Crime rate, Crimes, Unemployment, Cardiff, Pandemic, COVID-19, Business Security, A&R Security Services, Security Services, Manned guards, mobile Patrols

Is the rise in unemployment causing a rise in crimes?

Since the COVID-19 landed on our shores, over 300,000 people in Wales have been on furlough up to the end of June 2020 – representing 28.9% of the Welsh workforce.

But despite the furlough scheme supporting employees and businesses and Wales slowly taking steps to return to normal, Wales and the UK’s economy is facing an economic downturn, with their already being high numbers of unemployment due to job cuts. Now with the government announcing that the furlough scheme will be ending in October 2020, the number of those becoming unemployed will increase further. Leading to one thing – high levels of crime.

Throughout history, there has been a correlation between large numbers of unemployment and increased levels of crime. In Cardiff County, statistics from South Wales Police show that between March and May (when lockdown was enforced) there has been a 50% increase in crimes – with Anti-social behaviour, Violent Crimes and Public order being the highest crimes reported.

Now with industries feeling the effects of the recent lockdown in Wales – there will be more and more people resorting to criminal activities such as theft and vandalism in an attempt to make quick money from stolen goods.

And for businesses who have been able to remain open and continue operating, this is bad news. So, it makes sense to invest in more robust security measures with a professional security provider that you can trust to protect your business.

Choosing the right security provider that can provide effective security to suit your needs

It may be easy to cut security measures to save money during these difficult times, but investing in more robust security measures can save you money and a lot of headaches in the long run. So, it’s important that your choose a security provider who can easily full fill your security needs.

For us, we understand that no two businesses are the same and can facilitate a business’ unique security needs and create bespoke security contracts that offer the best protection.

We understand that for some business’ it may be just key holding & alarm response services that they need for or for larger businesses, they may need 24-hour manned guards and/or mobile patrols services to provide suitable protection from criminals.

We can offer a range of bespoke services that can effectively protect your business. Including:

  • Keyholding & Alarm Response Services
  • Manned Guarding
  • Mobile Patrols
  • Concierge / Front of house Security
  • Construction Security

Whether your business holds large amounts of stock, operates 24 hours of the day – 7 days a week, covers a large area or is in a remote location, we can provide effective security services to ensure that your business is fully protected during these difficult times.

For more information about our security services visit our website or to arrange a no-obligation quote give us a call on 01656 713950.

face masks, face masks, face covering, face covering, Coronavirus, retail security, security services, manned guards, mobile patrols, A&R Security Services

Face Masks: Are they a threat to retailers?

Face masks. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, and are often seen being worn by those in the medical profession. But with lockdown restrictions relaxing and the coronavirus still a threat to the public’s health there has been increased debate on whether the wearing of face masks within stores should be made compulsory.

Although face masks have been proven to be a benefit at preventing further spread of the Coronavirus, Wales has not made the wearing of masks within stores compulsory. Much of the public believe that they should and are being worn. However, with many retailers re-opening their doors to the public once again, the wearing of face masks and coverings can cause challenges to security.

Most retailers will have security measures such as CCTV in place, but this isn’t always a reliable way to positively identify thieves – with many CCTV systems having poor quality imagery, being placed in areas that create blind spots and obstructions. Add the wearing of facemasks into the mix and you have an even harder task to positively identify criminals.

So, what can you do?

Invest in physical security. Investing in Manned guards, mobile patrols or door supervisors can give your store that added protection from thieves looking for a target. Physical guards are trained to spot suspicious-looking behaviour and threatening body language – quickly resolving any situations that may become heated between a criminal and the public or staff.

Having physical security not only means that criminals can be caught in the act of stealing from your store, but they can also be easily identified and even dissuade other criminals from targeting your store.

Right now, your priority is to re-open your business as safe as possible during these difficult times, so allow us to keep you, your staff and your business safe.

For more information on how our manned guarding and mobile patrols can effectively protect your business then take a look at our website here. Or to arrange a free no-obligation quote call us on 01656 713950

Hospitality, Hospitality industry, Hospitality Security, July 13th, Pub, Restaurant, Hotel, Security Guards, Manned Guards, Crowd control, event Security, Pub security, restaurant security, hotel security

Hospitality Security: Why should you have Crowd Control?

At the start of the pandemic in March, much of the hospitality industry within Wales and the UK closed their doors, with no end date in sight.

Although the government have been supportive with the furlough scheme and has helped many businesses within the hospitality industry keep paying their bills it can only go so far and soon the government will not be able to continue with the scheme.

Many businesses within the hospitality industry will be fearing that with no end in-sight and support from the government soon to end, many would be faced with the hard truth of having to cuts jobs and even close their doors for the final time. And for many owners and employees within the industry, working in hospitality is a passion, not a job.

However, during the past few days, there were the beginnings of light at the end of the tunnel when First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford announced plans for businesses within the hospitality industry to once again open their doors and welcome staff and customers.

But, even with the new announcement and the relaxation in lockdown rules, it is not as simple as opening the doors and letting customers walk in. There are still rules that both you and your customers need to adhere to, to ensure both your safety during this time.  This includes:

  • Limiting the number of customers within your premises at one time.
  • Ensuring ‘pinch points’ such as doors and tight corners/space are kept clear and social distancing is being followed
  • Using one-way systems for customers and staff to enter and exit your premises.
  • Preventing customers from doing up to the bar by introducing table service
  • Gather customer contact details so that ‘track & trace’ can be adopted should an outbreak of the coronavirus is reported.

Right now, with lockdown rules in Wales relaxing, social distancing very much remains in place. To ensure that your customers follow strict social distancing rules, invest in having crowd control services from A&R Security Services.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been continually providing effective security for our clients across South Wales and all of our security staff understand the importance of social distancing during this time and how to effectively implement it.

With crowd control now being the important topic for businesses within the hospitality industry who are looking to re-open on the 13th July, it’s not only the logistics that they have to think about, it’s also the necessary implementation of professional and trustworthy crowd control services that will keep both customers and staff safe.

As stated by a member of the police force on this week’s news, “Alcohol and social distancing don’t mix” especially when some customers may have had one too many. Investing in physical security guards to provide effective crowd control means that you have the safety of your customers and staff firmly in your mind and it takes the pressure off your staff having to ensure that your customers are staying safe whilst having a good time.

For more information on how we can work with you to provide effective crowd control for your business then visit our website here or give us a call on 01656 713950 to arrange a free quotation today.