Since the introduction of new EU GDPR regulation as of May 2018, there has been heavy media focus on cyber security and what businesses should be doing to tighten on how they administer information and protect customer and client data.

Whilst the focus has often been on technology and in particular, IT admin.  It’s worth remembering that GDPR goes further than IT security and that physical building security also plays a part in the protection of data and so therefore should also be a prime consideration.

By law, offices and businesses are now required to protect their data. Whilst many offices endeavour to be paperless, there is still several companies who require paper trails for their own independent reasons. In these instances, it is imperative that information can be locked away in secure cupboards and that individual office and storage spaces can be locked and alarmed.

SGS Systems Ltd provides physical building security

Here at SGS Systems we focus on protecting businesses who require physical building security options. As certified installers of alarms and CCTV security, we install and maintain wired and wireless alarm systems for offices and commercial buildings where specifically defined areas of protection is required. In conjunction to this, our security alarms can be pre-programmed so that only designated key-holders or those with access control can gain authorised entry.

In addition, our CCTV monitoring equipment provides internal and external surveillance where office spaces require monitorisation.

If your office or business is looking to install or upgrade your existing security system, so that you may sufficiently with new GDPR legislation, then please speak to our property security team here at SGS Systems Ltd. We support commercial businesses with security across the UK with physical building security to ensure that their companies operate safely and that all data is stored securely.

As we continue to enjoy the beautiful hot weather here in the UK, this month here at SGS Systems Ltd, we are particularly focusing on vehicle and driveway security.

We all know how expensive cars can be! Our vehicles are our pride and joy, they are an extension of our personality and even a status symbol. Ultimately, they offer comfort, they allow us to get from A to B and provide us with a solution of convenience. Without a vehicle, life is so much more restricted!

There is always a temptation to leave car windows open and convertible roofs down in the hot weather or and even leave cars open whilst you unwind with your friends and family on a summers day. Unfortunately, this can provide prime opportunities for car thieves who are seeking to take advantage to our relaxed approach to security. Unbeknown to you, they will cease the moment to gain entry into your vehicle within a matter of seconds day or night.

So how can driveway security benefit your vehicle this summer?

Driveway CCTV – One main option is to set-up your driveway security with CCTV surveillance equipment. External CCTV cameras can monitor your driveway 24 hours per day & 7 days a week. By optimally running independently of your attention, means that you don’t have to worry about them, yet have peace of mind that your vehicle is continually protected. As an additional benefit, driveway CCTV will not only protect your vehicle but also any entrances leading up to your home.

Garage Security – Installing garage alarm security is an ideal security method to protect your vehicle whilst it is not in use overnight or during the day. Having a visible garage alarm security system will deter intruders and alert the homeowner if anyone has attempted to gain access. Our garage alarm security alarms are available in wired and wireless options and is be installed by our certified alarm security engineers as single or multiple units depending on the size of the garage.

For the ultimate level in garage security we provide fog security systems for those looking to protect high-net worth vehicles. Our garage fog security is triggered within seconds of entry and will a garage space with thick dense fog, preventing the intruder from attempting any further access.

For more information on our driveway security or garage security, please contact our property security team at SGS Systems Ltd. We provide and install security to homeowners across the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire counties, and further afield into regions across the UK. To report a crime please see the police.uk website for more details: https://www.police.uk/information-and-advice/reporting-crime/

Recently, we have been covering more and more articles on our social media with regards the benefits of environmental CCTV monitoring.

CCTV security equipment is often associated with commercial property security and how we aim to protect commercial business and properties against unwanted intruders.   This week, we are highlighting how environmental CCTV can help businesses, regions and individuals to improve to look after nature, improve their surroundings and look more closely at the ecological aspects of their environment.

Regularly checking on our environment is key to so many aspects of our ecological system and the future wellbeing of people, plants and animals across the UK and globally. Here are some methods in which environmental CCTV is being used to improve the wellbeing of the environment and nature here in the UK.

Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Animal Sanctuary’s – These organisations benefit from having CCTV installed into individual animal enclosures so that staff can regularly monitor the behaviour and wellbeing of animals.

By regularly checking the CCTV monitoring equipment, animal welfare officers can check closely for any changes to animal behaviour or monitor pregnant mothers and births. This allows staff to not only respond quickly if further support is required, but also allows the animals to enjoy their own space to recuperate without human interference.

