Construction Site Security, Security, Construction Site, construction

Construction Site Security – A guide to securing your building site

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Construction sites are prime targets for criminals and are prone to several vulnerabilities, all of which can be protected with effective security measures.

One item that is always at a high risk of theft is machinery. Theft of machinery such as backhoes, generators and excavators can be called ‘Low Risk’ by criminals for a number of reasons. Construction sites are often easy to access, especially if a site has light security, meaning that criminals are less likely to be caught. Second, machinery themselves have very few security features. Some may have a one-key fits all ignition system making them easy targets. Unlike other vehicles, construction vehicles are not registered and when stolen can make them difficult to track, making them easy to sell on with very little consequences.

With the price of metals increasing, the risk of them being stolen also increases. Copper tubing and wire cable, in particular, have been targeted by thieves. Fuel too has been a target for criminals – whether it’s been stolen from storage tanks or from the vehicles themselves.

When construction sites have been left unattended for a period of time, they can become targets for vandalism and arson attacks. Both of these can occur for a number of reasons, notably political objections to the site’s construction or just a desire to cause violence.

Constructions sites aren’t always creating new buildings. When construction is taking place on an existing building, there is a risk of intruders breaking in throughout the building site, which may create new points of entry or compromise existing ones.

To help determine which of these threats a building site is particularly vulnerable to, construction managers should carry out a thorough risk assessment. For each potential threat, managers should rate the site and determine which areas are in most need of protection. The best way to identify these areas is to have an onsite-security survey by a security expert.  A&R security services offer a range of security services including manned guarding and mobile security, creating an effective deterrent to any criminals.  

It’s important that Construction sites should go through the appropriate lengths to keep their site secure from criminals. Thankfully there are extensive and effective measures that can be put in place to keep your site protected.

So, what measures can be put in place?

Security guards are an effective way of deterring any potential criminal activity. Having security guards not only allows you to place them in areas that are likely to be entered by criminals, but you can also have them patrol the site – covering all areas. This is especially helpful overnight or when the site is unattended for a period of time.  We at A&R Security services can provide manned guarding services to properties that require guarding 24/7, deterring any criminals from attempting to vandalise or steal from your site. 

CCTV is frequently used by all business especially ones that are in retail. CCTV can be used as an effective deterrent for a construction site-based crime. Placing security cameras around the perimeter of a building site will discourage criminals but also identify any who to try to either vandalise or steal from your site.

CCTV can be an effective way for Security guards to monitor but also rapidly respond to any infiltrations. CCTV can also be used in court to help prosecute any offenders who manage to steal or damage the site.

Lighting may not be always associated with security, but it can make a huge difference to the safety of a construction site. Illuminating areas such as site entrances at all times for smaller sites – with larger sites illuminating areas that can act as entry points can discourage criminals from potentially intruding on your site.  Illuminating areas can also help CCTV and Security guards identify perpetrators or other threats that are on your construction site.

Although security alarms are normally installed permanently to protect properties, temporary burglar arms are highly effective in securing construction sites.  Larger sites can benefit from intruder alarms, which will draw guards’ or workers attention to a break-in that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Installing a burglar alarm during the construction phase will provide you with the option to easily repurpose it later.  A&R Security Services can install but also remotely monitor your alarm systems and respond to any intrusions on your property.

Ideally, the exterior of a construction site should be so secure that specific on-site security measures wouldn’t be needed. However, ensuring optimum safety is important to give vehicles, fuel stores and other on-site equipment their own protection. Larger machinery such as tower cranes should be secured at the base with a combination of lock and padlocks. Secure safes can also be used to secure keys to vehicles or important documents that may need to be kept onsite 24-7. 

A&R Security Services offer a range of security services that can be tailored to your business needs. If you would like to find out more about our services or would like a quote call us on 01656 713950 or visit our website  

Security Services, A&R Security Services, Office Security, ARSS

Top Tips for a safe and secure office.

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When running a business, it’s important that your office is secure and properly protected against potential issues. Having office security is important not only for your business’s success but also for the welfare of your staff.

So here are our top tips for a safe and secure office for your business and your staff.

Employee theft prevention:

According to a survey from May 2016 – employee theft can potentially cost businesses more than £190 million annually. And it’s been found that more than two-thirds (67%) admit to stealing from the office often. There are a few measures that you can implement to prevent any theft, including checking staff’s bags as they leave, having security sensors, using time sheets to see if anyone is lingering after hours and securing store cupboards, lockers and desks with locks or password protection.

Security Officers:

Security officers are an effective way of protecting your business. Highly trained and professional security officers can identify suspicious or threatening behaviour quickly and act accordingly. Having security officers can be positioned in areas that require ID whether that would be at the entrance of the building or certain levels and they can approach anyone who they think may be trespassing and escort them out.

