- The RGM blog
Security insight. Real-world expertise.
Advice, perspectives and stories from the people protecting businesses and communities across South Wales.
- Security advice
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
24 September 2026 · 6 min read
Security insight. Real-world expertise.
Advice, perspectives and stories from the people protecting businesses and communities across South Wales.
- Security advice
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
24 September 2026 · 6 min read
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
- · 3 min read
- From our team
Latest articles
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
What would you do if your security company couldn’t provide you with security cover when you needed it?
What would you do if your current security measures failed?
Do you have a plan B?
In this article, we briefly explain why it is so essential for every business to have a backup security company.
You shouldn’t take a risk when it comes to your security
Unlike many services that companies outsource, Security is a critical one. Why? Because when a breakdown in communication, support, or cover occurs, it can have serious repercussions.
A complete and solid security strategy needs to be foolproof; it needs to prevent your business from having any security weaknesses at any time. If your security is doing what it should then you should have no weaknesses or “potential areas for breach.” This is obviously the ideal scenario but sometimes, in reality, there are holes opening up in your security that you aren’t even aware of.
The biggest mistake that your security company may be making
There are some warning signs that there is a weakness in your security strategy which really get our alarm bells ringing (read more about those in our blog – Is There a Breach in Your Security?) and a lot of the time, they come down to this same mistake.
Over the years, we have seen so many Security Companies handing over their staff to their clients and leaving the management of them up to the client. This is a dangerous mistake not only for the client, as it takes time away from their business, but in terms of their security being over-familiar with their staff.
This is a potential for breach! To carry out their functions properly, Security companies need to be completely impartial. Security companies are not an agency for staff, they should be a full security barrier providing everything you need for a complete and solid security strategy.
Why you need to have a backup when it comes to your security
While over-familiarity between your security guards and your employees is a potential area for breach, other weaknesses in your security can arise from a breakdown in communication between you and your security company and shift issues that could lead to no security cover in an emergency. Both of these things can be a major problem if not sorted out quickly.
This is where a backup security company comes in.
If you have no cover in an emergency or you’re having other issues with your security that can’t be managed and sorted efficiently, a backup security company can make sure that you don’t leave your business vulnerable at this time. Here are the reasons why every business needs a backup security company:
- Higher reliability – a backup company ensures that you always have guaranteed cover which is crucial for emergencies.
- Reduced workload – it’s no added effort for you to have a backup company other than you ringing when you need them. In the instance where you need support, however, they can greatly reduce the work that you have to do!
- Ensures a complete security strategy – it’s always smart to cover all your bases and that’s what a backup company gives you – a complete and solid security strategy at all times.
- Strengthens your security – a backup company isn’t unnecessary, if anything, it gives you greater security in the times where you need it the most.
- Saves you money – a security breach will cost you and some of that damage may be irreparable. Having a backup security company will save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the event that your existing security company fails you.
Be smart with your security
While many companies will “try their best” to cover shifts if issues arise, it’s not often guaranteed. This is why every business needs a backup security company. By having a backup on stand by for the times where your business is vulnerable, you will never have to worry about your assets and data being compromised.
Being smart with your security ensures a solid security strategy!
Use us as your backup security company!
Many companies work with us as a backup or as support to their existing security arrangements. Why? Because when you have a crisis or need emergency cover, we will be there. Put simply, for us, cover is guaranteed. Get in touch to discuss our cover guarantee and find out more about our other services. We cover commercial, corporate and construction security, amongst others!
- Free threat awareness survey – we carry out a weakness assessment of your site.
- Intrusion testing – we check your defences work.
- Threat awareness training – we provide training to staff so that you can maintain a high level of security.
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
What would you do if your security company couldn’t provide you with security cover when you needed it? What would
Uncategorized
- · 3 min read
There could be a breach in your security without you even knowing it. How scary a thought is that? To help you identify a security breach in your business, here are the main signs to look out for.
Signs you may have an issue with your security
“A security breach is any incident that results in unauthorized access of data, applications, services, networks and/or devices by bypassing their underlying security mechanisms. More often than not, a security breach can damage an organisation’s reputation and finances.” – Techopedia
A security breach is a serious risk, one that can result in irreparable damage to a company, therefore a solid security strategy is one that prevents your business from having any security weaknesses at any time.
