Security with Santa Should be a Canter

• Content
• People
• Security with Santa Should be a Canter

04 December 2015 | Updated 01 January 1970

Revellers and shoppers are already thronging the high streets and shopping centres and as the risk of crime increases during the festive period one security specialist offers some simple advice.

Advice to retailers and FMs on ensuring that neither they, nor their colleagues or customers should fall victim in the season of goodwill to all is being offered by Trigion.

Alongside alcohol-related violence, the crimes reported to rise will not be a great surprise and include:

• Burglary

• Muggings and street robbery

• Making off without paying, including restaurant and bar bills

• Shoplifting

• Theft of and from vehicles.

Encouraging operatives and patrons to take sensible precautions, e.g. not carrying large sums of money and keeping presents out of sight, will help reduce the risk of crime but it may also be time to review security arrangements.

Having a visible deterrent such as manned guards or visible electronic security systems, can be effective at putting off potential criminals. They can also mean a quicker response should a crime occur, especially if the premises are being monitored 24 hours a day. If the monitoring team spot someone who looks vulnerable they can despatch a guard before any incidents occur.

Having a manned security guard or team in place can also help with customer service as guards are now often trained in wider communications skills and can advise or direct customers as appropriate.

Other steps that should be considered are:

• Ensure all areas are adequately lit and that all lights are working – check this regularly.

• Cut back any vegetation growing near entrances and exits.

• Make sure warning signs and CCTV notifications are clear.

• Depending on the type of business, there may be a reduction in staff due to holidays or an increase in temporary staff. Both these situations can have an influence on security requirements.

Just to emphasise the scale of the problem, the Centre for Retail Research published figures in 2013 that predicted Christmas losses in the UK in the six weeks from mid-November to end-December would be as high as £978 million which works out as over £37 per family.

Picture: It’s a mad, mad Christmas world but simple security steps still need to be in place to make it a truly merry one

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 04 December 2015

Share

Related Articles