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Over recent months, Devon & Cornwall Police has seen a worrying rise in burglaries targeting sports clubs across the South West. These incidents underscore the importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard clubs, their facilities, and equipment. A recent example was an attempted burglary at Honiton Golf Club on August 27th, when police responded to an intruder alarm at around 1:50 a.m. It's believed the suspects were looking for trophies, but luckily, none were taken as the club removes them from the site overnight. Fortunately, the alarm was enough to deter the intruders and prevent them from stealing equipment or shop goods. Along with clubhouses, outbuildings and storage containers have been heavily targeted, with ride-on mowers, tractors, and other valuable equipment stolen. Such thefts cause significant disruption and are costly to replace.

Crime prevention advice for sports clubs

At Tamar Security, we work closely with businesses and organisations across the region to help protect their premises. We strongly recommend that all sports clubs take steps to reduce the risk of burglary. Here are some practical crime prevention measures from Devon & Cornwall Police:

• Install clear signage on gates and entrances stating that all outbuildings are equipped with alarms and monitored.
• Remove trophies overnight, if possible, to avoid tempting opportunistic thieves.
• Mark and tag valuable equipment (such as mowers, tools, and machinery) so it can be traced back to the club, and display signage to advertise this.
• Install a drop-down bollard to stop vehicles from passing through gates.
• Place warning signs on outbuildings indicating monitored alarm systems and tagged equipment.
• Use a monitored alarm system connected to a local contact, with a backup contact for added security.
• Raise local awareness by encouraging neighbours or nearby residents to watch for unusual activity at night and report vehicle lights or suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.
• Securely chain or anchor equipment to the ground to deter theft.
• Install ignition isolators or switches on tractors and machinery to prevent unauthorised use.
• Install a CCTV system to continuously watch over your club buildings.

Taking action

While determined criminals can be difficult to deter, robust security measures significantly enhance the chances of their failure. Visible deterrents, such as alarms, signage, and physical barriers, often deter intruders from acting. If your sports club would like advice on improving security or installing a monitored alarm system, Tamar Security is here to help. Our team has extensive experience in protecting clubs, businesses, and community spaces across the South West. Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your club. Image credit: jhenning

If you're a landlord in the UK, keeping your tenants safe from fire isn't just good practice, it's the law. Landlords have a legal responsibility to provide effective fire detection and warning systems to protect their tenants. If you're a landlord or planning on becoming one, this blog breaks down your legal responsibilities for fire safety in your rented property.

Smoke alarms

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, all private and social landlords in England must:

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of a property where there is a room used as living accommodation.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance such as a coal or wood fire. Gas cookers are excluded.
• Repair or replace any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms if the tenant reports that they are not working.

These rules apply at the start of each new tenancy and must be maintained throughout.

HMOs (Houses in multiple occupation)

If you're the landlord of an HMO (e.g. a student let or shared accommodation), you have more extensive fire safety duties under the Housing Act 2004 and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You must:

• Install a full fire detection and alarm system appropriate for the property's layout and occupancy.
• Provide fire doors, extinguishers, and clear escape routes.
• Carry out and document a fire risk assessment, which should be regularly reviewed and updated.
• Install emergency lighting in communal areas like corridors, stairs, kitchens, and living areas in HMOs with five or more occupants.
• Some smaller HMOs (3-4 occupants) may require emergency lighting based on the local authority's licensing conditions.

Failing to comply with these duties can result in fines and prohibition notices, and in the worst-case scenario, tenants being harmed in a fire.

Ongoing fire safety maintenance

While your tenants are responsible for testing alarms regularly (ideally once a week), as the landlord, you are legally obliged to:

• Ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of every new tenancy.
• Respond promptly to any reports of faults or battery issues.
• Replace units every 10 years or in line with the manufacturer's guidance.
• Regularly test emergency lighting and fire detection systems.
• Keep records of installations and inspections, especially for larger or HMO properties.

Do I need to use a professional installer?

