Festive shutdown security tips for businesses

You can never be too careful when it comes to security for your business and at Christmas – traditionally a time of year when many firms close for a period of time - it’s more important than ever to ensure your on-site security is up to scratch.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to make your business as unattractive to criminals as possible, thereby reducing your chances of becoming a target. Here are our top security tips, for preparing for a festive shutdown. 

1. Test all alarms and CCTV

Having a monitored intruder alarm and CCTV installed at your premises are two of the most effective crime deterrents you can invest in for your business. The presence of even just one of these security measures could be enough to make a criminal pass on your premises for an easier target. But it’s important they are in full working order and any blind spots are considered.

In the lead up to your festive shutdown, make sure you test your alarms and CCTV to ensure both are functioning correctly. It’s also a good time to review your alarm response process. If you’re relying on employee key holders to react, consider calling on the services of an external security provider who can be on site quickly, at any time of the day or night. This will not only take away an unpleasant task from staff but keep them out of the way of potential harm, as you never know what they may encounter when on site.

Find out more about Venture’s key holding and alarm response service here.

2. Check all doors and window locks

Check all your door and window fastenings are in good condition and full working order.

Main access points are typically highly visible and often fully covered by CCTV, so criminals are far more likely to seek out less noticeable points of entry to a building, such as a back door or a side window, which are often far more discreet than a well trafficked street.

Just as with your CCTV and alarms, be sure to double check all your window and door locks can be securely fastened. If any of the locks are broken or keys misplaced, seek the services of a locksmith. Also consider fitting bars to downstairs doors and windows where possible, as an added precaution.

3. Do a perimeter sweep

Sweeping the outside of your building is another important part of ensuring your business is left in a secure state. Make sure there’s nothing lying around that a criminal could use to their advantage, such as to gain access to a higher floor. For example, unsecured ladders and bins. If you come across anything that could aid a criminal, remove it or lock it away.

When you’re sweeping your perimeter pay attention to any outdoor lighting and fencing. If you notice that any bulbs are out, arrange for these to be replaced. Likewise, if you spot a broken or loose fence panel, get it secured or repaired. All these issues could potentially be exploited by a criminal looking for an easy entry or getaway point to your premises.  Also, trim back any overgrown bushes or trees that could provide them with natural cover.

4. Walk your premises before locking up

Just as important as checking the outside of the premises before you close up for Christmas is checking everything is as it should be internally.

The last person/s out should conduct a full walk-through to double check everything is secure, windows and doors are locked, taps and plugs sockets are turned off and that any equipment that can be, is locked away and out of sight.

It’s also vital that the last person leaving is a key holder and knows how to correctly set the alarm system. Again, the locking and unlocking of the premises is something an external security provider can help with. This removes any risk faced by a staff member being the ‘last one out’ and ensures everything is fully secure. These services can also help, should there be a limited number of staff still who still require access over the festive period, or if access is required for any other business reason.

Find out more about Venture’s locks and unlocks services here.

5. Bank any cash and remove any valuables

If you’re a business that routinely has cash on site, we highly recommend banking it before shutting down and leaving any tills open, so a tempted criminal can see that there’s nothing left on the premises. Likewise with other valuables.

Any company vehicles and their respective keys should be securely locked away and out of sight (try steering or parking locks for an additional level of security in addition to car alarms). The same goes for any construction plant machinery you may have, if your business is in this industry. 

If you don’t already have signage around your building and premises, alerting criminals to the presence of alarms and CCTV, we recommend having these on display. The same applies to signage that lets a criminal know that no cash or valuables are left on site.

6. Invest in mobile security patrols

One of the most effective security measures you can implement to protect your business premises during a seasonal closure - and out of normal office hours throughout the year - is to work with a professional security provider to introduce mobile security patrols.

These patrols can work as an excellent crime deterrent as they can both dissuade a criminal from targeting a business in the first place but also close any window of opportunity they might have to break-in or cause damage.

Patrols involve having a security officer visit your premises at random times throughout the night to check all is well. In the case of our patrols here at Venture, this can also include looking out for maintenance issues and even watering the plants. If any problems are spotted, the officers will take the appropriate action, notifying the police where needed and recording all their findings in a comprehensive, real-time and auditable digital report.

Find out more about Venture’s mobile security patrols here.

Need expert security support for your business?

For an informal chat about your business security needs, or any specific challenges you may be facing, please contact the Venture Security team on 01264 391538 or by emailing office@venturesec.co.uk

Our security services are trusted and relied upon by customers across the region, including in Andover, Basingstoke, Southampton, Salisbury and Winchester.