Security during the Festive Season: a Collective Responsibility

By: SGA Security Lead Engineer, Cyrill Kasembeli The year is winding down, and as expected, the air is buzzing with festive energy. As our streets, homes, and public spaces sparkle with celebration, we embrace the joy of the season. Families are heading upcountry, businesses are seeing a rush of happy shoppers, and our social calendars are overflowing with delightful events. While this time is all about connection and cheer, it is precisely these vibrant activities that demand we remain alert to the heightened security risks that often accompany the holiday rush. Festive periods typically correspond with an uptick in opportunistic crime. According to a report by the National Crime Research Centre, 48.1 per cent of crime victimization in Kenya occurs in December. From petty theft and cyber fraud to more organised criminal activity, offenders often exploit increased movement, distracted individuals, and reduced occupancy in homes or offices. It is therefore crucial that both individuals and organisations adopt proactive, rather than reactive safety measures. Heightened personal awareness is the fundamental first step toward safer festivities. Simple, proactive precautions, like avoiding public display of valuables and planning all travel in advance, significantly reduces your personal exposure to risk. When attending concerts or other festive events, personal vigilance is critical. Always try to attend with a trusted friend or family member to enhance your personal safety. Having someone you trust provides an extra layer of security, helps you stay alert in unfamiliar environments, and ensures there is someone who can support you or act quickly in case of an emergency. It also reduces vulnerability and makes it easier to navigate crowded or high-energy spaces confidently. Furthermore, hosts of private gatherings must make non-negotiable arrangements such as ensuring proper lighting, strictly controlling guest entry, and securing parking areas to maintain a safe environment for everyone. Digital safety is equally important. We live in an age where criminals do not need physical access to compromise you. This season, be cautious about sharing travel plans on social media, clicking unknown links, or conducting financial transactions over unsecured networks. Cybercriminals often deploy phishing scams disguised as holiday promotions. A moment of caution can prevent months of regret. One of the most common security oversights during the holidays is trusting that a locked door is a guarantee for safety. Whether you are leaving home for a few hours of shopping or taking a long holiday trip, additional layers of protection are essential. Alarm systems, CCTV surveillance, trained guarding services, or even simple measures such as informing a trusted neighbour can deter criminal activity. At SGA Security, we recommend that homeowners consider remote monitoring solutions to maintain oversight even when away. The SGA Safe Home security solution offers real-time alerts via CCTV, alarm systems, intrusion detection, and access to alarm response teams, vital tools in safeguarding property during the festive period. Retailers and businesses face unique risks during the festive rush. Increased cash handling, extended operating hours, and crowded premises present opportunities for internal and external threats. This is the time for businesses to review their security protocols. Business owners should ensure all CCTV systems are functional and correctly positioned, conduct spot checks on access points, train staff to identify suspicious behaviour and finally engage professional security teams for crowd management, cash-in-transit services, and emergency preparedness. A secure business environment not only protects assets but also builds customer trust, an invaluable resource during peak seasons. A secure business environment does more than protect assets, it sustains economic activity. During December, retail stores, supermarkets, entertainment venues, hotels, and transport operators depend on high footfall and consumer confidence. Any security incident, whether theft, fraud, or violence, can disrupt operations, reduce sales, erode customer trust, and result in unexpected financial losses. Strong security practices therefore contribute directly to business continuity and to the overall stability of the festive season economy. It is therefore important to note that security is not the mandate of security agencies alone, it is a collective responsibility. Strong community networks, active neighbourhood associations, and timely reporting of suspicious activity create safer environments for all. During this festive season, checking on neighbours, monitoring unusual movements, and sharing verified safety information can make a significant difference. The festive period should be a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal, not fear. With intentional planning and heightened awareness, we can all enjoy the holidays confidently and securely. As you make merry, remember, vigilance is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy the festivities.