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 patrols or spot checks provide a visible deterrent and can also identify non-criminal issues such as flooding, damage, or equipment left running.
3. Secure All Access Points
Inspect every door, gate, and window to ensure 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 undermine all other precautions.
4. Protect Valuable Assets
Move high-value items away from windows or external walls. Secure portable equipment in locked areas and maintain an up-to-date asset list with serial numbers and photos.
Good preparation 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 external lighting, motion sensors, and timer settings to ensure they suit summer daylight hours.
Proper lighting discourages intruders and improves safety for anyone accessing the site during the break.
6. Update Contact and Keyholder Details
Ensure your monitoring company and relevant contacts have up-to-date after-hours details. Provide at least two keyholders who can attend the site if required.
Outdated information can delay response times when it matters most.
7. Communicate with Your Team
Hold a short briefing before closing to outline procedures, emergency contacts, and reporting expectations.
Making security a shared responsibility helps ensure nothing is missed in the end-of-year rush.
Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind
The festive season should be a time to relax, not worry about your premises. A few hours of preparation now can prevent costly issues later and help you start the new year smoothly.
If you would like guidance on reviewing your security setup or arranging patrol and monitoring services over the holiday period, National Protective Services can help.
Contact our team at info@natprot.com.au or call 1300 659 800.