News

As we reflect on the past 12 months, it is hard to know where to begin and if it is even appropriate to take on a celebratory tone. But at Magenta Security, planning for the worst and hoping for the best is part of our profession, so we know the value of a silver lining and positivity even in the darkest times. Here are a few moments of positivity that we managed to enjoy amongst the pandemic. We celebrated our […]

Facial recognition technology has numerous harmless applications. You may use it every day to unlock your phone or gain access to secure areas. But facial recognition can also be used for surveillance purposes, a usage that has gathered plenty of excitement in the security industry and those who provide products to it. However, we should balance our excitement with caution. As with all surveillance, facial recognition must be used responsibly and with restraint to protect the privacy and rights of […]

Winter is here, which means it is time again to remind our readers that these next few months are when businesses are at the highest risk of vandalism and theft from winter crime. Studies have shown seasonal surges of crime in winter, with a 22.8% increase in business robberies (The Office for National Statistics) and 35% more home insurance claims for burglary (Lloyds Bank) in the winter months. In addition, there is ample evidence that, historically, crime has increased in […]

Throughout the entirety of Magenta Security’s 25 years in business, security has been a growth industry, and there is no sign that it is slowing. Innovations in technology, overwhelmed police forces and increased demand for private security have continued to fuel security industry growth to this day. But despite the health of the industry as a whole, very few security companies survive 10 years, let alone 25. Why is the security industry so tough for companies trying to establish themselves? […]

Security Fears Heightened as Thousands of Businesses Remain Closed Thousands of businesses up and down the country remain closed and with no clear indication of when they might re-open criminals are taking advantage of vulnerable premises and finding new ways to conduct criminal activity. Whilst the media are reporting a decrease in shoplifting, serious assaults, and car crime during the lockdown, what they’re failing to report to the same extent is a nationwide increase in theft from unattended business premises. In […]

COVID-19 continues to challenge life for all of us, but I am on the whole proud of the way people are reacting, supporting each other and coming together as communities. One such community is the private security sector. It was an incredibly important moment when the BSIA and SIA came together to lobby and ensure that security guards are recognised as key workers. They have stood up for us as an industry at a time when it truly matters Though […]

We depend upon care homes to look after those who are most vulnerable. This includes making sure that residents and staff are protected from security threats such as vandalism, theft and abuse. While security guards still have a role in care homes, especially for main entrances and exterior patrols, residents and staff typically prefer less visible forms of security such as CCTV and access control. The benefits of CCTV in care homes Care home security must be designed to protect […]

It’s no secret that one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS is the difficulty of meeting the increasing demands on health services while government spending struggles to keep pace. A less talked about but serious consequence is the cuts that have been made to security in hospitals and other medical sites. Local authorities are encountering the same issue. A tender process has driven solely on price has severe consequences on the quality of the service offered by security companies. […]

Keeping students safe means more than making sure their laptops don’t get stolen. The main threat to students is stress, and you may be surprised how vital security guards can be in helping students in halls of residence to receive the care they need to fulfil their potential. Magenta Security has over 20 years of experience working with university and privately run halls of residence in inner city, rural and campus sites across the UK. This has given us a […]

University campuses are often huge, sprawling sites spread across multiple buildings, some of which, such as libraries or laboratories, may be open 24 hours a day. Protecting a site as complex as a university requires a robust security package, and universities that take their security seriously will have CCTV, card key access and – most importantly – a team of highly trained a dedicated security guards. There’s no point spending generously on high tech security equipment only to cut corners […]