We’ve been helping a lot of our clients prepare for the Winter months and the Christmas-New Year lockdown period lately, and we’ve noticed some key areas that cropped up in almost all of the cases, all of which were a ‘potential for a breach.’ Here are the main ones that got our alarm bells ringing:
- No dedicated contract with a security company
- Minimal contact with an existing security company
- You manage all security personnel
- Your Security are too familiar with staff
- No regular audits
- Your internal thefts have spiked
- You cannot get cover staff
- All holiday requests come through you
These are the main (and recurring) warning signs that there is a weakness in security.
Put simply, any breakdown in communication, support or cover is a red flag, one that, if left undetected, can leave a gaping hole in your defences which could lead to a breach in your security.
To check your security weaknesses yourself, download our handy security weakness checklist! If you can’t tick every box then please get in touch!
How to protect yourself from a security breach
To protect your company from a security breach, you need to work with a reliable security company who manages their own staff and who can guarantee cover. If you combine their security measures with your own (below), then you can have peace of mind that you have a truly solid security strategy.
- Create strong and secure passwords
- Use different passwords on different accounts
- Encrypt or store confidential data securely
- Use secure websites
- Don’t open anything suspicious in your emails
- Always install updates on your computers and mobile devices
- Stay informed on the latest security/data breaches
- Be watchful and vigilant
- Always monitor and check your security for weaknesses.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable
I know it may seem like a hole in your security is a bit like a needle in a haystack but is it really worth the risk? All it takes is for one opportunistic criminal to get lucky and you’re left with damages that are costly both financially and to your reputation.
Being able to identify a breach in your security sooner rather than later and prevent them from occurring in the first place is fundamental to a good security strategy, one that will prevent holes from becoming chasms.
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Is there a breach in your security?
RGM Security offers a wide range of security services including a free threat awareness survey where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
There could be a breach in your security without you even knowing it. How scary a thought is that? To
Uncategorized
- · 2 min read
In a situation like this, where you may need emergency security cover, let us be there for you.
There is so much panic and uncertainty for the foreseeable future, both mentally and financially, so we want to focus on something that we can control; what we can control is being there for you and your business.
So many businesses had to shut down for the full lockdown back in March last year, and our worry was that they didn’t have the security in place to secure their assets. The security measures needed for a shutdown of considerable time anyway. As a result, we offered emergency security cover to many business owners.
Now, some businesses have re-opened since, some haven’t, and almost all of them have been subjected to the changes of being able to go back to work but then having to stay at home again. We can only imagine how much stress and anxiety this is causing.
Many business owners still have to leave their premises unattended for an uncertain amount of time so this gives criminals an opportunity to cause some damage. This is the last thing you need at such a fragile time as this damage could be irreparable.
Regardless of your situation – whether you can open your business fully, only run a skeleton team while the rest works from home or you still can’t open yet – the best way to give yourself peace of mind that your property and assets are safe, is to know that you have them secured.
Just like we have for all of 2020, we are offering the following service to give business owners real peace of mind:
1. 24-hour security cover, 7 days a week.
2. Static guarding for sites that have shut down and need asset/valuable stock protection.
3. Short term, temporary contracts for however long you need us.
4. Collaboration with your existing security provider to assist with manpower.
5. 24-hour turnaround time from the time of enquiry.
6. A strong workforce who have been self-isolating so that they can be available to service our clients safely.
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If you have a strategy to protect your premises and assets, at least make sure to review everything! If you don’t, then please let us help you put the right measures in place.
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We can help protect your business and your future
If you are worried about your existing security over this period or you know anybody who is struggling to secure their assets, please don’t hesitate to contact us or pass our details along.
We want to help take the pressure off businesses at this time by strengthening their security even if that means being a backup.
Contact us at:
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
01792 293 249
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Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
In a situation like this, where you may need emergency security cover, let us be there for you. There is
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
Wondering how to protect your business during lockdown?
As many businesses are still having to work remotely, hundreds of thousands of commercial properties are being left vacant. This has led to a warning from the Government and the Police to ensure that all properties are appropriately secured.
On average, 18% of business premises across the UK fall victim to crime. This is under “normal circumstances.” As you can imagine, during this lockdown period, police forces are anticipating this to rise.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that you ensure your security measures are up to date and are effective in deterring and preventing theft, damage or harm. To help you do just that, here is how to protect your business during lockdown.
4 ways to secure your assets and premises
We don’t know how long lockdowns will be in place and when the situation will improve, so all that we can do is improve our current situation.
To ensure that your business is protected throughout this time (so that you actually have a business to return to), here are 4 ways that you can increase security.
1. DIY methods
If you want to know how to protect your business during lockdown, there are a few things that you can do yourself – you just need to make sure that you are doing these effectively and consistently. Here are some important security tips:
- Maintain your physical security and procedures at all times.
- Identify vulnerable areas and plan to put extra protection on them, ensure security gates, bollards and fire exits are secure.
- Remove all high-value goods and cash to a more secure location and put a note on the outside to advise that this is the case.
- Visit your premises regularly to make sure that your site and assets are secure.
- Test your alarm, ensure it is monitored and fully operational with a list of up to date key holders given to any alarm monitoring company.
- Consider changing access control privileges.
- Consider light timer switches.
- Consider the risk of arson and remove anything flammable from view.
2. One-way vision window film
One-way vision window film is an extremely effective (and cost-effective!) way to deter crime and protect your assets. Providing a one-way mirror effect, this film prevents opportunistic criminals from seeing inside your premises but another major benefit is that it strengthens your existing window glazing. Windows are the ‘weak point’ of any building but with security window film, you can create a protective barrier on the outside of the glass which is shatter-resistant and protects against theft and vandalism.
Protect your assets from view and prevent criminals from gaining entry to your premises with window film.
Want to find out more? Window film can be fitted from the outside of your property during lockdown, so contact Rhian at Applied Products for further information.
01792 895 730
3. CCTV cameras & alarms
CCTV is associated with significant reductions in property crime, so if you want to deter criminals and protect your premises during lockdown, this is an effective method of doing so. As well as deterring theft and damage, many CCTV and alarm systems have remote viewing or motion-detecting capabilities. This is invaluable in our current situation as it allows you to monitor your security constantly without you having to physically be at your premises.
Protect your premises remotely 24/7 with CCTV and intruder alarm systems.
Want to find out more? Contact Dan at H3 Group for further information.
0800 389 2288
4. Security Guards
Bigger businesses like manufacturing companies and warehouses need manpower to complement their digital security measures, especially in times like this where a lot of premises are left unattended. To ensure complete site security, consider security guards to patrol your premises, control access, monitor your security systems, and to deter, detect and delay any breaches in security.
Protect your assets and your site with manned guarding.
Want to find out more? You can take advantage of temporary security contracts to ensure that you have emergency security cover for as long as you need it. Contact Becky & Gemma at RGM Security for more information.
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Secure your business (and it’s future)
We don’t know how long businesses will be shut or working with reduced staff, so it’s important that we take control of what we can to ensure that we are in the best position when we go back. Now you know how to protect your business during lockdown, it’s important to check and implement these measures as soon as possible as any theft or damage could cause irreparable damage later.
We can help protect your business and your future
As part of helping businesses make it through this difficult time, RGM Security is partnering with other local South Wales businesses to provide security to businesses at risk. If you or someone you know is struggling at this time, please contact us; we can help to ease the pressure.
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
Wondering how to protect your business during lockdown? As many businesses are still having to work remotely, hundreds of thousands
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
Wondering how to protect your vacant premises?
As many businesses are still having to working remotely, hundreds of thousands of empty workplaces across the UK are being seen as a potential easy target for thieves and vandals looking to commit crime. Crime that can cost businesses more money in a time where they need it most.
Not only will this have an immediate negative impact on business, but it will also delay the business being able to return to operate as normal from the property when the time comes too.
To avoid irreparable damage like this, business owners and building managers need to ensure that all commercial property, including all stock and essential equipment, is secured. To help you do that, here is some essential security advice.
