Criminals entering a jewellery retail store have often sought to find jewellery retail shop security vulnerabilities within the business and at the premises prior to carrying out a theft, so that they are clear on where and when they will carry out their crime.

Interestingly, theft on jewellery retailers has significantly reduced since 2000. According to a report by UK Metropolitan Police: Burglaries on Jewellery 2000 – 2014.  In 2014 there were just 16 burglaries reported with goods stolen to a value of: £49,378.00, compared to 2000 which saw 150 burglaries totalling too £1794,268.70 and in 2001, 100 burglaries amounted to tremendous value of £4,336,566.28. The report lists rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets and earrings as just some of the items stolen over the 14 year period.

Possibly, down to varying trends in what is seen to be most valuable or an easy target / sale. The reduction in jewellery retail crime could also be recognised for the growing choice in jewellery retail security equipment available to commercial retailers and especially those within the jewellery retail sector.

Finding the right jewellery retail security for your business

To a protect jewellery shop effectively, carrying out a risk assessment is paramount to the safety of all staff, goods and their premises. Secondly it is finding the right jewellery retail shop security equipment to suit the business. Using CCTV is a visual deterrent to potential intruders and also captures valuable information for police to examine should a robbery take place. At the higher end of the market, Fog Security / Smoke Screen Security can prevent items from being stolen for a premises by filling the shop with fog / smoke and reducing visibility within seconds.

If you own or run a jewellery retail shop, then you will appreciate the high level of commercial security required in protecting valuable stock. Often expensive goods are kept on the premises, subjecting employees too many dangers when working day to day. Whilst considering the protection of their stock on one hand, on the other employees are mindful of offering their buyers the very best experience in customer service so that they can interact, touch and try on high value goods.

Protecting jewellery retailers is a high priority for SGS Systems. We appreciate that staff can be exposed to concerning activity and together with our professional security team, we deliver confidential risk assessments to ascertain where security vulnerabilities lie and where areas of a jewellery retail shop should be protected.

Historically we have looked after many jewellery retailers and manufacturing warehouses, particularly in the Birmingham jewellery quarter and across the UK. To find out more about how we could protect your business with jewellery retail shop security, please contact our jewellery retail security team for further information.

Blogs used to write this article:

• https://beta.met.police.uk/globalassets/foi-media/disclosure_2015/july_2015/territorial-policing-command—burglaries-made-on-jewellery-shops-in-the-last-15-years
• http://www.naj.co.uk/en/member-services/security-help-advice.cfm

Further Reading:

The national association of jewellers is a founding partner in the SafeGems scheme which looks to support the safety of jewellers in their field by linking with all UK police forces too:

• Co-ordinate data from the trade on incidents and suspicious events
• Send alerts to members of the NAG, the NAJ and those insured via T H March
• Co-ordinate data across police forces to improve identification and conviction of criminals.

Jewellers and retailers can find out more by visiting their website: www.safergems.org.uk

Since the launch of the very first smartphone by IBM back in 1994, the use of Apps to enhance our daily lives has grown considerably, so that we may improve our efficiency and keep us connected. In recent years, smart security App technology has come under scrutiny as to how secure it really operates in terms of cyber security.

Smartphone Apps keep us connected with friends through social media, enable us to check our email, check our bank balance, research information, play games, watch videos, listen to music and now with its connect-ability into the home becoming more popular than ever, we can control our heating and lighting through the touch of a button. The technical term for connecting inanimate objects using smartphone technology is called Internet of Things and the industry is estimated to connect 30 billion gadgets into our digital infrastructure by 2020, according to predictions by IDC.com. Household items such as washing machines, kettles and fridges are already seeing developments in combining this technology with the way in which we use them daily and so it is now certain that this is how our homes will operate in the very near future.

The vulnerabilities of smart security App technology

Using smartphone smart security App technology to check home CCTV cameras has been around for some time now, keeping a check on the house whilst at work or on holiday gives people that peace of mind that everything is ok and protected. However not all cameras and Apps are secure and some cheaper models have come under close scrutiny in terms of their safeguarding. Interception from hackers to obtain personal information or to even hijack equipment and watch people through home CCTV is the main concern for anyone using this type of technology. Here at SGS Systems Ltd we recommend only the market leading quality smart security App technology and home CTTV security equipment currently available.

