While you’re switching off, your holiday security can’t. Everyone loves the end-of-year shutdown. It’s a chance to take a break, unwind, and head off on an adventure. However, when the office is empty and no one’s around to keep an eye on things, criminals look for signs that a property is vulnerable so they can make their move.
The good news? There are practical holiday security measures you can put in place to keep your business safe while you’re away.
5 Holiday Security Measures to Keep Your Business Safe
During the festive season, crime often spikes – especially at business premises that stand vacant for days or weeks. To strengthen your holiday security, we recommend putting these measures in place:
1. Review Your Security Policy With Employees
Before employees go on leave:
- Make sure they understand company security procedures and protocols.
- Remind them to lock away office valuables over the holiday period.
- Communicate any rules if they’ll be using the office for year-end functions.
- If certain staff will be working during the shutdown, ensure they are aware of and follow company cybersecurity policies to protect data.
A quick pre-shutdown briefing can help close many gaps in your holiday security plan.
2. Make Sure Your Office Security Equipment Is Working
Whatever security measures you rely on, double-check that they’re fully functional before shutdown:
- Test your alarm system.
- Confirm that locks, gates and access control systems are working properly.
- Check your security cameras – ensure they’re activated, covering vulnerable areas, and not blocked by festive décor or banners.
A minor fault can undermine your entire holiday security setup if it’s not detected in time.
3. Inform Your Alarm/Monitoring Company of Holiday Hours
Let your monitoring or alarm company know:
- Your official holiday shutdown dates and hours.
- Whether anyone will be on-site during that time.
- Who they should contact in case of an alarm or incident (updated emergency call list).
Alerting them upfront allows them to heighten their watch and respond more effectively if something happens while you’re closed.
4. Be Cautious With Public Wi-Fi
Holiday security isn’t just about the building – it’s also about your data.
If employees will be working remotely during the holiday period:
- Avoid accessing sensitive company systems over unsecured public Wi-Fi.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to enable staff to connect securely to the company network.
- Remind employees not to download or share sensitive documents on personal or unsecured devices.
Good cyber hygiene is a critical part of modern holiday security for businesses.
5. Lock Up Properly
It sounds obvious, but it’s still one of the most important steps:
- Check that all entrances, exits and windows are properly locked.
- Lock internal offices or rooms that house sensitive data, equipment or stock.
- Review your access control system:
- Staff working over the holiday should retain appropriate access.
- Access for others can be temporarily suspended as an added precaution.
A final “lock-up checklist” should be part of your standard holiday security procedure every year.
Is Your Business Secure for the Holidays?
It’s sensible to make your work environment as secure as possible – especially when it will stand empty. A thoughtful holiday security plan, combined with the right systems and processes, can significantly reduce risk.
If your business needs new security measures installed before the holiday shutdown period, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. CSG Security specialises in high-tech commercial security solutions, including:
- Intercom systems
- Access control systems
- Gate and garage automation
- CCTV systems and alarms
- Off-site monitoring and linked response
Contact us today to strengthen your holiday security and make sure your business is protected while you’re taking a well-earned break.