Many businesses close or operate reduced hours over the Christmas period. While this gives staff time to rest, it can also leave commercial premises more vulnerable. Empty buildings, reduced foot traffic, and valuable equipment on site can make the holidays a high-risk time for break-ins and attempted theft.
Here are practical steps to help protect your business premises during the Christmas break.
Review Your Security Measures Before Closing
Before shutting down for the holidays, it is worth reviewing your current security arrangements. Check that all doors, windows, shutters, and gates are secure. If your business uses access control systems, make sure they are working as expected and update any temporary or expired staff access permissions.
Ensure CCTV Systems Are Working Properly
CCTV is one of the most effective tools for monitoring a property while no one is present. Before closing, check:
- Camera coverage and angles
- Night vision quality
- Storage capacity or cloud access
- Remote viewing access on phones or laptops
If your system allows, enable motion alerts so you can be notified of unexpected activity.
Use Lighting Strategically
Exterior lighting helps discourage intruders by reducing the cover of darkness. Motion-activated lighting near entrances, loading areas, and car parks is particularly effective. If your building is visible from the street, lighting can also signal that the premises are still monitored.
Consider Removing or Securing High-Value Items
If possible, move valuable items away from windows or exterior-facing display areas. Stock, tools, and equipment that are easily visible can attract attention. Secure internal storage rooms and lockable cages provide an additional layer of protection.
Avoid Advertising Closing Times Too Clearly
It is common to share holiday hours online, but sharing very specific closing details can unintentionally indicate when the building will be empty. If publishing hours, keep wording general and avoid highlighting the length of closure.
Ask Staff or Security to Check In
If the business will be closed for more than a couple of days, arranging periodic check-ins can help. This could be a manager visiting the site, a professional patrol service, or monitoring through remote CCTV. Small signs of activity can deter opportunistic attempts.
Conclusion
The Christmas break is meant to be a time to rest, not worry about the workplace. With thoughtful preparation, strategic use of CCTV, and secure physical protection, your business can remain safe throughout the holiday period.
If your business would benefit from improved CCTV coverage or monitoring this winter, A&M UK Security can provide tailored commercial security solutions.
