It was the new Aston Villa football icon and former Chelsea captain John Terry who was recently the subject of a calculated robbery at his UK Surrey property, when in February 2017 his home was burgled whilst he was on a skiing holiday in the French Alpes with his wife Toni.

The couple often post photos on social media including facebook, twitter and Instagram. Capturing images of their lavish lifestyle including holiday snaps from around the world and had also previously posted a photo of their beautifully gated Georgian Surrey home, which was formerly owned by golf star Colin Montgomerie.

Designer jewellery, designer handbags, rare signed copies of harry potter books and a trophy amounting to a substantial total of £600,000 were taken; all of which have never been found.

It is understood that the four burglars involved in the robbery, had possibly been tracking their home for some time and had been waiting for proof that John terry and his family were away on holiday before deciding to execute the robbery; in addition to other planned burglaries from high net worth home owners within the area. Subsequently all 4 burglars have since been jailed for a total of 27 years and 11 months by Kingston Crown Court.

John Terry’s experience must have been heart-breaking for himself, his family and his staff, however, this situation is not unusual as many of us have found ourselves guilty at some point for posting photos on social media whilst on holiday. In the moment of having such great fun and a memorable time it’s so easy to be tempted to share your experiences. The lesson here is wait until you get home and certainly don’t upload photos of the front of your house onto social media at any time. You don’t know who is tracking your pages and informing people that you’re on holiday could enable the safety of your home and possessions to become vulnerable.

Securing your home whilst you are on holiday is also key. Having a house burglar alarm installed and appointing designated key holders whilst you are away from the property will give you peace of mind that your home is fully protected. For further information about protecting your home whilst on holiday please contact our team today for a free confidential home security review, we provide house burglar alarms, CCTV security and fog / smoke security to property owners and those looking for high net worth home security to ensure that your house stays protected.

Blogs used to write this article:

• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4739676/Burglary-gang-stole-John-Terry-s-mansion-jailed.html

Retailers are being asked to check the condition of their commercial retail security and shoppers are urged to stay alert following recent theft incidents in retail shopping centres across the West Midlands & the UK.

In Primark Loughborough, a young girl was detained after CCTV recorded an incident where a shopper’s purse was stolen as she looked at clothes in the store. Whilst over in Kings Lyn, Norfolk, retailer store owners and managers have come together to work closely with Police as part of a new collaborative crack down on retail theft.

Here in the West Midlands a pregnant shoplifter, lashed out at a security guard in the Bullring, Birmingham last month, when she was caught for theft outside New Look. She has since been charged and banned from the centre for 12 months.

Retail Security is essential for the protection of customers, staff & stock

Having the right commercial security systerm in place is essential for the protection of retail stores, the goods they sell and for the wellbeing and safety of staff and customers who choose to enter their premises. By collaborating together to share information and experiences in relation to retail security, shopping centres and high streets across the West Midlands and the UK, can make improvements to operate as a safer place for everyone to access.

As UK accredited suppliers for only the most tested security equipment, SGS Systems Ltd provide confidential retail security reviews to business who are looking to make improvements to their security in order to operate safely.  Supporting individual units, up to large retail chains, we install and maintain all types of commercial security from wired and wireless burglar alarms for commercial properties, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance for 24/7 monitoring and our most comprehensive fog security to prevent intruders from gaining further access. 

All of our systems are regularly maintained by our highly trained security engineers and come with optional Police Response support should it be required. For further information on implementing or improving your retail security systems please contact SGS Systems Ltd.

Blogs used to write this article:

• http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/thief-stole-shopper-s-purse-as-she-tried-on-clothes-in-primark/story-30427404-detail/story.html
• http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/retailers-in-king-s-lynn-working-closely-with-police-to-catch-shoplifters-in-operation-apart-1-5080595
• http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/watch-shocking-moment-pregnant-shoplifter-13293267

In the beautiful hot summer weather, there is nothing better than throwing open doors and windows to let the cool breeze flow through your home. Spending time in the garden, having friends around for a BBQ and setting up the paddling pool for the kids, all makes great days for having fun outdoors.

Unfortunately, though, the downside to this lovely summer weather is that we sometimes relax our attitudes when it comes to our home security. Here in the UK the hot weather is a novelty and is not something that we regularly have. Because of this, leaving doors open and forgetting to close windows whilst we pop out, often occurs and opens up plenty of opportunity for potential intruders who are wanting to take advantage of our more relaxed mindset.

In recent weeks, the West Midlands and region the UK have seen a noticeable increase in home burglaries, which could certainly have been avoided if homeowners had been a little more vigilant. Don’t forget it can take only 3 minutes for a burglar to break into your house and so it’s essential that you stay safe.

