The festive season brings a unique set of security challenges. Homes and businesses become targets for theft due to increased cash flow and valuable goods. Security companies are vital in providing advice and services to ensure a safe and secure holiday period. Here are the top tips for Christmas safety from the perspective of professional security providers.
Secure Your Premises
Strengthen Entry Points: For businesses and homeowners, reinforcing doors and windows is the first step to deterring break-ins. Install high-quality locks, and consider intelligent security systems alerting you to unauthorised entry attempts.
Visibility is Key: Ensure that your property is well-lit. Burglars are less likely to target a home or business that is brightly illuminated because it increases the likelihood of them being seen and reported.
Be Discreet About High-Value Items
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Both in your home and business, keep expensive gifts and equipment away from windows. When discarding packaging, break down boxes of high-value items to avoid advertising new purchases to potential thieves.
Monitor Your Security Systems
Regular Checks: Test your alarms and CCTV systems to ensure they work correctly. With the increased risk during the holidays, it’s crucial that all systems are operational and any issues are addressed immediately.
Innovative Solutions: Utilize smart technology that allows you to monitor your property remotely. This technology can send real-time alerts to your phone if suspicious activity is detected.
Be Cautious with Public Posting
Social Media Savvy: Be careful about what you post on social media. Announcing travel plans or showing off expensive gifts can attract unwanted attention from criminals looking for an easy target.
Train Your Staff
Security Awareness: For businesses, ensure staff are trained to be extra vigilant during the festive period. This includes being aware of suspicious behaviour, understanding the company’s security procedures, and knowing who to contact in an emergency.
Manage Cash Safely
Bank Regularly: With potentially higher cash takings during Christmas, deposit money into the bank frequently to minimise the amount kept on the premises.
Secure Transportation: For larger businesses, consider using a secure cash transportation service to reduce the risk of theft.
Personal Safety
Stay Alert: When shopping or attending events, remember your belongings. Keep bags closed and on your person at all times, and be cautious with your wallet or purse in crowded areas.
Partner with a Security Company
Professional Assistance: Security companies can provide additional patrols during high-risk times, offer advice on strengthening security measures, and install the latest security technology.
Emergency Planning: Have a clear plan for emergencies. Know how to contact your security provider quickly and ensure they have updated contact information for key holders or managers.
Christmas should be a time of joy, not loss or victimisation. Homeowners and businesses can significantly reduce crime risk during the holiday season by taking proactive steps to enhance security. Security companies offer invaluable advice and services that can help ensure a safe and merry Christmas for everyone.
As professional security providers, it’s our duty to remind you that while the holidays are a time for celebration, they should also be a time for increased vigilance. By implementing these security tips, let’s make safety a top priority this season.
If you want to discuss any of the above security tips, please contact us today.
