Seasonal Security Solutions for the Countdown to Christmas!

Throngs of shoppers braving the frosty high streets, ever-expanding piles of presents under the tree… and a whiff of anticipation in the air for criminals everywhere – Christmas is well and truly upon us.

As we get caught up in the goodwill and merriment of the festive period, it can be easy to allow thoughts on home and personal security to drift to the back of our minds. However it is important to remain vigilant, as Christmas is seen as a time of maximum opportunity for burglars and pickpockets.

Keep yourself and your possessions safe with our Super Seven Tips:

1)  Pickpockets and bag thieves thrive in the hustle and bustle of high streets and shopping centres at this time of the year. Equip yourself with Anti-Theft Items to frustrate criminals.

2)  The rise of Digital Pickpockets that skim data from contactless cards is also a serious concern for shoppers this Christmas. Make sure you have a Card Defender to protect yourself from possible theft and identity fraud.

You can read our previous blog about the growing threat of contactless card crime Here! 

3)  If you’re not usually home before dark, Segment Timers are perfect for setting your tree, decorations and regular house lights to switch on automatically, giving burglars the impression your home is occupied.

4)  In the days leading up to Christmas, lots of expensive new presents are stored under the tree. Don’t advertise this bounty to burglars; keep curtains or blinds closed and doors and windows locked and alarmed.

5)  The festive period is prime time for Bogus Callers, who take the opportunity to pose as carol singers or charitable workers. Always remember to utilise peep holes and Door Chains when answering. If you’re not sure, don’t open the door!

6)  Outdoors, make sure all access points are well lit with quality Security Lighting. Indoors, make sure you have (and use!) a reliable motion alarm system.

7)  Hopefully you’ve ended up on Santa’s Nice List this year… Make sure you mark all new gifts and valuables using Property Marking Kits to deter thieves from targeting them. Don’t lose your presents before you’ve had a chance to enjoy them!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Solon Security! 

Celebrate with 10% OFF at our retail site redlinesecurity.co.uk with code: XMAS16

Product Focus – Card Defender

Contactless cards are fast becoming the norm in Britain, with over 81 million debit and credit cards in circulation now carrying the functionality. In fact, it has been predicted that contactless payments will outstrip cash payments as soon as 2025!

Unfortunately, as “tap and go” technology has improved consumer convenience, it has also improved the scope for criminals and fraudsters to target victims. With all of your payment details now stored on a chip within your card, your pocket, wallet or purse is constantly broadcasting data, ready to be transferred to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reading terminal or device when it comes into close contact.  For more information on how this works, view our guide HERE.

So how can you protect yourself from the dangers of Digital Pickpockets?
Solon Security are here to help and have recently introduced our innovative Card Defender –  a simple, cost-effective device that has the potential to save you Thousands of pounds, for as little as 89p!

The Card Defender is a credit card sized sleeve that is the perfect for storing your contactless card inside. The wallet is made from a special RFID blocking material that means your card details cannot be skimmed by tech-savvy thieves using handheld payment terminals or mobile phones. As long as your card is inside the Card Defender sleeve, your money and identity are secure!

The Card Defender works with all forms of contactless cards that rely on RFID signals, including credit and debit cards, travel cards (such as Oyster Cards), IDs and swipe cards.

Since it’s launch the Card Defender has proved immensely popular with our trade and retail customers alike, with scores of UK Police Forces purchasing them for distribution to their communities, while members of the public have been taking advantage of our outstanding value bulk pricing online.

Join Solon Security in the fight against Digital Pickpockets by equipping yourself with the most innovative, reliable solution to contactless card crime – the Card Defender is available now online at www.redlinesecurity.co.uk, or by calling our team on 01352 736125.

Contactless Card Crime – What you need to know.

The past couple of years have seen a huge spike in the usage of contactless cards, with an estimated 81 million debit and credit cards across the UK alone now carrying the functionality. That’s not to mention the amount of wireless travel cards and work IDs that now carry your personal information.

As the popularity of “tap and go” cards has increased, so too has the danger of Digital Pickpocketing (also known as Electronic Pickpocketing). We’ve prepared this handy guide to get you clued up on the subject, as well as providing a solution for protecting yourself from falling victim:

What is contactless card technology?

Today most new payment and access cards will contain a chip that allows the information on them to be read by simply holding them on or near a scanning device. This works via RFID technology.

What is RFID technology?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag or chip that is attached to an object (such as the chip attached to your credit card). These tags can be read from up to several feet away and do not require a direct line of sight.

What are the benefits to using contactless cards?

Contactless cards allow you to pay for transactions (currently up to a max of £30 in the UK) by simply presenting your card over a reader for approximately one second, rather than the hassle of inserting your card into a machine, entering your pin and waiting for confirmation.

What are the dangers of using contactless cards?

Tech-savvy criminals have seized upon the new tap and go culture by using handheld payment terminals or mobile phone apps to ‘skim’ the card information of those around them. The criminals can use these devices to charge the maximum £30 from your card direct to their payment device straight away, or store your details for unlimited use online later on. This has become known as Digital Pickpocketing.

When am I at risk of Digital Pickpocketing?

As RFID technology works within several feet and without a clear line of sight. you could be the victim of a digital pickpocket when you are standing in a shopping queue, on public transport, in a lift, or even just walking down the street.

Is it a real danger, or just scaremongering?

Unfortunately it is the former; the subject is a growing concern with ITV recently running a special report on it’s Tonight program. The total amount lost to Digital Pickpocketing in 2014 was over £150,000, with the number of contactless cards in circulation growing all the time. Recently a research team from Which Magazine were able to purchase a £3,000 TV online using the information they had ‘skimmed’ from a payment card.

How can I protect myself?

Digital Pickpockets can be foiled by a simple innovation developed by Solon Security: the Card Defender is a handy, credit card sized sleeve that you can keep your contactless card inside. The sleeve is made of a special RFID blocking material that prevents your details being skimmed, protecting both your money and your identity from tech-savvy thieves.

For more information on the Card Defender, view our Product Focus blog HERE.