West Midlands Chief Constable Dave Thompson recently spoke at the West Midlands Strategic Policing and Crime Board about the increase in crime due to the hot weather, including a higher burglary rate, he said: "Since the weather came out and it decided to be hot, we have seen an increase in demand.”  "Two weekends ago we saw some days that were busier than New Year's Eve. The call demand has been huge and it has created an added level of pressure.”

What can you do to improve your home security?

Over these glorious hot summer days, SGS Systems Ltd recommends staying vigilant. Ensure that doors and windows are shut and locked before you leave the property and even if you’re sat out in the garden, then make sure the front of your property is locked securely. Don’t relax your attitude to home security and don’t do it just to keep your house cool. When leaving the property, close your curtains and blinds in rooms where the sunlight is at its strongest in order to keep the rooms cool.

For a more advanced and thorough approach to home security, then why not consider one of our West Midlands house alarms? With wired and wireless alarm systems available and ready to install, we provide West Midlands home security solutions to protect properties of all sizes.

Blogs used to write this article:

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2017/07/05/summer-crime-rates-to-get-worse-as-west-midlands-police-boss-warns-some-services-could-be-dialled-down/#xTPoHcFa3G3A6E23.99

In light of the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, commercial surveillance security for commercial buildings, public spaces and arenas has never been so important.

CCTV commercial Surveillance is key to protecting us, whether we’re out on the street, going about our daily lives or whether we’re attending a large sporting event, community gathering or festival, going to the theatre, night club or concert.

Having commercial surveillance security at the highest level of efficiency, allows up to all be safe and continue to enjoy our days, doing what we love best.

Commercial surveillance security is protecting us across the UK

As Cardiff’s 74,500-seater venue, Principality Stadium gears up for some of the biggest music acts throughout this summer 2017, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis, of South Wales Police, was recently quoted in an article by Wales Online:

“Each and every event is threat assessed by South Wales Police and appropriate police resources put in place in and around the stadium and the city centre.  “Together with our well-trained stewarding staff, we have a comprehensive and continually monitored CCTV systems in operation at all times.”

The NEC which is also known globally for holding iconic events for music, corporate and many other interests has also re-assured the public of its commercial surveillance security measures as the NEC Group’s CEO Paul Thandi, spoke out in an article to the Birmingham Mail "Public safety at our events is our priority and we have a number of security measures in place which we continue to review.”

Right here at SGS Systems, we provide, maintain and service, high definition commercial surveillance security CCTV camera units to the Telford International Exhibition Centre so that they too, may safely hold conferences and concerts.

If you own or manage a public building, arena or night club, then CCTV surveillance should be a number one priority for the safety of everyone who uses the space including your staff.  To find out how SGS Systems can support you with our sophisticated CCTV monitoring equipment and commercial alarm systems which can be linked directly to our Police response service, then please contact us directly for a confidential review of your premises and requirements.

Blogs used to write this article:

• http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/birmingham-nec-reviews-concert-safety-13077338
• http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/new-security-rules-events-principality-13174609

Thinking of trying some DIY Home Security? Everyone wants to save some cash wherever possible but what price should you put on saving when it comes to securing your beloved home, prize possessions and the well-being of your family?

Yes, there are DIY home security house alarm systems out there that you can buy off the shelf for a one-off fee, but when it comes to installing and setting up is the mission all worth it?

For creating your own DIY home security, SGS Systems recommend the following:

1. Research your DIY home security alarm as much as you can. Read reviews, read the installation instructions, speak to friends about their thoughts and recommendations.
    
2. When purchasing, make sure your house alarm comes with a guarantee.
    
3. Set aside a whole weekend for installation!
    
4. Read the manual instructions thoroughly.
    
5. If you have pets then consider where sensors will be placed and check if they can trigger them. A dog might trigger it where as a cat might not.
    
6. If using a wireless monitor then check your DIY home security security settings. Getting into the techy side can be quite complicated but locking down with passwords is key to preventing hackers infiltrating your alarm system.
    
7. Consider what will happen if the alarm triggers when you’re not there. The last thing you want is a call from your neighbour whilst you are on holiday.
    
8. Consider what will happen if the alarm doesn’t trigger and you’re not there. Has it really served its purpose? especially with all the effort you’ve put in to try to protect your home.

If all the above just sounds too much or you would prefer a company who can support your home protection needs, then why not consider SGS Systems Ltd.  We provide home security solutions for homeowners across the UK. We take the headache out of setting up and maintaining alarm systems, giving our customers peace of mind that their property is safe and secure whilst they are away from the premises.

All of our home security systems are installed and regularly maintained by our qualified security engineers to ensure that they are in continued good working order. Plus, we offer 24 / 7 support to nominated key holders, should one of the alarms trigger whilst you’re enjoying your holiday. For more information about our house alarm services, please contact our dedicated home alarm security team today.

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.