How to protect your vacant premises during the COVID-19 lockdown
Criminals are keen to exploit the COVID-19 lockdowns as it is an ideal time for an attack: most commercial premises are empty for extended periods of time and there is a lack of potential witnesses on the streets.
There have already been attacks made across the country and the police force warns of a rise in these incidents, so if you want to know how to protect your vacant premises during this time, they’ve issued some key advice.
1. Remove high-value stock, cash and important documents to a more secure location
The idea with this piece of advice is ‘prevention.’ By removing the temptation for crime, you should prevent it from happening in the first place. Put up signage to make this known to criminals so that they will be less likely to target you for a break-in.
2. Check your physical security measures
You should already have physical security measures in place; barriers such as windows, doors, blinds or window film, and fences or walls. Do a full sweep and check all are locked and are in good condition. By carrying out a risk assessment, you should be able to identify any vulnerable entry points which you can then strengthen.
3. Test your alarm system and CCTV
As part of your risk assessment, make sure you test your CCTV cameras and alarm systems – they are only beneficial if the response to activation is timely and reliable. If you don’t have any, then consider investing in them now. They are a very cost-effective security measure for vacant premises as they both deter crime and allow you to detect any breaches in security. Check that they are all in good working order and then they can be monitored remotely.
4. Get to know the keyholders of your systems
The keyholders of your systems will be the security company who is contracted to respond should an alarm be activated (not the company who installed the cameras and systems). If you have had new systems installed or you are planning to invest in some, check your security company’s credentials before handing over the keys. The most important credentials to check is whether they are accredited as a member of the SIA (Security Industry Authority) Approved Contracted Scheme (ACS).
Read: Why You Need to Use a Security Company on the SIA Approved Contractor Register
5. Consider temporarily hiring a security guard/s
Having cameras and alarms in place, as well as an accredited security company to respond to any activations, is a great security strategy. However, if you want to know the best method for how to protect your vacant premises, it is to hire a security officer or guards. Having guards to patrol your premises, control access, and monitor and respond to all cameras and alarm activations, is a solid security measure which provides full protection for your site.
Important tip: make sure that all officers/guards hold an SIA license. They should be a direct employee on PAYE, not self-employed.
6. Think about ALL the needs of your property
If you want to get the most out of your security investments, then think about what else your property needs during this lockdown period. Maybe you have mail or deliveries that require sorting or you need your temperatures monitored to prevent stock spoiling? Whatever you might need, request this from the security company you are using. Many guards will be more than happy to assist with this.
Take these extra steps for security (and peace of mind)
This is the first time for many of us where we’ve had to leave our business or commercial property completely vacant for a considerable (and unknown) amount of time. Instead of ignoring or underestimating the damage that a criminal could cause during this time of absence, please take some time to check over your property and implement extra security measures to protect yourself.
Knowing how to protect your vacant premises and actually taking those steps now will ensure that you have a business to go back to.
Get emergency security cover and real peace of mind
We can help protect your business and your future
As part of helping businesses make it through this difficult time, RGM Security is partnering with other local South Wales businesses to provide security to businesses at risk. If you or someone you know is struggling at this time, please contact us; we can help to ease the pressure whether it’s offering advice and recommendations or providing extra security during this uncertain time.
01792 293 249
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
- 4 Essential Ways To Secure Your Premises In Lockdown
- Why Every Business Needs A Backup Security Company
- Is Your Security Company A Security Threat?
- Is There a Breach in Your Security?
Wondering how to protect your vacant premises? As many businesses are still having to working remotely, hundreds of thousands of
Uncategorized
- · 5 min read
Winter is coming, whether we like it or not!
With each day getting darker for longer and the outside temperature getting colder week by week, now is the time to prepare for the worst before it’s too late. Once Winter hits, visibility is going to be poor so security is even more essential!
Whether your business is in an office block, shopping centre or stand-alone, the dark makes you more at risk from opportunistic burglars and the cold makes your employees more likely to make mistakes. To ensure that your business is kept as safe and secure as possible this Winter, here are our best safety and security tips!
