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The Rise in UK Shoplifting: A Growing Concern for Retailers
The United Kingdom is currently grappling with an unprecedented surge in shoplifting incidents, reaching record levels and posing significant challenges for retailers nationwide. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), there were over 20 million thefts in the year leading up to August 2024, resulting in losses exceeding £2.2 billion—a 20% increase from the previous year.

A Stark Warning About Candle Safety: Lessons from a Devastating House Fire
In the aftermath of a tragic fire that destroyed her home, Chloe Taylor, a 25-year-old mother of four from Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, is urging others to take candle safety seriously. Her story serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly an everyday item can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Enhancing Home Security: A Vital Step for UK Residents
Recent findings have highlighted a concerning trend in the United Kingdom: approximately 9% of residents reported experiencing a burglary within the past year. This statistic underscores the critical importance of robust home security measures. Aviva, a leading insurance provider, has emphasised the need for homeowners to prioritise security, especially as the darker months approach.

Dog Starts Fire in Margate. How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Doing the Same
The festive season is a time for celebration, whether it means visiting loved ones or taking a well-deserved holiday. However, with many of us leaving our homes unattended during this busy period, it’s important to think about home security. Empty houses can become easy targets for burglars, and the last thing anyone wants is to return from festive cheer to find their home has been broken into.

How to Protect Your Home Whilst You’re Away for the Festive Break
The festive season is a time for celebration, whether it means visiting loved ones or taking a well-deserved holiday. However, with many of us leaving our homes unattended during this busy period, it’s important to think about home security. Empty houses can become easy targets for burglars, and the last thing anyone wants is to return from festive cheer to find their home has been broken into.

Staying Warm and Safe: A Complete Guide to Home Heating Safety
As winter temperatures plummet, many of us turn to additional heating sources to keep our homes cosy. Whether you're using a portable electric heater, gas fire, or traditional open fireplace, understanding the safety implications of these heating methods is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Social Media Sharing: Is Your Online Activity Putting Your Home at Risk?
Sharing life's moments on social media has become second nature. However, recent research suggests that this seemingly innocent habit might be leaving our homes vulnerable to opportunistic criminals. A comprehensive study of British social media habits has revealed some concerning trends about how our online behaviour could compromise our home security.

Can You Share Domestic CCTV Images on Social Media in the UK?
In the age of social media, where sharing personal moments and experiences is the norm, many individuals might find themselves pondering whether it is permissible to post images captured by their domestic CCTV systems.

Preventing E-Bike Fires: The Urgent Need for Safety Regulations
E-bike fires are becoming a significant safety issue in the UK, with conversion kits identified as a key cause of these incidents. Fire safety experts are pushing for stricter regulations on the sale and use of such kits, which are often linked to poorly matched components, leading to overheating and fires.

Is Your Business Fire-Safe? Top 10 Fire Safety Tips
Fire safety is a vital consideration for every business, not only to meet legal requirements but also to protect employees, assets, and business continuity. A fire can cause immense damage in a matter of minutes, making it essential to adopt comprehensive fire safety measures. Here are ten important steps to help safeguard your workplace:

New Fire Safety Provisions Introduced by the UK Government
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced new fire safety measures that will affect residential buildings in the coming years. These changes include updates to fire safety guidance, the introduction of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled and vulnerable residents, and new regulations for care homes.

Severe Penalties for Fire Safety Violations: A Warning for Property Managers
In a recent case, Home from Home Property Management Ltd and its director, Mr Ottley, were held accountable for serious fire safety breaches, resulting in severe penalties. This serves as a stark warning to the property management sector about the importance of fire safety compliance.

Meet Dan, Your Engineer
If you've ever had GMSE Fire & Security carry out any work for you, it's likely you've met Dan, one of our seasoned engineers. With nearly two decades of experience in the Fire & Security industry, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion to every project he undertakes.

Preparing for the ISDN Shutdown: Ensuring Your Alarm Systems Stay Secure
As the UK prepares to retire the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) by 2027, the impact will be felt across various sectors, including home and commercial security. Alarm systems that rely on ISDN for communication will need to adapt to newer technologies to ensure continued service. In this post, we'll explore why the ISDN shutdown is happening, its specific implications for alarm systems, and the steps that property owners and businesses should take to prepare.

Essential Home Fire Safety Tips
Ensuring the safety of your home from fire hazards is paramount. Fires can spread rapidly, causing significant damage and putting lives at risk. By implementing a few essential fire safety tips, you can protect your home and family from potential fire incidents. Here are some fundamental strategies to enhance fire safety in your household.

Top Home Security Tips for a Safe Summer Holiday
Summer holidays are a time for relaxation and adventure, but they can also be a prime opportunity for burglars to target unoccupied homes. Ensuring your home is secure while you’re away is essential to enjoy your holiday with peace of mind. Here are some top home security tips to keep your home safe during your summer getaway.

The Importance of Fire Safety Training in the Workplace
Fire safety is a critical aspect of workplace safety, and ensuring employees are adequately trained in fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of firefighting equipment is essential for protecting lives and property. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of fire safety training in the workplace and its benefits for both employees and employers.