While the rest of the population heads to the coast or boards a plane for adventures abroad, we’re hearing jingle bells and making sure we’re on the nice list here at SAFECROWDS as we support clients planning their Christmas events.

Yes! It may be July, but we’re already in countdown mode for December, because keeping people safe and assets secure as crowds gather to enjoy the festival season takes planning! And with our integrated approach to counter terrorism, security and stewarding, we can help events teams and local authorities to plan effectively, implement proportionate measures and streamline their costs with an integrated, co-ordinated approach.

All the fun of the season

Festive markets, funfairs, ice-rinks, switch-on events and Father Christmas meet-and-greets are just some of the fun fixtures in the annual Christmas events calendar. Without them, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas. It’s not just an opportunity for families to enjoy the delights of the season, it’s also a commercial boost for towns and cities, enticing people away from their online shopping to spend in local businesses.

But with crowds, comes risk, and event organisers and local authorities have a duty of care to keep everyone safe while they enjoy themselves. At SAFECROWDS, keeping people and places safer is our mission – here’s how our integrated approach to provide every aspect of crowd management, safety and security could help you achieve those goals this festive season:

Counter terrorism

Our expert team, led by our Head of Counter Terrorism & Risk, Jonathan Neal, are experienced counter terrorism professionals. They can advise you on the risk factors for your event and suggest ways in which to mitigate risk.

We can provide Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (TVRA) along with Vehicle Dynamics Assessments (VDA) to provide an evidence-based approach to selecting reasonably practicable and proportionate measures to protect people at your event. Unlike other providers, our risk assessments go beyond vehicle attacks and HVM to include vulnerability to hostile reconnaissance and simple steps you can take to reduce risk.

We can also specify, supply, install and manage hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) equipment at your event, with trained teams of technicians to deploy and de-rig surface-mounted and certified systems in the correct locations in a timely manner.

Our K9 detection dogs and trained handlers mean that we can also offer expo detection sweeps as part of an integrated counter terrorism package, deploying dogs specially trained to identify explosive devices.

Martyn’s Law has not been made legislation yet, but there is now an expectation amongst the public that event organisers will take reasonable steps to keep them safe and we can help you do that.

Crowd management

We can provide a joined up approach to crowd management, including traffic management with our own vehicles, signage and equipment, and trained personnel.

Alongside our experienced stewards, who are all first aid and ACT trained, we can provide behavioural detection specialists who are trained to detect behaviours that may indicate that an individual is a threat, or that they are vulnerable and in need of help.

We can also provide equipment to assist with bag and body searches.

Safeguarding

Our safeguarding services include provision of trained safeguarding teams and medics, along with K9 drug detection dogs that can help you prevent drug dealing and consumption on site at your event.

Security

Our experienced security teams have a proven track record at large-scale events. Well-presented and customer service trained, they are friendly and helpful, while ensuring that people and property are protected.

A cracker of a Christmas

It might be too soon to order the turkey and throw up the tree just yet, but time is ticking on getting your security planned and booked for Christmas events. If you need help to make sure your event is memorable for all the right reasons, why not get in touch.