While domestic alarms can be installed by competent individuals, for HMOs or more complex systems, it's advisable, and often necessary, to use a certified fire alarm installer. Using a professional installer will ensure you have:

• The correct alarm type for the building
• Proper siting and interlinking of units
• Full compliance with British Standards

At Tamar Security, our fire specialists can guide you through the entire process — from risk assessment and system design to installation, maintenance, and ongoing support. Fire safety in rented properties is a legal and moral obligation. Whether you're a first-time landlord or managing multiple properties, ensuring your fire detection systems are compliant and effective is essential. If you need to install a fire safety system or have any queries regarding your fire safety obligations as a landlord, please get in touch. We are BAFE SP203-1, Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance accredited, have over 40 years in the industry, and are members of the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

When it comes to protecting your home, there are several options to deter opportunistic thieves or monitor visitors at your door. Two of the most popular choices, CCTV systems and smart doorbell cameras, each offer distinct advantages. So, how do you decide which is best for your home? The following guide should help you make the right choice.

What’s the difference between CCTV and doorbell cameras?

CCTV systems are designed for comprehensive, multi-point surveillance of your home. A CCTV system typically comprises several cameras positioned around your property, all of which feed into a central recorder or app. CCTV is ideal for large homes, outbuildings, or properties with multiple entry points. Doorbell cameras, such as Ring, Blink or Google Nest, focus on your front door. They detect motion at your door and record short clips. They can even allow you to see and speak to visitors through your smartphone, which is helpful when you’re away from home. Generally speaking, installing a video doorbell camera is easier than setting up a CCTV system, which ideally requires a professional.

When to choose CCTV

• You want cameras to cover the whole perimeter of your home
• You have a larger property or multiple access points
• You require footage of a higher quality
• You want extended video storage
• You want remote monitoring

When to choose a doorbell camera

• You live in a flat or small home
• You mostly want to monitor the front door
• You like the convenience of mobile alerts and two-way audio
• You have a low budget or require a DIY solution

Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t have both - CCTV for general security and a smart doorbell for everyday convenience.

Need help choosing?

At Tamar Security, we’ve been assisting homeowners across the South West to find the right home security solution that fits their needs and budget. Whether you’re upgrading your system or starting from scratch, we’re here to support you. Get in touch to book a free survey or speak to our friendly team.

When it comes to safeguarding your property, individuals, and livelihood, fire safety is a priority. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises and is vital for ensuring the safety of everyone. In this post, we'll explore what a fire risk assessment involves and who is required to have one.

What is a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment is a review of a building to identify potential fire hazards and how to reduce or eliminate those risks. A responsible person (the nominated individual responsible for the building's fire safety) should conduct the review. If the building houses more than five occupants, a written record of the assessment must be taken.

Who needs a fire risk assessment?

In the UK, fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for anyone responsible for a building that isn't a 'single private dwelling' (a private home). This covers all business premises, houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) and apartment buildings.

What does it cover?

A fire risk assessment includes five steps:

1: Identify fire hazards

A fire hazard is anything that can start a fire, such as ignition sources or combustible materials, including electrical equipment, cooking, smoking and arson, for example.

2: Identify people at risk

Determine the number of people in the premises and identify any young individuals, those with disabilities, or lone workers who may require extra time or assistance with evacuation.

3: Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks

Assess the current precautions and recommend improvements, such as upgrading alarms, adding signage, or increasing the number of fire extinguishers.

4. Record findings and recommendations

Keep a record of the assessment and a plan that details what needs to be done and by when.

5: Review

The fire risk assessment requires regular review and updating if there are any significant changes. The review date should also be recorded.

Why use a professional like Tamar Security?

As NSI Gold and BAFE-accredited fire safety experts, you can trust in our expertise. Our assessments are detailed, jargon-free, and fully documented to help you stay compliant and, more importantly, safe.

Book yours today

Whether it's your first fire risk assessment or time for a review, we're here to help. Get in touch to arrange your assessment and take the stress out of fire safety.

