/ By admin / hospital security/ 0 Comments

How to Improve Hotel Security

Hotel Security

Generating upwards of £100 billion a year, the UK tourist industry sets the gold standard when it comes to hospitality. To maintain those high standards – attention has to be paid to the finest of details, from the smile at reception to the complimentary breakfasts and extra pillows.

However, an aspect of hotel operations that is often neglected is that of hotel security. Sometimes treated as an afterthought, many hotel operators decide against prioritizing safety and security until it becomes too late.

Crime and safety at hotels

While hotels can be a haven and safe space for weary travellers, they can also attract unsavoury elements of the criminal underbelly. Hotels are made to be welcoming environments, which means access can be all too easy for thieves looking to steal high-value goods from unsuspecting guests. Hotels may also be a victim of other common crimes like vandalism and violence and have their guests’ safety threatened by unwanted guests or trespassers.

How to maintain safety standards at hotels

One solution for hotels looking to deal with unwanted visitors is to employ manned guarding. However, this can prove to be a complicated solution. While having someone at the front door to check the ID cards of guests, or request reservation names can help stop intruders, it also creates an unfriendly atmosphere and guests may even be offended by being asked. In an age, where review sites like TripAdvisor can make or break reputations, it is important to find more nuanced solutions.

Access control equipment

One such solution is to opt instead for access control equipment. By providing all guests with key cards to access stairways and their rooms, you remove the need to check the credentials of each guest. Guests can be safe in the knowledge that their belongings are secure, intruders are unable to easily gain access to unathorized areas, and you avoid the risk of upsetting your patrons.

Of course, not all intruders will try to gain access to your hotel through the front door. Particularly at large hotels, or those that cater to business travellers, there can be many different entry and exit points. It is important to have access control equipment fitted for those areas too.

Hotel Parking

For hotels that have underground parking, security practices should extend there too. This may come in the form of barriers, bollards, or high-tech solutions like automatic number plate recognition systems. Guest vehicles can be a high prize for criminal gangs, and even if they are not stolen, they may be vandalised or goods taken from inside.

The risks to hotels are numerous and should not be underestimated. The best place to begin is with a thorough risk assessment that takes into account the nature of your operations and where you may be vulnerable.

Here at Gateway Automation, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey. We also offer a nationwide reactive call-out service to deal with any equipment issues and are proud to be Gate Safe accredited. Call us today on 01522 682255 for more information.

 

/ By admin / vacant properties • vacant property security/ 0 Comments

How to Secure Vacant Properties

vacant properties

Vacant properties can be like a moth to a flame when it comes to attracting criminal activity. Almost every city and town in the UK has unoccupied premises that have been blighted by vandalism, flytipping, and other nuisances. However, these crimes can often snowball – leading to serious criminal damage, theft of materials, and even arson. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can safeguard an empty property.

How to secure a property that is only vacant for a short period

Properties can become vacant for many reasons. While some may be awaiting sale for a long period, others may be simply closed for a short amount of time – such as for refurbishment.

When any property closes its doors, this typically results in less footfall around the site, which means a greater risk/reward ratio for would-be criminals as they are less likely to be caught in the act.

An easy way to avoid unwanted attention is to make it appear as if your site is occupied when it isn’t. This might be a case of using security or triggered lighting, making regular trips to your site, or avoiding posting information online about your closure.

How to secure a property that is vacant for a longer amount of time

For properties that are out of use for a longer amount of time – it pays to think carefully about your security planning and to keep up appearances.

Keeping your property well maintained by cutting grass and clearing away debris, and making regular visits to deal with postage are simple strategies that you can employ. You should also turn off gas, electric, and water supplies that could be abused by trespassers.

However, for most long-term vacancies, it pays to secure your boundaries in the strongest way possible. You can use anti-climb paint to warn of intruders, and install heavy-duty gates or barriers that make site access difficult both on foot or in a vehicle.

Criminal gangs have been known to target empty properties for theft of scrap metal and other precious materials. However, these gangs will rarely approach on foot, and as such restricting vehicular access should be high on your agenda. You can achieve this through tools like road blockers, as well as heavy-duty gates and barriers.

If you own a property that could become vacant soon then security planning should be high on your agenda. Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe