Best Use of Guarding During Winter Shut Down

At VPS we will always try to use a technology based security solution, but in some cases this neither possible or recommended.

Some of these would be if:

• The shut down of the site is only very temporary, meaning installing our alarm system or CCTV SmartTower would not be necessary.
• An instant security threat to a site has been identified such as a unauthorised encampment being evicted in the immediate area. This would need a security solution installed within the hour which one of our dog units can provide.
• If some human interaction is needed on site. Such as manning a gate house that would be receiving, for example, construction materials for work to re-begin.

Our manned guarding service can be deployed in all of these cases to keep your site secure.

We spoke to our Head of Guarding, José Rosa to give us some helpful tips and advice for when is best to use manned guarding. Helping keep you sites secure during the winter period.

What type of activity do we see a increase of during the winter period?

"During the winter months we start to see an increase in unauthorised activity. Opportunist take advantage of the darker nights and vacant properties are often considered an easy target.

We start to see a range of activity increase from:

• Burglary
• Squatting/Unauthorised encampments
• Copper theft
• Vandalism
• Youth activity
• Illegal Music Gatherings"

What type of guard would you recommend in these instances and why?

"An effective short-term solution against burglary, copper theft, vandalism and youth activity in my experience is our manned guarding services. With illegal music gatherings and squatting/unauthorised encampments it has to be stepped up a level with dog units being deployed.

Our guards act as clear visual deterrent and highly alert to any activity. To which from experience is a successful tool to prevent any intrusion. We have proven capability in preventing unauthorised encampments, squatting and illegal music events which is on the rise during December and the New Year."

How is best to identify what sites need increased protection?

"One of the eas­i­est ways to iden­ti­fy sites is using the VPS T‑Track initiative. Using our extensive resource we are able to iden­ti­fy secu­ri­ty threats at a local lev­el and which of our cus­tomers have prop­er­ties in that areas which are vul­ner­a­ble. We can then ensure we take extra steps to mitigate risk and support our customers with our reactive services, We have had a number of instances where we have had a whole team of handlers to site with in the hour."

Any other areas in which VPS can assist?

"As the days get colder we also see an increase in requirement to support holiday and sickness cover. We provide a wide range of manned security support services on an urgent basis to anywhere in the UK:

• Static Guarding
• Guards in Vehicles
• Dog Handlers
• Door Supervisors"
  

If you would like more information or a quote for our manned guarding services please use the form below. The full guarding brochure can also be found at the below link.

For more information about our Guarding Services - Click Here