As your organisation winds down for Christmas, the pace naturally slows. People take leave, projects pause and everyday activity becomes lighter. It often feels like everything can wait until January. Sadly, crime does not slow at the same time.
December usually brings one of the highest crime levels of the year. National figures show 160,000 thefts, 22,000 burglaries and over 40,000 criminal damage incidents in December 2024. These numbers show how quickly opportunists act when buildings sit quiet and staff cover reduces.
With the festive break approaching, this is a good moment to review your site security. A few simple steps now can keep your people, property and operations safe until everyone returns. It also helps you enjoy your own time away without unnecessary worry.
December brings more movement around most sites. Deliveries increase and contractors make last minute visits before the year ends. With so many people arriving and leaving, it becomes easier for small mistakes to slip through.
Make sure your team know exactly who should be on site each day. Confirm any temporary access permissions before the break begins. Ask teams to double check visitor sign in and sign out records. Test your out of hours contact list and confirm every number still works.
Clear steps like these support your security team and prevent simple gaps. They also help everyone feel confident that your site remains safe during quieter periods.
When a site sits empty or lightly staffed, risks increase very quickly. Opportunists look for buildings that appear unoccupied. Criminals often strike when lights stay off or when no movement is visible.
Walk through your building before the break. Lock and secure all access points and fire exits. Test the intruder alarm and confirm everyone understands the correct response.
Check CCTV cameras are clear, powered and correctly angled.
Set lighting timers so the building looks active. Store waste and flammable materials safely to reduce arson risk.
These small steps make your building look cared for and protected. A building that looks secure sends a clear message. It shows that your organisation remains alert even during quieter times.
Winter weather also creates challenges during Christmas. Heavy rain, strong winds and freezing temperatures can cause problems very quickly. Leaks, burst pipes and heating failures often start small but grow fast when no one is present.
Give your building a quick seasonal check. Inspect known problem areas and make sure nothing looks unusual. Ask your maintenance team to review key systems before everyone leaves.
Treat weather and crime risks as connected issues. Both can disrupt your operations and both benefit from early action.
Staff cover can vary a lot during December. Many people take leave and teams often rely on temporary support. This can create uncertainty unless roles are very clear.
Decide who checks the site each day. Choose someone to hold the emergency contact list. Confirm how lone workers will remain safe and connected. Share this information early so everyone understands the plan.
Good communication helps your team feel supported during this busy season. It also keeps your operations running smoothly even when fewer people are on site.
If your building will remain empty or lightly staffed, additional support can make a huge difference. Mobile patrols create a visible deterrent and offer regular checks throughout the day or night. Key holding ensures a trained responder attends alarms quickly and safely.
These services reduce risk during the busiest crime period of the year. They also give you something very valuable during the festive season. Peace of mind.
Knowing that trained professionals are watching over your site means you can enjoy your break with confidence. You know that someone you trust is keeping an eye on things.
Get in touch with us today to arrange mobile patrols or key holding support and enjoy complete peace of mind. Simply call our friendly, award winning team on 0800 772 3786 or click on the button below.
November 2025
