18th November 2024
The festive season is a time for celebration, joy, and, let’s be honest, maybe a little bit of chaos. For businesses, it’s one of the busiest times of the year, but unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for opportunistic criminals.
Statistics show that not everyone views Christmas as a time for unity and goodwill. Shoplifting rates in the last quarter of the year are typically 25% higher than in the previous quarter, as thieves use the increased activity to blend in and go unnoticed. Robbery of personal and business property also rises by 5%.
While these figures might be disheartening for those who see this season as one of love and giving, it doesn’t mean that business owners should accept this reality passively. Quite the opposite – there are many precautions you can take to prevent criminals from ruining your company’s Christmas (and profits). Here’s your essential guide to keeping your firm safe during the festive rush.
With increased foot traffic, extra stock, and a hectic atmosphere, it’s more important than ever to ensure your business is protected from potential threats.
Before the holiday rush fully takes over, it’s a good idea to review your current security measures. Are your CCTV cameras operational? Is your alarm system up to date? Double-check that your staff know the procedures in case of emergencies. Being proactive can save you a world of trouble later on.
The holidays mean more stock, which also means more risk. Make sure high-value items are stored securely, and consider using inventory tracking systems to minimise loss. Don’t forget to keep track of deliveries – it’s all too easy for extra shipments to go missing amidst the festive frenzy.
Ensure that your firewall is strong, that software is updated, and that passwords are regularly changed. Cybersecurity threats can be just as damaging as physical ones – especially during the holidays, when criminals know businesses are often stretched thin.
Your staff are your best defence. Make sure they are trained to handle peak season security risks, from spotting suspicious behaviour to handling cash safely. Remind them of simple yet effective measures, such as not leaving tills unattended or ensuring stockroom doors are closed.
Don’t let cash build up in the till – make regular drops into a secure safe to minimise the risk of theft. Consider scheduling extra collections from your cash-in-transit provider if necessary.
With more temporary staff on hand and a general influx of people, it’s crucial to control who has access to different parts of your premises. Issue ID badges, keep non-public areas locked, and ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive areas like stockrooms or offices.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the season, but don’t forget the basics: lock doors, arm the alarm system, and don’t leave valuable items in plain sight. Sometimes, the most effective security measures are the simplest.
Phishing attempts and online scams tend to increase over the festive period, targeting both businesses and customers. Be cautious with any unexpected emails, especially those that request sensitive information or contain suspicious links. Educate your employees about these risks, and have clear procedures in place for reporting suspicious activity.
No matter how well-prepared you are, things can still go wrong. Make sure you have a contingency plan in place for dealing with emergencies, whether it’s a theft, a power outage, or another disruption. Knowing how to respond quickly can minimise damage and help you recover faster.
If the festive season is particularly busy for your business, bring in the additional support that only Stage Security can provide. Our team of trained professionals is experienced in managing the unique challenges that the holiday period poses. We offer tailored solutions, including manned guarding, mobile patrols, and rapid response services, ensuring a strong physical presence that helps to deter theft and protect your assets during this high-risk time.
Stage Security understands the festive rush and the added pressures that come with it, and we’re here to make sure your business stays secure. Whether it’s monitoring crowds, safeguarding your stock, or providing a visible deterrent, our professionals can adapt to your specific needs. Let us help you stay ahead of potential risks so you can focus on delivering the best experience to your customers.
To learn more about how we can assist you during the festive season, request a free, no-obligation quote today – and let’s make sure your business remains safe and sound.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