The Outdoor Natural Wildlife – Nature programmes across the UK are using environmental CCTV monitoring equipment to survey animals and the landscape. To look for changes and to understand more about habitats so that they can save species and protect regions where they have concerns.

By monitoring nature in the wild, both the day and night, this live evidence is essential to environmental organisations, so that they can understand why and how the eco system is changing in order to evaluate where improvements could be made to support the survival of animals and plants. Everything living aspect from plant life and insects up to birds of prey and mammals and vast landscaped hills can benefit from environmental CCTV.

Environmental CCTV monitoring for ground works – The initial exploration of drainage, underwater pipes and underground caves chambers, often requires the support of CCTV monitoring equipment so that staff can evaluate if the areas are safe enough to explore further.

The CCTV equipment also helps with ground works to ensure that pipes and cables are laid correctly

Slaughterhouses – As of May 2018 it is now compulsory that slaughterhouses across England will now have to have CCTV surveillance monitoring equipment installed and regularly maintained. This has been introduced after 11 randomly chosen slaughterhouses across the UK were found to be guilty of animal cruelty during 2009 and 2016 according to animal welfare group ‘Animal Aid’.

The campaign has been backed by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee, British Veterinary Association, Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the RSPCA as well as UK supermarkets who now insist that suppliers have CCTV installed.

Fly-tipping – Fly-tipping is illegal in the UK but is so regularly often, an ongoing issue for councils across UK. Fly-tipping is not only unsightly to the people who live and drive past these sites but can also cause long terms damage to the environment especially where harmful chemicals have been left and not disposed of correctly. The people that carry out this unruly behaviour have no respect for the environment and need to be stopped. Some councils across the UK are now installing CCTV monitoring equipment in fly-tipping ‘hot spot’ areas to catch the criminals and prevent further harm to the landscape and wildlife.

Does your business or organisation use environmental CCTV monitoring equipment to closely survey environmental interests?

Here at SGS Systems we support organisations who require environmental CCTV for the purpose of their work and the welfare of animals, plant life and the landscape. Our professionally installed equipment is scale-able for small areas up to much larger sites and is used to monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about how we could support your organisation by installing environmental CCTV, please contact our specialist environmental commercial security team or see our website.

Blogs used to write this article:

• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/aug/11/all-slaughterhouses-in-england-to-have-compulsory-cctv
• https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2017/11/13/monday-13-november-new-environmental-protections-and-cctv-in-slaughterhouses/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cctv-in-slaughterhouses-legislation-laid-in-parliament

Enjoying the sunshine? Summer is finally here for the UK and so far, we really have enjoyed some glorious weeks; so how can we ensure that our summer home security is in good shape?

For some people the heat is great, for others it can be a little unbearable and so the temptation to throw open the doors and windows and let the breeze flow through is especially refreshing.

Whilst it is great to draw the outdoor air through our homes. It is also important to remember to stay vigilant in terms of home summer security. Often in the summer we are tempted to let down our guard. Having opened up the house, we can sometimes forget to close doors and windows before leaving the property or we may go out into the back garden, forgetting that we have left the front windows wide open.  Are you guilty of not being tight on summer home security?

These are easy targets for intruders to gain access into our properties very quickly and quietly. Jumping through a downstairs window can take seconds and if you are out in your back garden, you won’t even here an intruder on the hunt for your precious possessions.

Also, night time can be a particular summer home security issue. Leaving windows wide open at night when you are asleep gives intruders the prime opportunity to enter your home without having to break in. The better option is to only leave a very small window open which would be more difficult to climb through and internally, open up the room doors to let the air flow through.  Closing your curtains throughout intense sunshine times during the day, will also help to keep the house cool into the evening.   Plugging an electric fan into the main rooms whilst you are in the property, will also help to move the air around the rooms.

In a 2016 article by the Telegraph – “Burglaries which involve unlocked doors and windows should not be investigated according to senior officer”.

The article stated that, “around 20 per cent of burglaries in England and Wales from April 2005 to March 2015 involved access through unlocked doors and open windows”. And went onto say that, “A crime survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics found that around 15 per cent of burglaries took place because doors were not locked, while in around seven per cent of cases a window was open or could be pushed open”.

