The Christmas and New Year festivities are done, Santa hats are binned, the lights are coming down and the takings from the last few weeks have got you feeling like you own the street. Unfortunately, the troubles that face you as a venue owner are still staring you down in the face. As a venue owner in and around central London there will always be a lot of tourist foot traffic (perfect for you right), which in turn attracts drink spikers, pick pockets and drug dealers. 

In todays lively world, attending events and venues has become an integral part of our lifestyles. However, amidst the excitement and enjoyment, it is important not to overlook the potential dangers. Three common threats I see every weekend on the doors, that a lot of the time go unnoticed, when not actively searched out are: pickpockets, drink spikes and drug dealers. In this blog, aimed at venue owners but also door supervisors and the public, we're going to explore effective strategies to ensure safety inside venues, aiming to empower venue owners and create a secure environment for everyone.

Pickpockets: These skilled thieves easily blend into crowded bars, pubs and nightclubs, exploit moments of distraction to snatch phones, wallets and bags from unsuspecting individuals who have let their guard down in their pursuit of fun. This can lead to your venue being brandished ... Of course this is damaging to your brand and not the image you want for you business.

Drink spikers: These predators much like the pick pockets blend into crowded venues and either befriend a victim in order to drug and take advantage or will drug a random individual in order to follow and take advantage of away from the venue. Again, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that you don't want your venue to have the reputation as a place people are spiked. What I've learnt through the years working in and around central London is that spiking isn't just for sexual gain, people can be spiked as a way for criminals to gain access to banking apps, credit cards and house or car keys.

Drug dealers: Venues provide a common ground for drug dealers to approach potential customers discreetly, as the substances they offer are illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, they target unsuspecting venues as a hub to be able to blend in and go unnoticed.

1. Stay Vigilant: Maintaining awareness along with your current security team is crucial. As a door supervisor, the buck lies with you and as a team you should be scanning the venue constantly and reading the body language of suspected people at all times. 

2. Use "Secure Your Bag" Signs: These signs you can have dotted around the venue to ensure the public are reminded to keep their belongings zipped up.

3. Opt For Secure Storage: Many venues I've worked in nowadays are starting to offer secure locker facilities. Utilising these can let the public relax more and enjoy their time in your establishment.  

3. Train Staff To ID Potential Drug Dealers: Constant staff training is essential to recognising suspicious behaviour and identifying potential dealers. Educate your staff about the signs of dealing like frequent visits to the toilet, excessive cash handling and unusual communication patterns. Encourage staff to report any suspicious behaviour and to trust and rely that the door staff will do their job.

Conclusion:

Tackling criminals in your establishment requires a comprehensive approach involving venue owners, staff, security, patrons and local law enforcement. While eliminating crime completely may be an unattainable goal, you can take proactive steps in the new year to create a safer environment for everyone. By implementing comprehensive security measures with the security firm such as improving surveillance systems, choosing to employ or employ more door supervisors, training staff, purchasing safe industry products and making small changes & fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere, venue owners and door staff can significantly reduce the risk of criminal incidents. 

Lets make tackling crime in your venue a top priority in the new year and ensure it remains an enjoyable place for all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Be Safe & Be Lucky!