Site Security During The Christmas Shutdown

The Christmas shutdown is a particularly vulnerable period for trespass and theft as sites are effectively abandoned for weeks at a time. It is critical that site managers have the correct level of security during periods where sites are empty or have minimal human presence, not only to protect valuable buildings and assets, but also for insurance compliance purposes. 

For this reason, we have put together this simple guide to help keep your site safer during the holidays and help you have a relaxing stress-free break. 

Secure Your Site 

It’s impossible to ensure that your site is completely risk-free, however keeping your site locked and as secure as possible will certainly provide a deterrent against would be intruders. Unwanted intruders are less likely to target premises that have a high level of security, so make sure that your site is up to the job. Security solutions such as CCTV towers, warning signage, alarm systems and perimeter fencing can provide a real deterrent for would-be intruders. 

Protect Your Plant 

Plant machinery is valuable on any type of site and unfortunately these can be very difficult to secure due to their size. This is also true for plant accessories such as buckets, hydraulic breakers and compressors that can often cost tens of thousands of pounds to replace. When thinking of security, you should prioritise this type of asset and try to store it as far away from the public eye as possible.

Protect Your Valuable Assets 

Where possible, try to remove all valuable tools from your site and lock away any valuable building materials. If this isn’t practical, then removing them from view is a second option you should explore. If intruders cannot verify valuable assets, they are far less likely to attempt theft in the first place. 

Prepare For Severe Weather 

December always brings a mixture of weather, from gale force winds to freezing temperatures. Make sure that stacked items are secure, and equipment that could be vulnerable to winds are moved to a sheltered and secure area. 

Have a Designated Contact 

Even with the most precise planning, incidents can still occur. Ensure that either yourself or a colleague are contactable in the events of trespass, theft or even fire. In these types of situations, it’s always better to know earlier rather than later.