Stay safer with summer home security

It's important to remember that if a break-in does occur through an open door or window, then not only may the police not be that sympathetic to support your case, but also you may not be covered by your insurance.

This summer its worth keeping on your guard in terms of summer home security.  By making just a few simple changes to the way you protect your property with summer home security will go a long way to keeping you and your family safer by putting you in the right frame of mind to be more vigilant.  For more information on keeping your house safe and secure this summer, please contact our summer home security team. Here at SGS Systems Ltd we provide security solutions for home owners including the installation and regular maintenance of burglar alarms in both wired and wireless alarm options and CCTV monitoring equipment for 24/7 internal and external surveillance around the property.

You can find out more to protect your home on the police.co.uk website:

• https://www.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/burglary/

Blogs used to write this article:

• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/17/one-in-five-burglaries-involve-unlocked-doors-and-windows-it-eme/

Buying a new home can be so exciting but also a stressful time.  Finally receiving the keys and entering the property offers promise of a new chapter in your life.  So, what should you look out for in terms of your new home security?

Change the Locks on the Doors – You have no idea who has a key to your house in terms of the people who lived at the property before you and who may have been given a secondary back-up key.  Updating the external door locks and obtaining new keys ensures that the property is secure and that you are starting out knowing that you and your family are the only occupants, with access.

Check the window locks – Sometimes window keys can get misplaced or locks and keys might not work anymore. Check all window locks operate in good working order and update as and where required.

Is a security alarm installed? Get it checked – If a security alarm is already installed at the property, then it will be worth applying for a service review.  Often there is a sticker on the bell box which displays the alarm company provider’s contact details.  Making contact with the supplier and discussing your options as to when a service is required or booking an inspection will ensure that the alarm is up to date and being continually maintained. Resetting the alarm and requesting a new set of access codes will also ensure that only you and your family as the new occupants will have access to the property.

Is a security alarm not installed? Consider getting one fitted– Contacting a company like SGS Systems Ltd will enable you to gain a greater understanding as to what is involved in having a new home security alarm fitted.  Our company provides a fully confidential review of the premises and will outline all costs prior to security alarm installation.  Our annual alarm checks will ensure that the alarm is fully functional throughout the year, whilst our 24/7 support team are on hand should an issue arise.

Tidy away the rubbish – Post move, you can often end up with un-wanted paperwork, boxes, packaging and items that you just don’t need anymore.  Clearing unwanted items in a secure and safe manner, will not only tidy the paths and driveways to improve visibility but will also demonstrate that you care about the property.

Clear the shrubs – Shrubs that obscure the path or doorway are easy places for intruders to hide behind without being noticed by others in the street.  Clearing these and opening, up the space will minimise opportunities for intruders.

Get to know the neighbours – Introducing yourself to your immediate and surrounding neighbours not only allows them to know who you are but also gives you the opportunity to recognise faces who live in the street.  Looking out for one another and discussing and reporting any strange behaviour could help to prevent a burglary.

Join your local neighbourhood watch group – By joining your local neighbourhood watch group, not only could save you money on your house insurance but also keeps you in-touch with any concerning activity in the area.  Looking at making improvements to the street and tightening up on security will deter intruders who know that you are keeping an eye. https://www.ourwatch.org.uk

Our new home security services

We provide new home security options for all property sizes, from residential houses to larger homes and including barn security, high-net worth property security and mansions security.  We also provide security where external surveillance is required for garage security, outbuilding security, stable and farm security.

For more information on any of the new home security items covered in this article, please contact our specialist new home security team today to find out how we can help to support you and your family in your new home or at your current property.

The Russia World Cup 2018 promises to deliver a great time to those football fans who have been lucky enough to buy tickets to watch the matches.  As football fans across the world prepare for this year’s 2018 World Cup, the responsibility of safety lies with both businesses and the fans themselves.

So, what are we doing back at home here in the UK to stay safe throughout the Russia World Cup 2018 tournament?

UK pubs, sports centres and community places are throwing open their doors to televise the matches and keep eager football fans replenished with food and drink as they follow the games intently and watch the competition unravel.  The world cup is always an exciting time that brings together communities of all ages and interests yet accommodating so many people in one place takes serious preparation for small businesses and community places.   Throughout these busy periods health & safety is paramount and a review of risk assessment will ensure that everyone stays safe.

So how can commercial outfits prepare?

