2020 is almost over, and Christmas is finally upon us.
For many people in business, it’s been a long, challenging year and the festive season will provide a little light relief among all the economic doom and gloom.
For many businesses, this can spell opportunities as they get into the spirit of things with marketing campaigns and seasonal special offers.
However, for some businesses, Christmas can prove to be a real nightmare.
According to figures, around this time of year, crimes against business including burglaries, thefts, antisocial behaviour and criminal damage increase by around 150%.
Much of that is down to the dark, cold winter nights, which are great for keeping warm by the fire with a glass of mulled wine but also give would-be criminals the cover they need to target vulnerable shops, offices and factories.
So, if you’re hoping to avoid a nightmare before, during or after Christmas this year, here are a few simple steps you can take to boost your business security.
Lighting
Lighting up your business property properly is one of the best deterrents you can put in place during the annual Christmas shutdown.
Even if you are only closing for a couple of days, this simple security measure can keep criminals at bay.
If anyone is planning on breaking in, they’ll want to do it under cover of darkness.
If they are all lit up like a Christmas tree, their chances of getting caught go up significantly.
So, before you lock the doors on Christmas Eve, give your business security lighting a check.
Make sure any dark or unlit areas are covered and replace any non-functioning bulbs. This will make it harder for intruders to lurk around in the dark.
And if you have motion-activated lighting, that’s even better, although make sure it’s working correctly before locking up for the night.
Security Cameras
If you have a CCTV system or security cameras, make sure they are working properly in advance of the festive break. There would be nothing worse than suffering a break-in only to realise your cameras weren’t switched on or working correctly.
While CCTV might not necessarily prevent a crime from being committed, it does provide a great visual deterrent to would-be criminals. It can also help capture vital evidence if the worst does happen. You never know, it might even capture a glimpse of Santa and his elves at work!
Alarms
Like lighting and security cameras, if you have a business alarm system, make sure it’s working properly and switched on.
There are still a few days left to the big day, so if your alarm system needs a service or repair, give our expert team a call, we’d be happy to come out and have a look for you to make sure you’re protected come the big day.
Locks and doors
This one might sound obvious, but if your property is being left empty and unattended between Christmas and the new year, make sure you check all your locks are working correctly and that you have locked them all when you leave. A break-in can be devastating to any business. It can be even more heart-breaking if you have made it easy for the criminals by forgetting to lock your doors.
Window and door security
Installing additional security measures on your windows and doors will make it harder for intruders to break in or do damage. Roller shutters not only add an extra level of security, but they also provide a great visual deterrent to put people off even attempting to break in.
Window grilles, meanwhile, can be installed over some of the most vulnerable access points to your property to make them more secure. Again, the clock is ticking, so if you want to boost your security before Christmas, give us a call today.
Security signage
Although signage won’t make your business premises any more secure, it can prove to be an effective visual deterrent to would-be intruders. Having signs on your property which carry messages such as ‘Covered by 24-hour surveillance’, ‘Business monitored by CCTV’, ‘No cash kept on premises’ or, if you’re feeling really creative ‘Beware of the Grinch’, may make someone think twice about breaking in.
Security policies
Events like Christmas serve as useful reminders to check your security policies to make sure they are as tight as they can be. For example, do you know how many keyholders there are, and do they know their responsibilities?
Do you know how to contact your security company in an emergency? What happens if there is an incident or a false alarm?
Who is responsible for calling the police in the event of a break-in?
Again, please don’t leave it to chance. Simply running through a checklist will enable you to highlight and fix any potential security flaws.
Security solutions from a Master Locksmith in Derby
Grays Locksmiths Derby has been providing trusted locksmith services to the people of Derbyshire for more than 30 years.
We are an accredited member of the Master Locksmiths Association and are dedicated to helping all our commercial customers keep their businesses safe and secure.
With years of expertise and industry knowledge, all our advice is aimed at making sure you are getting the best business security solutions on the market.
So, if you are looking to ensure you have a merry – and crime-free – Christmas, give us a call on 01332 404255 or email sales@derbylocksmith.org.uk.
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