If you are considering using this type of smart security App technology to protect your home and are thinking of installing home CCTV at your house then please contact our CCTV security team for a confidential review and find out how we can help to protect your home securely with smart security app technology.

Blogs used to write this article:

• http://www.darkreading.com/endpoint/kill-chain-and-the-internet-of-things-/a/d-id/1328681
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/11037225/20-years-of-the-smartphone-an-evolution-in-pictures.html

Crime against commercial retail security is on the rise

In the latest crime 2017 report by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) Crime against convenience retailers cost an estimated £232m in 2016 – an average of over £4,600 a store and of that value, shop theft amounted to £130m-plus – equivalent to £2,600 a store

With alcohol, meat and confectionary being the most common items stolen, last year shop fraud cost convenience stores more than £8m; whilst violence against shop retailers and employees reached a staggering £61m. There has been a rise in the number of crimes reported, however this is thought to be due to several reasons including the fact that retailers are now investing more heavily in commercial retail security by implementing efficient CCTV equipment at their premises, so that they are more aware of circumstances occurring in their stores and so that possible thieves can be monitored more closely.

Unfortunately, in many cases retail theft often goes un-reported. James Lowman, chief executive at ACS executive encourages store owners to come forward and report any occurrences to their local police force and highlights that these instances are “not victimless crimes”.

“We encourage retailers to build relationships with local police forces and show them the damage, both financial and human, that theft and other crimes do to them and their staff.”

Under a new commercial retail security initiative, the UK government are now considering new ways to tackle retail crime by looking at what drives criminals to carry out these offences. Steered by Sara Newton, minister for vulnerability, safeguarding and countering extremism, it is hoped that through their investigations they will be able to “bring new research, techniques and technology together to prevent offending and bring perpetrators to justice”.

We can help independent retailers and national retail chains with commercial retail security

Here at SGS Systems we work closely with commercial warehouse unit owners, independent retailers and national retail chains across the UK to protect their premises with commercial retail security, stock and staff with CCTV, comprehensive alarm systems and smoke security which can be connected to local police authority departments and offer first response services.

To find out more about how we could support your business with our sophisticated commercial retail security systems, please contact us for further information.

Blogs used to write this article:

• http://www.talkingretail.com/category-news/industrynews/convenience-stores-count-cost-retail-crime/

In a recent poll by security firm Yale, 2000 UK adults were asked key questions about their home security protection. It was surprising to realise that from those interviewed, 70% of UK adults do not have a burglar alarm fitted in their home. One in ten people will go out of the property leaving windows and doors open and when moving to a new house, fitting a security alarm came in at no.43 out of 50 on the list of things to do.

Home security should be a consideration when moving house

When moving to a new house there’s often a lot to organise and home security may not be a high priority above all the other tasks that go with buying a new home, however it is essential that new homeowners should make a few security checks on their property as soon as they move in, so as to ensure that their premises is safe and so that they may have peace of mind that they are protected. Checking that catches and locks on windows are in good working order and changing locks on external doors to new devices will guarantee that you are the only key holder and keep you safe.

Nigel Fisher Yale MD says, “Home Office figures have highlighted that you are almost twice as likely to be burgled in the first 12 months of being in a new home, so security should be at the forefront of people’s minds when moving.”

The next step is to have home security protection installed. A house burglar alarm and / or CCTV security will enable you to protect your property fully and deter any unwanted intruders. Sussing out the location you’re moving too and talking to neighbours and local communities will also help you to establish your own opinion on the safety of the area.

Are you a home owner living in the West Midlands and looking for home security? Here at SGS Systems we install and maintain west midlands house burglar alarm systems to suit homes of all sizes and specifications. Our experienced team of security engineers are on hand to supply the right west midlands security solution to suit your property. Please contact us to find out more about how we can protect you and your premises.

Blogs used to write this article:

• https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3226116/seven-out-of-ten-brits-dont-have-a-burglar-alarm/

Emerging from the Winter and with the UK clock change soon upon us, it won’t be long now before we’ll all be enjoying the great outdoors again with the warmer weather. So what should we be considering in terms of our West Midlands Home Protection?