Fire Exits – Ensure that all Fire Exits are clear so that accessibility out of the property is left as an open space and free for people to move through.  Customers and visitors can exit the building quickly and safely, should an issue arise.

Smoke Alarms – Test fire alarm systems to ensure that each individual device is in good working order encase of a fire. Replace batteries where necessary.  Speak to your local fire safety officer if you have concerns.

CCTV – Check that CCTV is working properly and that devices are tracking movements around the property. Recorded CCTV footage is essential where evidence is required and could protect both your customers and yourself as a business should an unforeseen situation arise

Burglar Alarms – Check that your property alarm is in good working order.  Knowing that your property is safe and secure and is protected by an alarm system will give you the proprietor peace of mind, especially when away from the property.

For more information on commercial property security options, please speak to our security team, here at SGS Systems Ltd.  We support commercial businesses across the UK with commercial security systems including burglar alarms in both wired and wireless format, internal and external CCTV 24/7 monitoring systems and protective equipment against fire including fire alarms and smoke detectors.

Most of all stay safe and enjoy Russia World Cup 2018!

You can follow the fixtures here: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/11154890/world-cup-fixtures-the-full-schedule-for-russia-2018

Is your business security in place? During the UK bank holiday season, it is often customary for many businesses to close for longer periods than usual, so that staff can enjoy their statutory holiday breaks.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes leave businesses in a vulnerable position in terms of their commercial security. With limited or no staff working at the premises, commercial properties can go un-supervised for several days over the long weekends which often influences temptation for intruders looking to break and enter into commercial premises to steal stock and goods which have been assembled ready for distribution.

Ensuring that business security is implemented around the business premises is paramount to protecting companies and deterring unwanted Intruders through the quiet times.

The Metropolitan Police website offers some useful information to business owners who are looking to protect their commercial premises – https://www.met.police.uk/crime-prevention/business-robbery/protect-your-business/

Some recommendations for keeping a commercial property secure are:

1. Keep exterior building areas free of rubbish and graffiti
2. Move bins away from the building which could be used to gain higher access to the property
3. Install sufficient lighting around the premises
4. Keep stock rooms locked and stock out of sight
5. Install shutters or blank out windows with film so that visibility through windows is obscured
6. Setup a proficient commercial security system around the premises to protect the property

So, what type of business security could help to protect your property?

By installing CCTV monitoring equipment around your commercial premises, both internally and externally can be an immediate deterrent to respective intruders. CCTV will capture visual data of trespassers which can be observed by business owners and then submitted to the local police authority to be used as evidence, should a burglary incident or attempted burglary take place.

Stepping up your commercial security with a burglar alarm will also protect your commercial premises. A certified alarm which is regularly maintained will ensure that your security system continually operates in good working order. Installed in both wired or wireless alarm formations we provide access-controlled areas for designated key holders, which means that as a business owner you have peace of mind that your property is fully protected.

In addition to our business security installed services, we support companies and organisations with a Police response service should this level of support be required.

Finally, our most proficient Fog security system is installed and designed not to damage stock. Protecting doorways, corridors and areas which can be easily accessed, will limit any intruder who gains access, the capacity to move around the designated space, by executing thick dense fog which will fill the interior space within seconds.

Do you own a business premises? We protect offices, factory units, distribution warehouses, retail premises and concession with business security. From single alarm units up to bespoke security networks, our property security systems are scale-able depending on the size and nature of your property. For a confidential security review of your business, please contact our security team for further information.

Do you have your summer home security covered? With the bank holidays upon us, warm sunny days and the school holidays in sight, relaxing with friends and a BBQ in the garden or going away on a short break provides the perfect excuse to unwind.

Often, we assume that our summer home security is covered and that i'll property will be safe whilst we’re relaxing; unfortunately though this is not always the case.  With our guard down, the scenario offers a prime opportunity for intruders to take advantage of our relaxed attitude.

So what steps can we take to improve our summer home security?

• Lock Doors & Windows – If you are hosting a party out in the back garden, you may be tempted to leave the front door open so that guests may come and go as they please. This creates a chance for intruders to take their luck and unknowingly enter your property.

  Locking doors and windows and asking guests to enter and exit via the back of the house will keep everything secure from the front whilst you are entertaining at the back of the property.

• Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside in Obvious Places – Burglars know the tricks of the trade!  Leaving spare keys under the most obvious places such as plant pots, stones and door mats on the outside the property gives intruders the most obvious opportunity to quietly enter your home without having to break and enter.

  By giving a key to a friend or neighbour or installing a secure key security box at the front of the house will enable you to keep a key close to your home, but in a safe place.

• Don’t put your holiday social media – Telling the world via social media that you are off on your holidays is rather tempting in that moment of jetting off abroad, but unfortunately also demonstrates that you’ve left the house un-attended.

  Burglars know this and will scour social media pages looking for individuals that freely offer this information.

  Saving your holiday snaps and uploading when you return will ensure that your vacant property goes un-noticed.

• Install a home security system – If you are looking at upgrading your summer home security with a new burglar alarm or require more information on keeping your home safe, then please contact our experienced summer home security team. As your local SSAIB accredited security company, we are on hand to help home owners ensure that their house stays secure whilst in or away from the property.

Blogs used to write this article

• https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/819856/home-security-summer-holiday-burglary-safety

With Spring finally in sight, it's time to start thinking about the external space around your property. Clearing gardens, carrying out building repairs and renovating areas is often on the agenda for homeowners at this time year.

Installing a house alarm and trimming back hedges to improve visibility is a positive step in protecting your property.  Whilst securing the security in surrounding external areas such as the garden, driveway and garage will give you peace of mind that your property security is up to scratch when you are at home or away from the house.

In the 2017 report from the UK Office for National Statistics – Overview of vehicle-related theft: England and Wales, whilst vehicle crime is relatively low compared to the 1990’s, however 2017 did see a slight increase on the previous 2 years.

“In the survey year ending March 2017, around 4 in 100 vehicle-owning households had been victims of vehicle-related theft.”

According to Whatcar.com, the BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, BMW M3 and the Mercedes C-Class are the most likely stolen cars in the UK. These vehicles command  high levels of finance, by init is certain that garage lockup security is paramount to deterring intruders and keep your car safe.

By installing a garage alarm system and implementing CCTV security around the exterior of the property, the risk of theft can significantly reduce. Should the inevitable happen, then you will have visual footage which can be used as evidence.

Not only garages, but also driveways, car ports, outbuildings and sheds can all benefit from garage lockup security, so that your belongings may stay protected.

For more information on our garage lockup security services, please contact our property security team for a free and confidential review of your property. Based in the West Midlands we install and maintain external property security services through our certified security engineers, house burglar alarms, CCTV monitoring equipment and smoke security systems to home owners in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and Shropshire counties, plus further surrounding areas.

Blogs used to write this article:

• https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/overviewofvehiclerelatedtheft/2017-07-20
• https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-most-stolen-cars-in-the-uk/

Find out more:

• https://www.sgssystems.com/garage-cctv-security/
• https://www.sgssystems.com/garage-security-systems/

SGS Systems Ltd are delighted to announce that in addition to our Alcumus Safecontractor accreditation, we have also recently been re-awarded our CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) accreditation for the sixth year running.

CHAS is the established market leader for health and safety pre-qualification in the UK. The organisation is nationally recognised and is a professional body who seeks to link certified suppliers to buyers within the service industry, ensuring that they are fully compliant in terms or health and safety. Obtaining the CHAS accreditation enables our company SGS Systems Ltd, to go out on site and be recognised for our CHAS certification.

In order to meet accreditation requirements, earlier this year SGS Systems Ltd  were audited by the CHAS assessment team and had to provide evidence of all health & safety protocols operating within the business. All aspects of the health & safety regimen were  independently audited by the accreditation body.

Further to our successful application, SGS Systems Ltd can continue to carry out work on commercial premises, where the CDM 2015 Regulation level of Health & Safety is required. Operating in conjunction with and behalf of independent commercial projects and local authority applications across the UK, whereby this level of health and safety competency is paramount to executing such scaled projects.

To find out more about CHAS and the services they provide or to see our business listed under their preferred suppliers for security services, please follow this link: https://www.chas.co.uk/

We provide security services including alarm installation, CCTV and fog security, which can be scaled to suit any sized premises, both internally and externally. Supported by our 24/7 experienced team of security engineers our service is provided to maintain and service security systems for local authority organisations and commercial companies such as hotel, retail and warehouse stores across the UK where a greater scale of security is required.