This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of Hospitality Ireland magazine, in December of 2025.
In the run-up to the festive season, burglaries in hospitality premises traditionally increase, as organised and opportunistic thieves look for cash.
The risk of theft and property damage also increases. Deterrence is key. Jeremy Benabou, managing director of Verisure Ireland – an alarm and security company offering a layered and technologically innovative security system – offers some sound advice.
Of what seasonal security threats should new or small hospitality businesses be aware?
One of the biggest things we see every year is a rise in burglaries and break-ins during the darker winter months. Opportunistic thieves often target cash registers, stockrooms, and equipment left on site overnight.
Seasonal peaks like Christmas or the summer holidays can also bring higher risks. Businesses tend to carry more stock, stay open later, and rely on smaller or temporary teams. Those conditions can create vulnerabilities if security isn’t front of mind.
The good news is that visible deterrents really do make a difference. Things like cameras, monitored alarms and clear signage can significantly reduce the likelihood of an attempted break‐in. Criminals are far less inclined to target a business that looks well protected.
What advice would you give business owners who are choosing a security system?
My first piece of advice is to choose a professionally monitored alarm, rather than a bells‐only system. A monitored system means that when something happens, a trained team in a 24/7 monitoring station can take immediate action, whether that’s contacting the Gardaí or dispatching a private security patrol.
It’s also important to look for a PSA‐approved provider that offers end‐to‐end protection. Installation, maintenance, monitoring and rapid response should all be part of the service. I also encourage business owners to consider systems with video verification and smart technology, so they can check on their premises anytime and from anywhere.
Finally, make sure whatever you choose can grow with your business. As your premises, staffing or operations evolve, your security should evolve with you.
How should business owners think about staff and security?
Staff are absolutely the first line of defence. It’s important they understand good security habits – things like keeping doors secure, being familiar with emergency procedures, and knowing how to set or deactivate the alarm system properly.
Today’s systems also offer valuable personal-safety features. Panic buttons, for example, can be incredibly important for staff working late or alone.
In hospitality settings where turnover is often high, smart access control helps ensure that only the right people can enter restricted areas at the right times.
What makes Verisure different for Irish business owners?
What we hear from customers time and time again is that our 24/7 professional monitoring gives them real peace of mind. It’s not just an alert going to someone’s phone – it’s a highly trained specialist responding within seconds and taking action.
We’re also the only provider offering ZeroVision in Ireland. It’s a unique technology that releases a dense fog barrier during a verified intrusion, forcing intruders out within seconds. When criminals can’t see, they can’t steal – that’s why it’s such an effective deterrent.
Our systems bring together cameras, sensors, and AI‐enabled alerts, giving owners complete visibility across their business.
With more than six million customers in 18 countries – including thousands of Irish businesses and homeowners – we bring deep expertise and a trusted reputation.
Most importantly, we tailor our protection to each business. Whether it’s a cafe, high‐street shop, restaurant, boutique hotel, warehouse or office, we design systems that match the specific risks and needs of that environment.