How to Protect Your Premises Over Bank Holiday Weekend

With the long weekend fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to a bit of a break. Whether you’re planning to spend time with family, get away for a few days or simply enjoy a quieter pace, one thing that can take the edge off is getting rid of that nagging feeling of “what if something happens while I’m away?”

If you’re a business owner or site manager, I get it. It’s hard to fully switch off when your premises are sitting empty – especially over a Bank Holiday weekend, when response times can be slower and opportunists know many buildings are unoccupied.

At Priority First, we spend a lot of time supporting clients with exactly this kind of thing. Vacant property security is something we take seriously, because we’ve seen firsthand how quickly issues can escalate if the right steps aren’t in place.

The good news is that most incidents are preventable. So before you lock up and head off for the weekend, here are a few practical ways to keep your premises secure.

1. Test your existing security systems

This is always the first thing I advise. You’d be amazed how many people only realise their alarm or CCTV system isn’t working after something has happened.

So, take a few minutes to test your intruder alarm. Make sure the sensors are triggering properly, and that any monitoring company you work with is still receiving alerts. If you have cameras, check the footage quality and make sure nothing is obstructing the view – overgrown trees, spider webs, low lighting, that kind of thing.

Also worth noting: if your system relies on Wi-Fi or mobile signal, make sure you’re not at risk of disconnection. Even something like a power cut over the weekend could knock you offline if you’re not set up with a backup.

2. Lock up properly (and double-check the vulnerable spots)

It might sound obvious, but the basics really matter.

Walk around the entire building before you leave and make sure all windows and doors are locked – especially those that aren’t in regular use. Side entrances, fire exits, loading bay doors, roof hatches – these are all common access points for intruders.

If you use roller shutters, padlocks, or grills, make sure they’re secure and not showing signs of wear. A weak lock is as good as an open door.

3. Review your external areas

A tidy, well-kept exterior can make a big difference. If your site looks abandoned or neglected, it becomes a target.

Make sure bins are emptied and tucked away, outdoor lighting is working, and signage (like “24-hour CCTV” or “Alarmed premises”) is clearly visible. If you’ve got vehicles or equipment on-site, secure them in a gated or lit area if possible.

And if you have any building works or scaffolding up, speak to your contractor about added security – these setups are often seen as an invitation by intruders.

4. Consider short-term security support

Depending on your location, industry or recent activity, you might want to take things a step further.

We offer temporary security services for exactly this reason – mobile patrols, lock and unlock services, keyholding and alarm response, even short-term manned guarding if needed.

The point here isn’t to commit to anything long-term. It’s about giving yourself peace of mind for those periods when your site is more exposed.

If you’ve had issues in the past, or just want to feel more confident while you’re away, short-term cover is worth looking into. And we always keep things flexible – we know one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in this business.

5. Make the building look occupied

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It sounds simple, but visual cues can really deter unwanted attention.

Leaving a couple of lights on timers, drawing blinds to limit visibility inside, and removing obvious signs of absence (like piling post or empty car parks) can all make a difference.

If your building is on a high street or in a shared unit, let a neighbouring business know you’ll be closed – a second pair of eyes never hurts.

6. Make sure someone can respond if needed

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Last but not least – if something does happen, who’s picking up the phone?

It’s really important to have a clear plan for out-of-hours incidents. Whether it’s a break-in, an alarm going off, or a false trigger, someone needs to be able to respond.

If you don’t want that to fall on you or your staff while you're away, a keyholding and alarm response service can take that pressure off your plate completely.

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Security doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be intentional.

Bank Holidays should be a chance to relax and recharge. A few small checks now can mean you’re not spending your weekend worrying about what’s happening back at the office or site.

If you want to chat through your setup or just get some advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re more than happy to help, even if it’s just to point you in the right direction.

Take care, and enjoy the long weekend.

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