The Christmas and New Year period is a time to unwind and spend time with family and friends. It is also a time when many businesses close or operate with reduced staff, which can create opportunities for theft, vandalism, or damage caused by equipment faults or environmental issues. Taking a few practical steps now will help ensure you return in January to a safe and secure workplace.
1. Check your security systems early
Test your alarms, CCTV, and access control systems well before your business closes. Confirm that alerts are being sent to the correct monitoring centre and that camera footage is clear and accessible. Early checks give you time to repair faults and update contact lists, ensuring a fast response if something happens during the break.
2. Review your patrol and alarm response coverage
If your site will be unattended, review your current patrol schedule or consider adding temporary coverage. Regular external patrols or random spot checks provide visible deterrence and can also pick up non-criminal issues such as flooding, damage, or equipment left running.
3. Secure all access points
Inspect every door, gate, and window to make sure they close and lock properly. Check that automatic schedules for access systems or roller doors are deactivated while your business is closed. A single unsecured entry point can undo all other precautions.
4. Protect valuable assets
Move high-value stock, equipment, or data storage away from windows or external walls. Secure portable items inside locked rooms or cages, and maintain an up-to-date asset list with serial numbers and photos. Good housekeeping can make insurance claims faster and easier if an incident occurs.
5. Maintain good lighting
A well-lit property is one of the simplest and most effective deterrents. Check all external lights, motion sensors, and timer settings to ensure they suit summer daylight hours. Proper lighting not only discourages intruders but also improves safety for staff or contractors who may visit during the holidays.
6. Update your contact and keyholder details
Ensure that your monitoring company, property manager, and emergency services have the correct details for after-hours contacts. Provide at least two keyholders who can attend the site if required. Outdated information can delay a response when time matters most.
7. Communicate with your team
Hold a short briefing before the break to outline closing procedures, who to contact in an emergency, and how to report concerns. Make security part of everyone’s responsibility so that nothing is overlooked in the rush to finish the year.
Plan ahead for peace of mind
The festive season should be a time to relax, not worry about what is happening at your premises. A few hours of preparation now can prevent expensive problems later and help you start the new year smoothly.
If you would like guidance on reviewing your security measures or additional patrol and monitoring options over the Christmas period, National Protective Services can help. Our team provides trusted, professional security support for businesses across Australia, so you can focus on enjoying the break knowing your assets are in safe hands. Contact us at info@natprot.com.au or call 1300 659 800.