For many businesses, December is a welcome slowdown, but for burglars and fire risks, it’s often the busiest time of the year.
Offices close early, warehouses run reduced shifts, and whole sites may remain empty for days. Even with a solid CCTV system in place, the festive period can expose weaknesses that don’t usually show up during normal operations.
That’s why now is the time to give your security and fire-safety arrangements a quick seasonal health check and the Thorne team have been out doing our own maintenance checks for customers over the past few weeks.
A few simple adjustments can make the difference between a peaceful break and an unwelcome New Year surprise.
CCTV works best when the rest of your security supports it
CCTV is one of the strongest deterrents you can have, as clear footage, visible cameras and good low-light performance discourage opportunistic intruders immediately. But December is full of variables: darker nights, holiday closures, increased deliveries, and unfamiliar faces around commercial estates.
This makes it worth revisiting a few basics. Check that key cameras have a clear view following any seasonal displays or rearranged stock. Make sure external lighting is working – CCTV can only perform at its best if the surrounding environment supports it. And if your system includes remote monitoring, confirm your alerts and escalation procedures are still up to date for the festive period.
Securing the building before the break
In the run-up to Christmas, businesses often operate on autopilot. It’s common for temporary staff passes to be left active, access-control permissions not to be updated, or doors that normally stay shut to be propped open for convenience. Before the final lock-up, take a moment to ensure all permissions and access points reflect holiday arrangements. It reduces the risk of unauthorised entry and supports your CCTV in doing its job effectively.
Valuable items should be placed out of view and, ideally, behind locked internal doors. Well-positioned cameras can then act as an added layer of reassurance, helping you keep an eye on key areas even when no one’s on site.
Fire risks rise in December
It’s surprising how often Christmas decorations, plug-in heaters, extra extension leads and kitchen equipment combine to create hidden fire risks. Add in a quiet building over the holidays, and minor faults can go unnoticed for far longer than usual.
A quick walkaround before closing can prevent most seasonal issues. Switch off non-essential equipment, unplug festive lights, and check that fire doors shut fully. Colder weather can make them stick. Ensure your fire alarm shows no faults and that extinguishers haven’t been moved or blocked during the end-of-year tidy-up.
Clear communication is your strongest seasonal tool
The festive break can easily create confusion over who is responsible for locking up, who holds keys, and who will respond to out-of-hours alerts. A simple, shared plan goes a long way. Confirm keyholders, ensure contact numbers are current, and let your monitoring centre know about any changes to site activity.
