembrokeshire coast, Gower Peninsula, and Brecon Beacons National Park drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

However, in March of this year, many of them closed themselves off from the public following the Coronavirus pandemic and welsh government and national lockdown rules. Now Wales has relaxed lockdown rules, many of our coast’s, paths and nationals’ parks have once again re-opened and welcomed tourists back with open arms.

But welcoming tourists back with open arms hasn’t been smooth sailing for some especially for Snowdonia National park. Since the relaxation of the lockdown rules the National Park has experienced high levels of littering, bad behaviour and illegal camping and has resorted to them employing security to monitor activity and prevent the tension between tourists and locals rising further over the bank holiday weekend.

Illegal camping, Beauty spots, Security, Security Services

And this isn’t the only case of ‘Staycationers’ littering and illegally camping in beauty spots. Balmoral estate in Scotland and the Lake District have also been hit – with balmoral seeing increasing numbers of camping equipment and even human waste being left behind and the Lake District cleaning up mountains of litter.

To curb the number of tourists littering and illegally camping within the Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd Council have employed a security firm to patrol areas within Snowdonia national park (Parc Padarn Country Park in Llanberis and beaches including Morfa Bychan and Abersoch). The security firm has been commissioned to conduct patrols out of normal operating hours, ensuring that visitors to the area, respect the rules in place.

But are our beauty spots soon to be patrolled by security guards?

Gwynedd Council has been the only local authority to announce that they are employing security over the bank holiday to ensure that tourist’s within the area remain responsible and no further damage is being caused. However, with other beauty spots such as the Queen’s Balmoral Estate and the Lake District coming under increasing ‘attack’ from irresponsible tourists, seeing security patrolling and enforcing rules could become the norm.

What do you think? Will we be seeing more security in our beauty spots?

For more information about our mobile patrol services and how we can keep your beauty spots safe from irresponsible tourists visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950.

Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup 2019, A&R Security Services, Japan rugby World Cup, Japan, Tourism, Tourist, Rugby

Rugby World Cup: How to stay safe in Japan

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This year Japan plays host to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, seeing countries from both northern and southern hemispheres battling out to win the rugby world cup trophy.

Although Japan has been voted and reported as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, it is still important to remain vigilant.

So, what should you do to keep yourself safe?

Keep your belongings with you at all times

Although Japan is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of criminal activity, there are still pickpocketers. If you are in crowded places such as public transport or moving around a stadium, pickpocketers will see this as an easy opportunity to steal mobile phones, wallets and purses. To ensure that you aren’t targeted by pickpocketers ensure that your mobile phone or wallet is in the front pocket of your trousers and your hand is on top of it. If you have a backpack or handbag, make sure that it is in front of you and you have your hand on the zip or clasp – ensuring that no one can open your bag and reach in.

Scams

It’s important to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you in any public areas. In neighbourhoods of Roppongi and Kabuki-Cho in Tokyo, there are known reports of fraudulent credit card charges. To avoid charges don’t allow waiters or vendors to make any transactions with your credit card on their own as they can copy information. Keep an eye on your credit card all the time, especially when paying at restaurants, shops and especially in bars.

Watch your drink

Although you are least likely to get kidnapped or mugged, there is that potential risk that someone will try to harm you while visiting a bar or club. If you are visiting a local bar or club or buying a drink at a stadium, ensure that your drink is covered and with you at all times so that it is not spiked. If you are leaving to use the toilet – make sure that your group keep an eye on your drink at all times. If you are getting a new drink, make sure that to watch the bartender – if you see any suspicious activity with your drink leave it and report it to security or other bar staff. Also, if a stranger offers you a drink, kindly decline.

Sexual Harassment

When travelling on public transport between towns and cities during rush hour, there have been noted incidents of men groping women on trains (however, they usually target local women) If you feel that you are being harassed, move to another part of the train or bus. If you still feel unsafe – alight at a station and report it to local authorities.  If you witness any sexual harassment do not ignore it. Report it!

Terrorism

Japan has the lowest risk of terrorism in the world, but it is still important to remain vigilant. If you see any unattended bags in suspicious areas within a stadium, neighbourhood or on public transport move away from it and report it to security or local authorities.

Here are some other tips to keep yourself safe when visiting japan.

  • Ensure your card details are covered –  when taking money out an international ATM it is important your card PIN details are covered so that they aren’t stolen to perform fraudulent charges.
  • If you’re lost ask for directions – if you are unsure of where you are or lost ask either the local police or shop owners for directions. 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.
  • Stay up-to-date – When walking around and visiting cities between matches it is important to know what is going on. If you are in a city it’s important to know if any rallies or large events are going on.
  • Take a portable charger – if you’re walking around Japans many attractions or watching a rugby match, it is advisable to take a portable charger with you to avoid having a flat phone battery and being uncontactable if you get separated from your friends.

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.

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.