This is a great time of year to get our homes back on track when it comes to improvements. With new ideas for where to upgrade our beloved properties and protect our investments, new goals for how we’d like to enhance our surroundings and be safe are just some of the objectives on the personal DIY list.

Not only protecting our homes but also garages, sheds and outbuildings are a key part in keeping our beloved property safe. Pedal Bikes, Motorbikes & other outdoor toys are often of a high value these days and are also easy targets for intruders wishing to sell on quickly and make some quick cash.

SGS Systems offer west midlands home protection

Here at SGS Systems we look at the whole security picture! Not only your home but also the surrounding premises and through our confidential survey we can build a West Midlands Home Protection plan to suite our west midlands home owner’s security needs.

Providing security in terms of CTTV Monitoring and Burglar Alarms in both wired and wireless solutions enables home owners to fully secure their property and deter any intruder activity. All of our equipment is thoroughly tested and is designed to SSAIB standard.  Supported by appointed key holder info and in some cases police response, we will ensure that your premises is fully protected and is monitored regularly with annual checks.

If you are looking for West Midlands Home Protection or to upgrade your existing home security this Spring 2017 then please contact our property security team at SGS Systems. We offer free and no obligation confidential security reviews for homeowners across the West Midlands and the UK.

A London Warehouse was recently the subject of a warehouse commercial security breach when it was at the centre of a heist on the 29^th – 30^th January 2017.

According to Scotland Yard, the planned attack resulted in a number of valuable books being stolen, which dated back to 15^th & 16^th century.

Three thieves were reported to take over 160 publications and the books included works by Galileo, Isaac Newton, Leonardo da Vinci and a 1569 edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy; plus, the most expensive – a 1566 copy of Nicolaus Copernicus’s De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, worth approximately £215,000.

Rare book dealers who stored their precious works at the warehouse in good faith that their property was protected securely with warehouse commercial security were devastated to hear of the theft, with one dealer losing up to £618,000 worth of material.

In a ‘Mission Impossible’ style attack, the three men in question were said to have bored holes through the roof of the warehouse and then abseiled down a forty-foot rope, avoiding and sensors in the building.

The Metropolitan police have asked anyone with any further information to get in contact.

Warehouse Commercial Security with SGS Systems Ltd

Are you an owner of a warehouse or operating a warehouse businesses? Here at SGS Systems we provide warehouse commercial security to commercial companies who dispatch their own produce from a warehouse or store goods at their premises on behalf of other third party retailers. Our integrated warehouse commercial security includes many types of protection from wireless alarm systems and CCTV to our effective Fog Security which is often ideal for larger commercial premises who are looking for ultimate protection.

For further information and for a confidential security review of your warehouse business premises, please contact our warehouse commercial security team to find out how we can help to support your business with warehouse commercial security.

Articles used to write this blog

• https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/12/thieves-steal-2m-of-rare-books-by-abseiling-into-warehouse
• http://www.thebookseller.com/news/2m-heist-sparks-disbelief-antiquarian-book-community-487036

Local business SGS Systems Ltd has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

SGS Systems Ltd is principally involved in the security sector, specialising in Intruder Alarms, CCTV and Fog security.  Our most recent clients have included major players such as: Sainsbury’s.

The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place."

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that SGS Systems Ltd  has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.”

Kevin Foster, General Manager at SGS Systems Ltd added, “Gaining this accreditation has demonstrated our commitment as a business to Health & Safety and the welfare of everyone involved when carrying out security installations and maintenance repairs. Throughout the accreditation process we have provided evidence that we adhere to Health & Safety regulation and that all of our staff are trained to necessary requirements ”.

Your car is your pride and joy and taking care of it with Garage CCTV Security is the first step to keeping it safe.  Your vehicle is not only a status symbol, but also a machine that you rely on so much throughout your daily life. Losing a car can be disastrous and more than just manifest into an inconvenience, before taking into account the cost of replacing or getting by using alternative transport.

With the West Midlands ranked third in the country for the most desirable place to steal a car according to an April 2016 article written by the Express newspaper and stolen cars up by 9%, in 2015, despite previous years showing decline, according to a 2016 article written by the Guardian newspaper.  Luxury Cars such as Audi S3, Land Rover Defender, Range Rover Discovery and BMW X5: 3.1 top the list in terms of most desirable cars stolen by thieves who want to make money.

