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We are proud to announce that IDS Security Systems Ltd is now SafePQQ Verified.

SafePQQ is an extension of the well-known SafeContractor health and safety accreditation, which we have already held for some time. The SafePQQ certification is further proof of our company's safety, sustainability and compliance.

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Coronavirus face masks

With British coronavirus cases dropping and the government's lockdown restrictions beginning to relax, many business owners are now trying to find a path back to something resembling normality. The important thing now is for shops and other premises to prioritise public safety when reopening their doors.

Key considerations include:

  • Maintaining a safe distance between individuals and prevent transmission of COVID-19
  • Limiting the total number of people on the premises at any one time
  • Preventing people with COVID-19 symptoms from entering the premises

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With more than 400,000 bikes stolen each year in the UK, it comes as no surprise when you hear tales of bad luck and theft from bicycle owners when then they return to their bike. Whether it’s one of your most prized possessions or a cheap buy to get you from A to B, it’s never a nice feeling when you come to realise that your bike has either been stolen or has missing parts. Therefore, it’s important to put into place the measures that fend off any potential bike thief. To get you started, here are some top tips for bike theft prevention.

Tips for Bike Theft Prevention

 

1.      Choose a suitable lock

The first and most obvious thing to do to prevent your bike from being stolen or a victim of theft is to get a suitable lock. Just like car thieves, bike thieves will always find a way to get the bike they want. Therefore, you want to choose a bike lock that provides a level of security suitable for the location where you leave your bike. A smaller, lightweight bike lock is often suitable for quick stops at local shops, whereas if you’re planning on leaving your bike unattended for a whole day whilst you’re at work or school, then a more secure, heavy-duty bike lock will be required. A smaller lock offers lower security, whilst a bigger lock provides more security. Choosing a bike lock that suits your needs is the most important thing to consider first.

2.      Secure your bike frame & wheels to an immovable object

To ensure maximum security, your bike’s lock cable or chain needs to be long enough to wrap around the bike’s frame, both wheels and whatever object you’re locking the bike too. If you lock just one of the wheels to something, a potential thief can simply remove the wheel and steal the rest of the bike. Alternatively, if you just secure the frame and not the wheels, you risk losing them. Especially if you have a quick-release feature. If your bike isn’t long enough to secure both wheels, then locking the frame and front wheel should be enough to warn off thieves as they may be reluctant to attempt to remove the rear wheel from the chain. Lock your bike to an enclosed object that won’t let the lock be slipped off easily, such as a bike parking rack. If using a free-standing pole such as a signpost, ensure that the pole is high or bulky enough that your bike and lock can't just be lifted over the top.

3.      Lock your bike in the right location

Choosing a place to lock your bike can be a tough situation. If you choose to secure it in a secluded location that is out of sight, then it may be less likely to be noticed by a potential bike thief. However, it may also present the perfect opportunity to be stolen as people are less likely to witness the crime. You need to find a location that offers a good balance of seclusion and visibility. If your workplace or school contains a space to park your bike then use it or if they allow you to bring your bike inside then take advantage.

4.      Keep a record of serial numbers

Every bike should have as serial number edged onto it. This is usually stamped on the underside of the bottom bracket shell, the part of the bike frame where the pedals connect. If you are having difficulties locating your serial number then take it to your local bike shop for some assistance or check your receipt, serial numbers are often printed on them. If your local authority has a bike registration service, then take advantage of it. If not, then there are several online services that let you register your bike’s serial number and report it as stolen if necessary, such as the National Bike Registry. If your bike is ever stolen (touch wood), the serial number can help to get it back. Many bodies of the law, when recovering stolen property such as bikes, tend to look for serial numbers and then look them up on the mentioned online services so they can easily find out who the bike belongs to.

5.      Move your bike regularly

Moving your bike regularly can be a great way to prevent it from being stolen. Thieves tend to understand and learn where bikes are left and for how long, making them an easy target. By regularly moving your bike, you detract attention from it and can avoid any potential thief learning your routine.

6.      Make your bike unappealing

Just as a magpie is drawn to shiny objects, leaving your bike locked up dressed in accessories and looking good, unfortunately, will attract unwanted attention. Therefore, it may be a good idea to dress your bike down, making it blend in rather than stand out. Start by removing any accessories such as flashy lights and attachments or simply cover it up. Hide your bike’s branding or components with tape or something more permanent to make it more subtle and easily recognisable if it were to be stolen and sold on.

By following these bike theft prevention tips, you will be well on your way to ensuring your bike is kept safe and sound whenever left unattended for a period of time. To learn how IDS Security can help with bike theft prevention with our range of security systems, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today!

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Here at IDS Security Systems, we pride ourselves on being able to provide first-class customer service when we supply and maintain our state-of-the-art security systems for our customers. Therefore, it makes us extremely proud when we receive positive feedback from any customer that we have served.

Take a look at just a few of the Google Reviews left by a number of our satisfied customers!

 

If you are considering having a bespoke security installed within your home or commercial premises and are wondering where to go, our reviews should show you exactly why so many businesses and homeowners choose IDS! With the latest technology in a variety of world-class security systems including CCTV Cameras, Security Barriers, Access Control Systems and Intruder Alarms, we are confident that no matter your needs or requirements, IDS Security Systems will be able to accommodate.

If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss installing a bespoke security system in your home or business, call us today on 02920 753 251 or click below to fill out an enquiry form!

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Chwarae Teg Event

Chwarae Teg (Welsh for 'fair play') is a charity whose stated mission is "to help ensure that Women in Wales can enter the workplace, develop their skills and build rewarding careers". At the Virgin Money Lounge in the centre of Cardiff last night, Chwarae Teg launched their new 'FairPlay Employer Network' with an event that brought together representatives from numerous Welsh businesses, including IDS Security Systems Ltd.

As a woman-led company, we at IDS Security are very much aligned with what Chwarae Teg are working to achieve. Our Managing Director Julie Halton attended the FairPlay Employer Network event in Cardiff last night and found it to be an inspirational experience. The primary topic of focus for the evening was inclusive recruitment and how it can drive success when done correctly - guest speaker Ryan Cullen gave a very insightful talk on this subject, using his own employer DevOpsGroup as a real-life example of the benefits that can come from switching to a more inclusive recruitment policy.

This was the first of what promises to be a most enlightening series of Chwarae Teg business events, and we look forward to details of the next FairPlay Employer Network evening.

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