Access Control:

Using access control such as access card readers or coded doors can be a way to prevent trespassers from entering your building or entering certain rooms and levels. To restrict further access, you can close doors in busy corridors, preventing anyone tailgating staff who work in the building.

CCTV:

CCTV can allow business owners to watch and keep an eye on their business from the comfort of their own home. CCTV not only allows business owners or security guards to keep an eye on certain areas of a building but also watch for trespassers on your property or identify thieves.

Employee Awareness Guidelines:

Staff are one of the best assets at preventing crime from happening, so creating staff guidelines and giving training staff gives them a better understanding of physical and cybercrime.

Updating passwords and pins

Nearly every business has password-protected devices which contain important and sensitive information, but most devices may have the same password. Tools such as Password managers can store multiple passwords in one secure place. Also, consider making it mandatory for staff to change their passwords every 90 days.

Evacuation plan:

Ensuring that your staff is safe during an emergency is important to avoid disastrous consequences. When creating an evacuation plan, think about keeping passageways to emergency exits clear, ensuring that there is the correct amount of fire exits on each floor and there is a safe meeting evacuation point. To avoid staff not knowing what to do in an emergency, regularly train them by running fire drills but also make them aware of who is the fire and safety officer and who is trained in first aid.

Alarm System:

Installing an alarm system is a sure way of dissuading trespassers and criminals from entering your property and can alarm you immediately. Regularly maintaining and checking your alarm system is working and updated to prevent criminal activity taking place, and make sure that the alarm system is certified by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspections Board.

Motion Sensor Lighting:

Having motion sensor lighting can help detect and catch intruders attempting to enter your business outside during the night. The light emanating from them can make intruders feel exposed and being caught in the act.  Whenever installing new security lighting, make sure that all cables are hidden and that switches/main boxes are hidden behind objects or underground.  Places that they are most effective are above entrances and exits, bushes and garden objects and shaded area’s that aren’t well lit.

Install reliable cybersecurity systems.

Technology such as computers, tablets, mobile phones and even cloud-based technology has helped businesses do more work quickly and efficiently. But with more business becoming more active online, they can become potential targets for cybercriminals trying to hack important information such as client information or bank details. Installing reliable cybersecurity systems can protect your systems from potential hacking and theft of important and sensitive documents. Ensuring that your business is safe and runs smoothly.

A&R Security Services provide a range of security options for offices – If you’re interested in finding out more visit our website or give us a call on 01656 713950

 

 

 

Security Services, A&R Security Services, ARCS

Top tips for choosing the right Security Provider for your business

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No matter what type of business you have, it will always be a potential target for thieves and vandals. To ensure that your business is safe, it’s important to think about security. So, why not look at someone to do it for you?

Statistics from the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) show that crimes against firms’ cost £12billion annually – directly affecting between a quarter and a third of UK businesses annually.

To help ease the fear of being a potential target for thieves, security providers can offer safety solutions which will help deter suspicious behaviour.

So here are some things to look out for when choosing a new security provider:

  • Valid Accreditation – When considering a security provider, check that they are fully accredited by the correct accreditation bodies such as SIA, ACS and ISO. All of these bodies have an official say on what makes up a professional security service.
  • Flexibility – Having a security provider that is flexible with its services and can adapt to your needs shows that they are committed to working with you. We at A&R Security Services know that no two businesses are the same and so we tailor our services to you. Making sure that you get a personal and professional service.
  • Available all year 24/7 – Your security and business are constantly under threat day or night at any time of the year. Criminals can strike and enter properties which may not always have staff present. Your business can also be a potential target during national holidays and times when people are on annual leave. Security providers can be hired to deploy their staff to your premises 24 hours a day.  We at A&R Security Services know that businesses with very little staff can be a potential target and so provide manned and/or mobile security services.
  • Health and Safety Aware – Having Health and Safety, and First aid trained staff are a great asset when there is a medical emergency at your business. A security guard can respond immediately to someone who needs help after an accident or other health-related issues keeping protection levels high.
  • High Customer Retention rate – When looking, it always good to see security providers with customers that they have been working with for a number of years. This shows that they value their customers and continually provide high standards if service.
  • Experience – Finding a security provider that has many years of experience is great, as they have extensive knowledge of what would be beneficial to your business’s security.
  • Multiple Role Capabilities – Security officers acting as concierge or reception are a huge benefit. They can check who is coming in and out of your business but also allow regular contractors into your business while you’re away or out of hours. Security guards can act as a visual reassurance that your business is in safe hands and under consistent control.

A&R Security Services offers a range of security services for many businesses including manned guarding, mobile security, key holding & response, alarm installation and monitoring. Not only do we provide these services, but we also go the extra mile and provide other services that other firms might not, including Monthly Health and Safety checks, CheckPoints, Staff Login and out on-site, Incident Reporting and all our staff are customer service trained

Call us today for a free quote on 01656 713950 and find out how we can provide your business with professional and effective security solutions.