How to keep your business secure during the holiday season: a guide for business owners

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and increased business for many enterprises. However, along with the festive spirit comes an unfortunate surge in seasonal crime against businesses, including shoplifting, robbery, burglary, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. That’s why business owners need to take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of their premises and employees during this period. In this article, we will explore several strategies to keep your business secure during the holiday season.

Some ways to keep your business secure during the holiday and festive season

Security risk 1: Increased shoplifting because shops are busier, and staff are more distracted.

During this time, shops and eating establishments are bustling, and employees may be more distracted. This provides opportunistic shoplifters with the ideal environment to commit theft. To deter shoplifters and minimise these incidents:

• Employ extra concierge and security staff: Having additional security personnel on-site can be a powerful deterrent to potential shoplifters. Their presence alone can discourage thieves, especially opportunists.

• Strategic merchandise placement: Place high-value stock away from front windows or counters, making it harder for shoplifters to snatch or conceal items.

• Staff training: Train employees to recognise and respond to shoplifting incidents safely and effectively. They should know how to identify suspicious behaviour and follow established protocols for handling such situations.

Security risk 2: Increased cash volumes equals greater risk of robbery

Increased holiday sales mean businesses tend to have more cash on their premises, making them potential targets for robbery. To reduce this risk:

• Limit cash holdings: Minimise the amount of cash on-site by making regular bank deposits and arranging for more frequent cash collections by your security company during busy times.

• Employee Safety: Ensure your employees have a safe place to escape to in case of a robbery. Familiarise them with the quickest and safest routes to these designated safe areas. Regularly remind them of safety protocols for events like shoplifting and robbery.

Security risk 3: More burglary and vandalism against businesses that close for several weeks over summer

Many businesses close for several weeks during the holiday season, making them vulnerable to burglary and vandalism. To protect your business from such risks:

• Avoid obvious signals: Where possible, avoid signage or signals that indicate your premises will be unattended for an extended period. This reduces the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention.

• Equipment and alarm checks: Before closing for the holidays, thoroughly test all alarms and security equipment to ensure they are in good working order. Double-check that all windows and doors are locked and secure.

• Power management: Switch off and unplug computers and other electronic devices that do not need to be operational during the holiday period to reduce the risk of electrical fires and unnecessary power usage. Setting up selected internal lighting on a timer can be a useful way of giving the illusion someone is in the premises.

• Security patrol service: Consider employing a security patrol service to regularly check all is well at the premises and deter potential intruders.

• Use a security monitoring service: Larger businesses are advised to consider a security monitoring service that provides real-time checking of security cameras and immediate alerts to security patrol. Talk to us for more information.

Security risk 4: More antisocial behaviour

During the festive season, alcohol consumption and other substances can lead to heightened levels of antisocial or aggressive behaviour. To protect your employees and customers:

• Employee training: Educate your employees on how to identify potential signs of trouble and advise them on steps to de-escalate situations and keep themselves and their co-workers safe.

• On-site security: Consider hiring a security guard during peak times of potential trouble, such as Saturday nights, to prevent problems and ensure the safety of your staff and customers.

• Display prominent signage stating abusive behaviour will not be tolerated: Make it clear to customers that inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Display prominent signage to that effect by entrances and in the premises. Advise your employees on what they should do if confronted by an abusive customer or member of the public.

Taking steps to keep your business secure during the holidays becomes a top priority as the festive and holiday season approaches. By taking the necessary precautions and implementing these strategies, you can minimise the risks associated with increased crime and antisocial behaviour. Safeguarding your business during this time not only protects your assets but also protects employee and customer well-being.

Need a casual security guard or secure cash transport support over Christmas and New Year? Find out how we can help.