The Christmas period usually brings joy and celebration, but it can also bring increased security risks for businesses and commercial premises. Opportunistic criminals can take advantage of reduced staffing and extended periods of emptiness, so let’s look at some of the top safety tips for your business.
The hidden risks of the holiday period
Criminal activity is usually highest during December and into early January as many business premises, including offices, retail shops and warehouses stay empty during this time If buildings are unoccupied from Christmas Eve through to early January, it creates an ideal environment for potential security breaches.
Important security procedures to implement
Having a robust lock-up procedure is the first thing you need to organise to protect your business. There should be a plan put in place before the holiday season begins, and every staff member who plays a part in securing the premises should understand their responsibilities. They should also understand how important it is to follow the plan every single time.
One of the biggest risks during the holiday period is the vulnerability of people who work alone. In a busy workplace, having a single person responsible for the final lockup can create a big security risk; for this reason, it is important to have a team-based security approach that takes the stress and responsibility away from just one person.
Enhancing physical security measures
Good security lighting is a powerful deterrent against potential intruders. If there is flood lighting around the perimeter of your business premises, it makes the building much more visible and can prevent unauthorised access. CCTV and alarms are also essential. If you need a CCTV installation Gloucester, specialists such as APM Fire and Security can put a system in place for you.
Managing access and monitoring
The increased volume of deliveries during the Christmas period needs to be carefully monitored for security purposes. All businesses should have protocols for managing visitors and delivery people; for example, all the exits and entrances should be monitored and all visitors logged.
