The Christmas period is a welcome opportunity for many businesses to close their premises and give employees a well-earned break. However, empty offices, warehouses, construction sites, retail premises and commercial properties can become more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, trespassing and other security incidents during holiday shutdowns.

A few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risks and help ensure your business returns to normal operations without unwanted surprises.

1. Review Who Has Access to the Site

Before closing for Christmas, confirm who retains authorised access to the premises. Remove temporary permissions where appropriate and ensure all keys, access cards and codes are accounted for.

Having clear access controls can help reduce the risk of unauthorised entry while the premises are unattended.

NOTE: for Construction and Demolition Sites, if you have heavy plant or vehicles on site, remember to block your gates with some equipment to stop vehicle access, fly tippers or caravan dwellers getting onto site

2. Test Security Systems

Check that intruder alarms, CCTV systems, access control equipment and any remote monitoring services are operating correctly before your business closes.

If faults are identified, arrange repairs before the holiday period begins.

3. Secure High-Value Assets

Portable equipment, tools, fuel, vehicles and valuable stock should be stored securely wherever possible.

Construction sites, vehicle compounds and vacant properties are often targeted during extended closure periods, making effective asset protection essential.

4. Improve Site Lighting

Well-lit premises can act as a deterrent to opportunistic criminals.

Ensure external lighting, security lighting and timer-controlled internal lighting are operational before leaving the site unattended.

5. Remove Visible Signs of Closure

Where possible, avoid making it obvious that nobody is present.

Regular visits, property inspections and scheduled security patrols help create the appearance of an actively managed site.

6. Update Emergency Contact Information

Ensure alarm receiving centres (ARC's), monitoring providers and keyholders have up-to-date contact details.

Delays in responding to incidents can increase both disruption and financial losses.

7. Arrange Professional Keyholding

If an alarm activates at 2am on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Eve, who responds?

Professional keyholding services ensure trained personnel can attend alarm activations, investigate incidents and coordinate an appropriate response without disrupting your holiday.

8. Schedule Mobile Security Patrols

Regular mobile security patrols provide visible security presence and reassurance during periods when premises would otherwise be empty.

Patrols can include:

• External security inspections

• Lock and unlock services

• Welfare and site condition checks

• Perimeter inspections

• Incident reporting

9. Don't Forget Vacant Properties

Empty buildings can attract unwanted attention during Christmas and New Year.

Regular Void Property Inspections (VPI's) help identify issues such as attempted break-ins, vandalism, fly-tipping, water leaks or security breaches before they become more serious problems.

10. Create a Christmas Closure Checklist

Before locking up, work through a structured checklist covering:

✅ Alarm systems activated

✅ CCTV operational

✅ Doors and windows secured

✅ Valuable items removed or locked away

✅ External lighting tested

✅ Emergency contacts updated

✅ Security arrangements confirmed

Taking a few minutes to complete these checks can provide valuable peace of mind over the festive period.

Christmas Closure Checklist

Before Your Business Closes on Xmas Eve or last working day make sure:

□ Intruder alarm tested and set

□ CCTV recording correctly

□ Doors and windows secured

□ Gates and barriers locked

□ Fuel stores protected

□ Vehicles secured

□ Deliveries suspended or redirected

□ Emergency contact details verified

□ Keyholding arrangements confirmed

□ Mobile patrols booked

□ Vacant property inspections arranged

□ Winter weather risks checked

Keep Christmas Safe

Whether you require security guards, mobile patrols, keyholding, alarm response or vacant property inspections, planning ahead can help protect your business during the festive period.

Basingstoke Security supports businesses across Basingstoke, Hampshire and the surrounding areas with professional security services tailored to individual requirements.

Need Christmas security cover?

📞 01256 831838

✉️ info@basingstokesecurity.com

Or complete our online enquiry form for a free, no-obligation quotation for peace of mind!