Your essential Christmas break premises security checklist

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Emma Pullen from EGBA member, Artemis, has put together a checklist to help members safeguard their premises over the holiday break …

With the festive season well and truly upon us now, many businesses in East Grinstead and Sussex are preparing for the yearly Christmas ‘shutdown’. Many choose to close their offices from Christmas Eve until after the New Year. This extended few days allows business owners the chance to properly unwind and enjoy the festive break (with it proving easy to forget what day of the week it is). However, it does pose some security concerns worth remembering.

With an extended period of closure ahead, your premises could become a prime target. Recent ONS statistics reveal that there was a 54% year-on-year increase in business property robberies (totalling 14,707) in December 2024, highlighting the need for round-the-clock security measures when your premises are vacant and when you or key staff may not be around to check in physically.

Here’s your essential checklist to help safeguard your business over the period between Christmas and New Year.

Physical security review

Before locking your doors for the holidays, make sure you thoroughly inspect all possible entry points.

• Check all doors and windows are securely locked
• Upgrade to stronger, reinforced locks if your current ones look worn
• Consider adding window sensors and motion detectors
• Integrate these with cameras so you can see who passes by your front door
• Install motion-activated or timed lights to deter potential intruders.

Add CCTV surveillance

Modern, innovative CCTV systems now offer smart, responsive security features for greater peace of mind. Maltaward highlights the significant benefits of round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, particularly for vacant properties. With 24/7 monitoring, remote viewing, and covert placement of cameras, it allows you the chance to check on your premises wherever you are. While visible cameras provide a deterrent, even more ‘concealed’ ones can provide valuable evidence in the event of an attempted break-in. Consider integrating your CCTV with alarms and smart lighting to create a more well-rounded secure premises that responds proactively to potential threats.

Digital asset protection and management

Physical security encompasses multiple elements. Businesses now have an array of assets both physical (computers, hard drives, servers, inventory) and digital (intellectual property, user credentials, financial information) which, to many attackers, is worth a fortune. Cyber security deserves equal attention. Ensure your IT systems are fully patched and backed up, and consider storing backups off-site in case of an accidental issue or outage during the festive break. Remind your teams to secure their workstations, log out of all shared systems and avoid publicly disclosing closure dates. Create a detailed log of assets and make sure high-value items are stored in secured, locked spaces, or if possible, remove them from the premises entirely.

Emergency procedures

Ensure you have up-to-date contact information for key personnel (eg alarm company, security company, website host, office maintenance, cleaning staff, and so on). Make sure that only trusted individuals have access to this information and who can respond if an emergency arises. Closure dates should be communicated well ahead of time, and only authorised personnel should have access to the building over this period. Additionally, update your insurance policy and make adjustments where necessary, to ensure any issues encountered over the holidays does not open you up to heightened risk.

And finally, consider scheduling periodic inspections and check-ins of your property during the closure. Even a fleeting visit for your own peace of mind, can provide that vital reassurance you need. Then you’ll rest easy knowing that your business stays safe.

Join EGBA this Christmas!

In the interests of collective community safety, don’t forget that EGBA members can consult with fellow members on how they can support each other during the holidays and beyond. EGBA’s upcoming Christmas social event is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners and explore opportunities to support each other in the run-up to (and aftermath of) Christmas.

Join fellow local business owners for festive drinks at London Road Bar & Grill. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with other members, share experiences, and perhaps discuss how they’re approaching their holiday security measures.

The Christmas period should be a time of relaxation and celebration, not worry. By following this checklist and implementing appropriate security measures now, you can thoroughly enjoy your well-deserved break. From all of us at the EGBA, we wish you a safe, secure, and prosperous festive season.

Check out what EGBA members and security specialists Delta Security Management and Pro-Gent can offer by way of security and peace of mind.