Tamar Security is sponsoring the Business Events Venue of the Year award at the 2025 Devon Tourism Awards. The Devon Tourism Awards recognise excellence in tourism and hospitality in the region. They celebrate achievements across the sector and reward accommodation, attractions, experiences, events, visitor information, food and drink, sustainability, accessibility, dog friendliness, and customer service.

Business Events Venue of the Year award

The Business Events Venue of the Year award recognises business event venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceed the expectations of their clients, and have a strategic plan for future development. Supporting many Devon-based business event venues with their fire and security requirements, we know the commitment it takes to deliver an exceptional experience. We're sponsoring this award to champion their efforts and celebrate their success. It's our second consecutive year of supporting this category, and we're excited to see who makes the shortlist in October! We were thrilled that one of our longstanding clients, Raceworld, scooped the trophy in 2024 (NB, we weren't on the judging panel!). The awards are free to enter and open to businesses of all sizes, so if you have a Devon-based tourism or hospitality business, why not submit an entry? With 26 categories to choose from, you're sure to find a relevant opportunity to showcase your achievements, celebrate your team and gain the recognition you deserve. The submission deadline is midnight on 18 May 2025, so you'll need to be quick but it's simple to enter. For more information and to put your business forward, visit the Devon Tourism Awards website. The winners (announced on 27 November) from some categories automatically qualify for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Over recent months, we've received several enquiries for home security following a spate of burglaries across East Devon. House burglary is often an opportunistic crime, so making your house less attractive to a potential burglar is a good defence against a break-in.

Here are eight tips to improve your home security:

1. Install an intruder alarm

A visible, professionally installed alarm system is one of the strongest deterrents. Many burglars avoid homes with an intruder alarm. An added benefit of an alarm is that it could lower your home insurance premium.

2. Mount CCTV cameras

As with intruder alarms, CCTV cameras are a visible deterrent to would-be burglars and capture evidence of unwanted or criminal activity around your property.

3. Secure doors and windows

Ensure all your external doors have reliable locks (mortice and multi-point locking systems are the best) and fit locks on your windows. Remember to lock the windows and doors when you leave your home.

4. Use lighting

When you go out in the evening, keep a few lights on in the house. If you're away overnight, use a time switch or 'smart plugs' to programme lights to switch on and off while you're not there. Mount motion-activated lights outside your home in entrances, side paths, and dark corners.

5. Keep valuables out of sight

Don't tempt burglars by ensuring valuable items such as cash, car keys, electronics, and jewellery are out of view.

6. Don't hide keys outside

Use a secure outdoor key safe if you need to leave a key outside your home. Don't hide keys under flower pots or doormats!

7. Keep tools locked up

Ladders and garden tools could help a burglar get into your home, so keep them locked up and out of sight.

8. Make the house look occupied

If you'll be away from home for an extended period, ask friends and family to help prevent your home from looking empty – by collecting the mail, mowing the lawn, moving the car on the drive, etc. If you'd like to improve your home security and would like a no-obligation assessment and quote for an intruder alarm or CCTV system, please get in touch.

Installing CCTV in your business could be a sound investment to protect your property, employees, and assets. Here are 10 reasons why every business should invest in a CCTV system.

10 reasons to install business CCTV

1. Crime prevention and deterrence

Visible security cameras are a strong deterrent to criminals, reducing the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or other illegal activities at your premises.

2. Employee and customer safety

By monitoring potentially dangerous situations, such as workplace altercations or suspicious activity, CCTV helps create a safer environment for your employees and customers.

3. Evidence collection

If an incident occurs at your business, the CCTV footage will provide valuable evidence for police investigations, insurance claims, or legal disputes. With video evidence, identifying and proving what happened will be easier.

4. Monitoring business operations

Security cameras allow you to monitor daily operations remotely and react swiftly if anything untoward occurs.

5. Preventing employee theft and misconduct

CCTV helps discourage dishonest behaviour from your staff and encourages them to be more conscientious at work.

6. Enhanced customer experience

Monitoring customer interactions helps improve service quality by identifying areas where staff training or operational adjustments may be needed. It also helps foster customer trust as they see your commitment to ensuring a safe environment.

