8 min read

The Hidden Risks of Holiday Shutdowns

Holiday periods increase risks for construction and commercial sites. Ascent Onsite Group offers tailored manned guarding and CCTV solutions to protect your assets, maintain compliance, and ensure a smooth start to 2026.
Written by
Ascent Team
Published on
December 15, 2025

As the festive season approaches, many construction and commercial sites prepare for reduced activity or temporary shutdowns. While teams take a well-earned break, sites often become more vulnerable than at any other time of the year.

Holiday periods consistently see an increase in theft, vandalism, unauthorised access, and safety incidents. Without proper security measures in place, even a short closure can lead to costly delays, insurance complications, and reputational damage.

At Ascent Onsite Group, we support clients with tailored holiday security solutions that ensure peace of mind — even when sites are unattended.

The Hidden Risks of Holiday Shutdowns

During December and early January, sites typically experience longer periods without staff on-site, limited oversight, and reduced lighting due to shorter days. These conditions create ideal opportunities for opportunistic crime.

Plant and equipment theft remains one of the most expensive risks for construction sites, while vacant commercial properties face increased threats from vandalism, trespassers, and accidental damage. In addition, insurers increasingly expect active protection measures to remain in place, regardless of whether a site is operational.

Failing to plan holiday security properly can turn a short break into a long and expensive recovery.

Manned Guarding: A Visible Deterrent When It Matters Most

Manned guarding remains one of the most effective ways to protect sites during holiday periods. The presence of trained, SIA-licensed security officers provides an immediate deterrent, discourages unauthorised access, and allows for rapid response to incidents.

Our guarding services include access control, patrols, lock and unlock duties, and incident reporting — all delivered with full compliance and clear communication. For many clients, temporary holiday guarding provides the perfect balance between protection and cost control.

CCTV & Remote Monitoring: Smart Security for Unattended Sites

For sites that are fully or partially unattended, CCTV offers an intelligent and highly effective solution. Ascent Onsite Group provides rapid-deployment CCTV systems that can be installed quickly, even at short notice.

With remote monitoring, motion detection, and live response capabilities, CCTV allows for continuous protection without the need for constant on-site presence. Many clients choose to combine CCTV with manned guarding, creating a layered security approach that maximises coverage while managing budgets.

Insurance Compliance and Peace of Mind

One of the most overlooked aspects of holiday security is insurance compliance. Many policies require active protection measures to remain in place during shutdown periods. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to rejected claims in the event of an incident.

Our security solutions are designed to align with insurer expectations, helping clients demonstrate due diligence and avoid unnecessary risk.

Planning Ahead for a Secure Start to the New Year

Holiday security is not just about protecting assets — it’s about ensuring a smooth restart in January. Sites that are properly secured avoid delays, unexpected repairs, and last-minute scrambles when teams return.

By planning holiday cover early, businesses can secure reliable protection, better availability, and more predictable costs.

How Ascent Onsite Group Can Support You

Ascent Onsite Group delivers tailored security solutions for construction, commercial, and industrial environments. From short-term holiday cover to long-term site protection, our services are designed to be flexible, compliant, and dependable.

As the year draws to a close, now is the time to ensure your sites remain safe, secure, and ready for what comes next.

Secure Your Site This Holiday Season

If your site will be operating on reduced hours or shutting down entirely this winter, our team is ready to help you put the right protection in place.

Contact Ascent Onsite Group today to arrange your holiday security cover.

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