There are many ways businesses can protect their premises these days, from using CCTV cameras or door supervisors to installing the latest alarm systems and only allowing restricted access.
Another way they can keep their building protected from vandals or thieves is with a keyholding service.
This involves giving a set of keys to a security company, which is kept in a secure location.
These can be used if there is a security problem on the site, with the professionals responding to any issues immediately.
For instance, if the alarm sounds, they will get to the building at any time of the day or night and use the keys to access the building. This allows them to see whether the incident was a false alarm or if there was an intruder or other type of disturbance.
The advantage of hiring a keyholding service is it means members of staff do not have to be responsible for attending security issues when they are not at work. Furthermore, it means if an employee loses a set of keys, there is another that has been kept away from the building and can be used to access it.
Therefore, larger companies often opt for a third party keyholder, removing the responsibility from a member of staff, particularly as equipment and information kept in the building is likely to be more valuable and confidential.
Official government figures from the 2022 Commercial Victimisation Survey showed that 28 per cent of business premises were a victim of crime, such as theft, burglary and vandalism.
Therefore, protecting commercial buildings should be a number one priority for companies.