From Downtime to Danger: Why Security Risks Spike During Long Weekends

06 May 2025

As South Africa emerges from the extended Easter, Freedom Day and Worker's Day weekends, many businesses are returning to normal operations, often unaware that these breaks served as prime opportunities for criminals. The quiet office parks and industrial areas during long weekends create perfect conditions for those looking to exploit vulnerabilities when defenses are lowest.

Recent data reveals a troubling pattern of increased security breaches during holiday periods. Auto & General Insurance reported a 96% increase in break-in claims during Easter weekend 2019 compared to typical weekends. While 2020 saw a 7% decrease during hard lockdown, 2021 witnessed another massive 89% surge in Easter holiday incidents. The South African Police Service documented 40,751 burglary cases between October and December 2023 alone, approximately 453 incidents daily. Additionally, Santam's 2022/2023 Insurance Barometer showed burglary claims in the first half of 2023 were 15% higher than the same period in 2022.

These figures represent thousands of businesses whose security was compromised when they least expected it.

Holiday periods create ideal conditions for criminal activity. Empty business parks with vacant parking lots and darkened buildings advertise vulnerability. The absence of staff means fewer eyes and ears to detect suspicious behaviour, no employees to notice unusual activity or raise alarms. Criminals exploit this lack of human presence, giving them extended timeframes to execute thorough thefts without interruption or detection. What would be impossible during busy workdays becomes relatively easy when buildings stand abandoned during holiday periods.

Effective Protective Measures

Protecting your business during vulnerable periods requires a multi-layered approach:

Advanced Surveillance: Modern systems offer remote monitoring capabilities that allow security personnel to observe premises from anywhere.

Professional Manned Guarding: While technology provides excellent support, nothing replaces the physical presence of trained security personnel. Professional guards can respond immediately to suspicious activity, conduct regular perimeter checks, and serve as a powerful visual deterrent to potential intruders.

Employee Security Awareness Training: Teach staff proper security protocols including securing valuable items in locked drawers, using laptop locks, and following proper closing procedures before leaving for holidays.

Security Assessments: Professional evaluations help businesses address weak points proactively rather than reactively, often revealing simple fixes that significantly enhance security.

"What we've consistently observed is that businesses with comprehensive security protocols experience significantly fewer incidents during vulnerable periods like long weekends," says Adriaan Otto, Managing Director. "The most successful security strategies combine advanced technology with human intelligence. When potential intruders see that a property is being actively monitored and protected, they typically move on to easier targets. Prevention through visible security presence is always more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a breach."

With more holidays coming up throughout the year, businesses should plan their security strategies well in advance. As security professionals specialising in both technological solutions and professional manned guarding services, we remain committed to helping businesses navigate these periods of heightened risk. Contact us here today to develop a customised security plan that protects your most valuable assets when you're not there to watch over them yourself.