So how should we protect our beloved vehicles and how could Garage CCTV Security help?

1. Test the central locking – Lock the car and then double check that it’s locked before walking away from the vehicle.
2. Don’t leave valuables on display – Hide any possessions, especially valuable ones such as sunglasses, smartphones, audio & IT equipment.  Also, important paperwork with names, addresses and banking information which could be utilised for identity theft.
3. Don’t leave your vehicle running – It’s often tempting to let the car run whilst popping back for a forgotten item or warm up the car on a cold and frosty day. Unfortunately, this leaves the owner wide open to being car jacked, which often insurers won’t cover.
4. Lock your gates and garage doors – If your property is gated then make sure that your gates are locked after you arrive and after you leave the property to ensure that intruders can’t gain access easily.
5. Install Garage CCTV Security – Protecting your car port or garage with garage cctv security will not only deter intruders but also give you the owner evidence in any related car crime situations.
6. Install a security alarm – For extra protection, a security alarm will ensure the property environment for where the vehicle is stored is thoroughly protected.

For more information on Garage CCTV Security and to see our selection of comprehensive security alarms, please contact our team to find out more about how SGS Systems Ltd can protect your luxury vehicle.

Articles used to write this blog:

• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/advice/how-to-prevent-car-theft/
• https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jun/25/hi-tech-thieves-keyless-car-crime-electronic-security
• http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/663660/Is-YOUR-town-on-our-CAR-THEFT-table

As West Midlands Security continues to be at the forefront of our agenda, here at SGS Systems we thought that we would begin January 2017, by showcasing West Midlands Security in terms of how the West Midlands Police operate in conjunction with local communities and how us as home owners can protect our property, streets and the community we live in, so that we all may stay safer throughout the coming year.

Police establishments across the UK regularly promote awareness by asking the public to be vigilant and take necessary care to secure properties and improve communities. So how can we get involved to protect ourselves and our neighbourhoods with West Midlands Security?

West Midlands Security – Staying Safe Schemes

The West Midlands Police run several schemes across the region which involve individuals and communities to improve areas and create safer places, these include:

Street Watch – Currently operating in Birmingham and Solihull areas, volunteer group street patrols are managed by a group leader to provide “advice, guidance and support in consultation with the local police” and can report incidents but not get involved. Volunteers are trained and asked to attend regular update meetings. They must patrol in pairs and carry mobile phones at all times.

Street Pastors – These schemes are run in conjunction with local church’s and are offered on a regional basis to cities, towns and villages for the purpose of caring for neighbourhood’s where issues could arise. With a staggering 2500 volunteers now operating in over 100 locations across the UK, street pastors are on hand to help people in vulnerable situations and often work late into the night and over weekends.

Neighbourhood Watch – Through the scheme, neighbours and communities come together to make areas “a safe and pleasant place to live” and have close and regular contact with dedicated police members to protect their street or group. Currently operating throughout Wolverhampton is Pub Watch, Horse Watch and Business Watch; whilst Neighbourhood Watch is the most common scheme used by individual streets and areas. Individual communities know what’s best for their areas and so this scheme allows voluntary representatives to report back to the police on behalf of their group as to where improvements could be made or if they have any concerning issues.

For more information on West Midlands Security or if you have a property or area which you are looking to advance in security protection, then why not speak to our West Midlands Security team? With over 25 years’ experience in House Burglar Alarm and CCTV Security installation for Wolverhampton, West Midlands and operating across the UK, we provide scalable security solutions to suit individual homeowners up to expansive commercial properties.

Articles used to write this blog:

• https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/keeping-you-safe/about-us/getting-involved/index.aspx
• http://www.heart.co.uk/kent/news/local/police-reminder-to-keep-homes-secure/

We would like to wish all of our customers, suppliers and associates
A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
from SGS Systems Ltd

Please note that our office will close on:
13.00 hrs – Friday 23^rd December 2016
and shall re-open on:
08.30 hrs – 3rd January 2017

For emergency support
There will 24 hr emergency only support  throughout the holiday period please call our out of hours service on 01902 700687 where you will be directed to the emergency on call service.