Keeping a factory safe during the Christmas shutdown period isn’t easy. It’s the one time of year when burglars know there are no security officers working. You can, of course, put some typical measures in place, such as CCTV cameras and alarms but these won’t always deter a burglar, especially during Christmas when there are fewer police officers around, and fewer people watching. So what can you do to keep the place safe? Well, the best option is to hire security staff, but on Christmas day, these contracts can be pricey. Another option is to ensure your CCTV footage can be streamed from your home, but you don’t want to spend Christmas day looking at the place you are supposed to be away from. If you can empty the workplace to the point where any extremely important equipment is stored off-site, that will no doubt ease your concerns, but in general, if you’ve put the main protection measures in place your factory should be fine.

Protecting your business is always a top priority, however, no property is 100% protected from intruders. There are a few things to consider to help maximise security to your small shop:

CCTV- Having a video camera recording entry points of your shop will instantly deter an intruder as they never want their face to be seen. Your CCTV evidence can be used should you catch any intruder on tape.

Security grills- Metal gates provide an extra layer of protection and a strong layer at that. Metal security grills are noisy to open and close, which would instantly draw attention to the intruder if they are foolish enough to try and enter via this entry point.

Alarm system- Having an alarm system is a basic starting point for securing your shop but is so important. An alarm will sound if an intruder enters, this will alert you and will usually make the intruder leave before they have time to take anything of value.

It is said that the most common route of entry into a home by a burglar is through a door while following this is entry via a window. Keeping that in mind, you can see why it is so important to focus your home’s security on its entry points.

There is really no predicting when a home break-in is going to happen, that’s why it is so important to have preventative measures in place to prevent it from occurring. Making sure you have secure doors to your home is a good place to start. Having a sturdy door with a secure locking system will defiantly cause an obstacle for any intruder attempting to enter via this route.

Windows are usually only used if they are easy to unlock or are left unlocked. One of the most important things to do before you leave your home is to check you have locked all windows in your home. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, you may want to consider adding iron railings to your windows, this can be done internally making it less obvious to passers-by.

Holidays should be a time where you can relax, unwind and take a break from your hectic day to day life. Worrying about your personal belongings while you are away can take away the enjoyment, and become a burden to your travels, that’s why it is important to prepare in advance.

Insurance- Holiday insurance is important if you want to protect your items legally, covering flight delays, lost luggage, lost/stolen passports and any medical costs.

Passport- Passports should be kept safe at all times, handing them into the hotel reception to lock them away or lock them in your hotel rooms personal safe is the best option. Do not carry passports around with you. Make photocopies of your passport before you leave.

Money and bank cards- Bank cards should be kept safe within your hotel safe, and keep any cash to a minimum. Split your cash up in your bag, not keeping it all in one wallet can be helpful.