Christmas Business Security Checklist: How to Prepare Your Premises for a Holiday Shutdown

The festive period is a welcome break for many businesses – but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for opportunistic crime. With reduced footfall, extended closures and darker evenings, commercial premises can quickly become attractive targets if the right precautions aren’t in place.

Taking time to secure your site properly before closing can significantly reduce your risk. Below are practical, effective steps to help protect your business over the Christmas and New Year period, with professional support available from CR2 Security Group.

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Conduct a Pre-Shutdown Security Risk Assessment

Effective security begins with a comprehensive assessment. Extended closures alter the risk profile of a site: normal staff activity ceases, car parks are empty, and intruders can act unnoticed. Before your shutdown:

• Inspect all external boundaries, gates, fencing, and access points
• Check doors, windows, shutters, and roof access for vulnerabilities
• Assess lighting coverage and identify blind spots
• Review storage areas containing high-value assets or stock

A professional security services provider such as CR2 Security Group can uncover hidden vulnerabilities that are often overlooked and deliver a comprehensive security assessment, complete with detailed findings and actionable recommendations.

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Inspect and Test Your Alarm & Surveillance Systems

Intruder alarms and CCTV systems are among the strongest visible deterrents against crime. However, they only do their job when they’re working correctly.

Before shutdown, carry out a full system check:

• Confirm all CCTV cameras are recording clearly and cover all high risk or vulnerable areas
• Check for and identify any blind spots or damaged equipment
• Test alarm sensors and sirens

It’s also wise to review your alarm response process and how any alarm activations would be attended. If your current setup relies on staff attending alarm callouts, CR2 Security Group can provide professional key holding and alarm response services, ensuring trained officers attend incidents quickly and safely – removing risk from your employees and ensuring no one has to dash off in their Christmas jumper, leaving half their pigs in blankets and a glass of mulled wine behind, in order to deal with an alarm.

Find out more about CR2 Security Group’s key holding & alarm response services here.

Check Doors, Windows and Physical Security

While front entrances are usually well lit and covered by cameras, intruders often target quieter access points such as rear doors, side entrances and ground-floor windows.

Before closing:

• Test all locks and fastenings to make sure they work correctly
• Repair or replace any damaged door or window frames
• Retrieve and account for all keys that would allow access

For higher-risk sites, additional physical security such as reinforced locks, window bars or security film can offer valuable extra protection.

Secure Your External Perimeter

A quick walk around your building’s exterior can prevent simple opportunities for burglars. A visible, well-maintained perimeter deters opportunistic criminals.

Before closing:

• Remove ladders, pallets, bins, and other objects that could aid entry
• Ensure all external lighting and motion sensors are functional
• Repair fencing, gates, and barriers
• Trim overgrown trees or shrubs that provide cover

Tip: Consider combining mobile patrols with CCTV monitoring for maximum coverage.

Conduct a Final Internal Lock-Up Check

Before the last person leaves the building:

• perform and complete a full internal walk-through
• Secure and lock all windows, doors and fire exits
• Turn off any non-essential electrical devices
• Lock away and secure any tools, stock and equipment

Only trained key holders should set alarms and lock the premises. If you’d rather remove this risk altogether, CR2 Security Group can carry out lock and unlock services, ensuring your building is secured professionally every time.

Find out more about CR2 Security Group’s lock & unlock solutions here.

Protect any Cash, High-Value Assets and Equipment

Extended closures can make stock, vehicles, and equipment attractive targets.

Best practice includes:

• Banking all cash before closing
• Leaving tills open and empty
• Lock away portable valuables and remove high-value items where possible
• Store keys securely and consider immobilisers or steering locks for vehicles

If your business operates vehicles or uses specialist equipment, ensure keys are stored securely and consider using steering locks or immobilisers. Clearly displayed signage stating “No Cash or Valuables Kept on Site” can also act as an effective deterrent.

Strengthen Your Protection with Mobile Security Patrols

One of the most effective ways to protect your premises during an extended closure is through professional mobile patrols.

CR2 Security Group provides randomised mobile security patrols, where trained officers:

• Check doors, windows and access points
• Look for signs of forced entry or damage
• Monitor for fire or flood risks
• Produce real-time digital reports straight to your inbox

Because visits are carried out at unpredictable times, they act as an incredibly powerful deterrent to criminal activity.

Find out more about CR2 Security Group’s mobile patrol services here.

Need Professional Security Support This Christmas?

If you’d like expert advice on protecting your premises over the festive period, CR2 Security Group is here to help.

We offer tailored security solutions including:

• Key holding and alarm response
• Mobile patrols
• Lock and unlock services
• Manned guarding

📞 Call: 0330 1339142
📧 Email: office@cr2security.com

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CR2 Security Group supports businesses across Wiltshire, including Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Warminster, Chippenham, Devizes, Calne, Corsham and Salisbury, as well as neighbouring areas such as Bath, Frome, Radstock and Midsomer Norton.

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