Jewellery security firm to give expert tips to documentary

Managing director of Associated Security Solutions Limited, Stephen Turner, will offer his advice as part of the 30-minute Responsible Business: Business Security documentary, to be aired on SKY digital channel 212 and BBC/ITV Freesat channel 401 at 8pm on 19 December. The documentary has been timed for the run-up to the festive period, where jewellery theft rates reach their highest. Created due to the lack of security advice available to UK businesses, Responsible Business: Business Security will outline the security challenges facing businesses today, and provide important information and tips to business owners, directors and managers on protecting their premises and assets at a crucial time. Stephen commented: “Security is a vital consideration for businesses of all types, particularly in the current economic climate when crime against businesses is increasing. To meet insurance specifications, cash, keys, important documents and valuable goods such as jewellery must be stored securely.” According to the latest figures, crime against UK businesses has increased by three per cent for the second consecutive year, with some areas seeing a 16 per cent increase. The value of an average theft has also increased by six per cent as average theft price reached £4,000 per incident. The economic downturn has been cited as a likely cause for the continuing rise. This was demonstrated by the riots of summer 2011, which affected around 50,000 businesses in 28 town centres, with the cost of looting and other damage running into millions of pounds. The Centre for Retail Research estimates that total Christmas losses in the UK will reach £999.7 million this year. This is up by 3.4 per cent compared to 2011 – an increase of £33 million – and Stephen said that with the recession adding to the level of criminal attacks, security must be preventative rather than reactive. “Having the correct security systems in place now will minimise the risk of crime and deter theft, and can also protect against fire and flood,” said the security expert. “It could save businesses a considerable amount of money and inconvenience down the line. However, without expert advice, it can be difficult to identify exactly what level of security and investment is required. “It is also important that security equipment such as safes, connecting air tubes carrying cash, and access control systems are adequately maintained,” added the managing director of the 70-year-old family firm. “Having a planned preventative maintenance programme in place is a cost-effective way of ensuring that devices are 100 per cent fit for purpose and will avoid expensive last minute call-outs and repairs if an incident occurs.”