7. Reduced insurance costs

Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for businesses with CCTV systems, as they have a lower risk of theft or damage.

8. Protecting sensitive information

If your business handles confidential data or uses expensive equipment, you can use CCTV to monitor restricted areas and prevent unauthorised access.

9. Compliance with health and safety regulations

CCTV can help ensure adherence to health and safety procedures, reducing the risk of accidents and potential legal liabilities.

10. Peace of mind

Knowing your business is under surveillance 24/7 provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growth without worrying about security threats. If you don’t have CCTV at your business and you’d like to investigate the options and costs, please get in touch for a no-obligation quote. We will design and install a system to meet your business’s security requirements.

In England and Wales, fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in non-domestic premises, so knowing when to replace them is essential. As fire extinguishers are critical to fire safety, they must always be in proper working condition. Understanding when to replace fire extinguishers will ensure you stay compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) and help keep your building’s occupants safe. The average lifespan of a water, foam, or powder extinguisher is between five and 10 years. However, this lifespan can vary, and other factors can affect it.

Five signs that your fire extinguisher needs replacing

1. Low or no pressure

Check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the red zone, the extinguisher may not work.

2. Physical damage

Replace the extinguisher if you notice any of the following:

• Dents, rust, or corrosion
• Leaking or cracked hose/nozzle
• Broken handle or missing pin

Any of these defects could cause the extinguisher to fail.

3. Leaking or broken seals

If the tamper seals are broken or missing, the extinguisher might have lost pressure and no longer work.

4. Expired or missing inspection tags

If regular inspections have been overlooked or the inspection tag is missing, the extinguisher may no longer be reliable.

5. The extinguisher was used

Even if only used briefly, the extinguisher should be replaced or recharged immediately.

Inspections and maintenance

Regular inspections and servicing will ensure your fire extinguishers are in good working order and prolong their lifespan. We recommend a weekly visual inspection to ensure the extinguisher is accessible, full, and in good condition. On top of this weekly check, your extinguishers will require servicing by a certified fire safety engineer at the following intervals:

• Annually: Basic fire extinguisher service to inspect the gauges, pins, hose, and tags to ensure they are working, check the weight and pressure, and look for any visual signs of damage.
• Every five years: Extended fire extinguisher service for powder, water, foam and wet chemical extinguishers, where the extinguisher is discharged, internally inspected and refilled.
• Every 10 years: All CO2 extinguishers must undergo an overhaul involving hydraulic testing of the extinguisher body and replacing the main valve.

Even with proper maintenance, all fire extinguishers require replacement at specific points. Disposable (non-rechargeable) extinguishers require replacement every 10 years, while rechargeable models should be replaced or recharged every five years, depending on their condition and service history. If your fire extinguishers need replacing or servicing, we can help. Please call us on 01392 368830 or complete our contact form.

Last year, Tamar Security started it’s 40th anniversary celebrations! To mark the occasion, we wanted to thank some of our long-standing and loyal customers. So, in December, we presented Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club with an aerial photo of their cricket ground to celebrate our long-term relationship with them and their new cricket ground and pavilion. Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club has been a customer of Tamar Security for over 30 years. In June last year, the club relocated to a new, purpose-built cricket clubhouse and ground. Unfortunately, its previous home at the mouth of the River Otter was regularly affected by seasonal flooding. We had to replace the intruder alarm several times during the club's time there because of flood damage. The club's new home has a fully accessible pavilion with changing facilities, a full-sized bar and a large entertaining and social space, two cricket pitches and a car park. We installed CCTV and an intruder alarm at the new facilities and will provide ongoing servicing and maintenance. Since Keith Southwell founded Tamar Security in Exmouth 40 years ago, we've supported many local businesses, clubs, and organisations across East Devon. We're honoured to have developed several long-standing relationships such as this one. Here's to the next 40 years! Pictured above: Martin Shearer, Tamar's Managing Director, and Joel Murphy, the club's chairman.