How business can safeguard against crime during the recession
How the recession has contributed to an increase in crime across the UK and what you can do to protect yourself and your business from petty theft and vandalism.
Worldwide, the economic scenario has been showing a negative turn, after the uptrend a few years ago. The figures of a slow growth rate and higher inflation rates do not reflect the effect on businesses and the common man, but it is the average person on the street who has to deal with the consequences of job losses, of a tighter budget and an inability to keep up with the rising costs all around him. Another major outcome of the growing discontent with the negative economic climate has been the rapid increase in crime rates around the country.
Increase in crime rate
Crime statistics in the United Kingdom are measured by two different sources. The recorded crime statistics are the figures for the crimes reported to the police. These are an indicator of the crimes which have been reported for further action by the police. However, the other crime statistic source is the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which bases its figures on interviews and on people’s perceptions about the crime rate in their region and in the other parts of the country. This includes crimes which have not been reported to the authorities and it also shows the latest trends. In the last 50 years, violent crime has increased seven fold. For violent crimes in 2011/ 12, the figure stands at 2.2 million. In 2011, there was a 14 % increase in burglaries, and a 6 % increase in violent crime over the previous year.
Security concerns over the increase in crime
With figures like these and an increasing perception that things are going to get worse before they become any better, companies and organisations are becoming increasingly concerned about the security aspects of their premises. It is not just thefts and burglaries which become a matter of concern; data theft is also a major problem. Vandalism is also a worrisome nationwide security problem, since the acts of vandalism have been rising steadily. Whether big or small, building security aspects have become a very important part of any policies. Organisations have to put into place measures which will not only prevent theft, but also will prevent unfettered access to the premises. With regard to their networked computers, they have to make sure that the data is protected with a strong firewall and data protection system.
Basic security steps to protecting your business
These go beyond the simple steps of just making sure everything is locked and secure. Leaving a window open can make the difference between securing your valuable items and filing for an insurance claim and dealing with the hassle of lost property. Keeping the keys secure is not quite as easy as it sounds! Building security is dependent on taking special care and not taking anything for granted.
Safeguarding business premises with a professional security company
In order to make sure that building security is fool-proof and that the company has been safeguarded against the increase in crime rates, many businesses have now started outsourcing their security solutions to Key Patrol Security Services. Nationwide security concerns have been among the major reasons behind the rapid rise of security companies. Key Patrol are a professionally managed and trained security company with over 50 years experience in the private security sector. The security company cost factors are a deterrent, but most organisations realise that even a single burglary activity can make them lose many efficient man-hours. Advanced security devices are available in the market, but these need to be combined with excellent specialised security personnel to prove their mettle.
Security companies do much more than just provide personnel to keep a watch over the premises. Key Patrol provide nationwide security by protecting people and property 24/7 and make sure that there is no breach in the security systems that have been set into place by the people in charge. Security companies have personnel who have been trained in these aspects and have the expertise to deal with any untoward events relating to local or nationwide security. They make sure that their employees are trained in the latest technology and are equipped with the requisite equipment for building security.
Key holding and door security systems
One of the most important aspects of any building’s security is to make sure that the keys are with someone reliable and that no one is able to access the rooms without proper authorisation. Nationwide security surveys have shown that loss of keys has often resulted in heavy expenditure while trying to open locked rooms and secure areas, where the keys are not available. Security companies appoint keyholders and they usually follow the BS7984 industry standards. Security companies such as Key Patrol make sure that there is a prompt response to any intruder alarms from their rapid response units. Their keyholders are the ones who will respond to any alarms and who understand the mechanics of the alarm system. Only professional, fully trained staff attends activations, and in case of any serious incidents, they provide manned guards. Detailed regular reports are also provided.
Mobile vehicle and static guard patrols
Key Patrol provide round the clock patrolling of the business premises. Security alarms are the first step in the security of a building but these need to be augmented with security patrols, whether on foot by trained guards or in well-equipped highly visible vans. Key Patrol provides uniformed security officers in liveried vans, which are a great deterrent for anyone who may attempt to enter the premise without due permission or proper access rights. An increase in crime has resulted in an increase in the abilities of the thieves, and these can only be deterred by visible, efficient and highly trained security personnel. The mobile security vans patrol the area at irregular intervals, and they are able to cover the building at faster intervals than guards travelling on foot. The patrol officers in the vans can lock and unlock doors, they can keep a watch on late night workers, and they can make random visits to the internal areas of the site.
Additional security services
A security company like Key Patrol also provides several other services to suit the individual requirements of the company. They can escort the employees when special deliveries are made, they can do a regular check of the fire alarms, they can inspect buildings when they are vacant, and they can provide cost-effective solutions for the building security to suit the budget and requirements of their clients.
Did you like this article? Share it on social media.
Did you enjoy this post? Here are some more articles you may be interested in –