4 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe
1. Carry out a full risk assessment
Don’t put off carrying out a full risk assessment because you could potentially prevent something from happening before it’s even happened! With the Winter comes the wet weather and icy remains, two things that can cause slips and falls and serious injuries. To keep your employees and the public safe, assess your usual business risks as well as new potential risks from the change of season.
Read: Protecting Your Business in the New Year: The Complete Security Risk Assessment
2. Prepare for the cold weather
As we protect ourselves from the cold by adding layers, your business may need to do the same! Prepare for the cold weather by checking your property and putting in potential precautions to avoid any nasty surprises. Snow can be heavy, so is your roof in good enough condition to manage it? The Winter can become freezing, so how will you avoid freezing pipes and potential injury due to frozen carparks? Storms and floods could arise, is your property prepared? With the varying conditions of the season, it is important to be prepared for the worst so make sure your maintenance is kept up to date.
3. Fireproof against the chill
Many people don’t think of fire as an issue in the Winter, but it is something else that you need to be prepared for. With the cold weather comes increased risks of fire, usually from overuse of electricity to heat properties. Keep your business safe and secure by implementing fireproof measures such as fire exits and shutters.
4. Take precautions for winter driving
Your employees are your business, so keep them safe and educate them on the potential dangers of Winter driving. As the evenings get darker, the roads become less resilient and accidents take place, so make sure that you consider your business vehicles. Are they covered if they are involved in an accident?
7 Ways to Keep Your Business Secure
1. Do a full perimeter check
You should check your perimeter regularly anyway but even more so in Winter. During this season, foliage dies and any weaknesses in your perimeter may become apparent to burglars. The last thing you want is to be exploited, so always check all your security measures are in working order and that there are no holes in fences or objects around the outside that could be used to get onto your property.
Read: Protecting Your Land Perimeter from Intruders and Theft
2. Check your insurance
It is always handy to check your building and contents insurance before the Winter months, because how annoyed would you be if you didn’t and something got stolen? By double checking that your policy is up to date and covers everything of value including new additions, you will ensure that your mind will be at ease when you shut down for Christmas.
3. Check your security lighting and CCTV
With the darkness filling a lot of the days, it is essential that your property is well-lit and well monitored. Make sure to check your security lighting and CCTV to ensure that this is the case, as it is important to see that they can detect movement even in low visibility. It’s also essential to check that all cameras are housed properly, are appropriate for all weather conditions, are clear from snow and that there is no risk of the cables being disconnected.
4. Inspect your staff sabotage measures
Many companies don’t account for staff sabotage in the first place which is crazy, but the ones
5. Don’t forget your cybersecurity
We all put measures in place when it comes to physical burglaries but we tend to forget about cybercrime! Businesses that have a lot of sensitive data need to ensure that it is protected, so online security is essential. Make sure to keep secure passwords that you change regularly, always back up data somewhere else and make note of valuables and their serial numbers.
6. Consider off-site storage
Always keep your sensitive data, archive files and back-ups at a different location for safety and preparedness. As Winter is a time for potential burglaries and fires, you are preparing for the worst case scenario by doing this, so don’t just keep your data on site!
7. Enforce security measures with all staff
Mistakes can be made when it’s cold, whether it’s something as small as leaving the blinds open to see inside or a more serious one such a staff member cutting the perimeter check short to get out of the weather and get home. To ensure everyone is as safety-conscious as they should be during these vulnerable months, you need to be refreshing and enforcing security measures with your employees. Always remember to lock your windows and doors, shut your blinds and keep your valuable equipment out of sight!
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So, is your business safe from the cold weather and secure from opportunistic burglars in the upcoming months? With the bad effects that the weather can have on your business over this period, use these tips to prevent them and keep your security measures intact.
If you prepare for the worst over the Winter months, you can sleep easy over the Christmas shut down period. Keep your business safe and secure this Winter and don’t be an easy target!
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What we can do for you:
RGM Security offers a wide range of security services including a free consultation where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Need more help with security? Check out our other guides for more advice and information
Winter is coming, whether we like it or not! With each day getting darker for longer and the outside temperature
Get in touch today
Whether you need a single static guard, a full mobile patrol schedule, or a bespoke security package across multiple sites, we're ready to talk it through. Get in touch today to discuss your security requirements.
