Lock It Down Before You Shut Down

Security Signage Tips for End-of-Year Closures – National Safety Signs

As the end of the year approaches, many businesses prepare to wind down operations or reduce staffing levels during holiday closures. Unfortunately, this period also tends to attract increased risk of theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. One of the most cost-effective and visible deterrents you can deploy is security signage. A well-placed CCTV or No Entry sign can help deter opportunistic crime.

Why Security Signs Matters

Visible signs signal that a site is monitored and protected, increasing perceived risk for intruders. Signage complements other measures like lighting and alarms as part of a layered defence.

• Deterrence, instantly. Clear “CCTV in operation” or “No entry” signs raise perceived risk for offenders, reducing opportunistic crime when staffing is low. State police crime-prevention material emphasises CCTV and clear signage as effective deterrents when combined with good positioning and lighting. More info HERE
• Clarity & liability. Signs help prove you took reasonable steps to warn and restrict access—useful for insurance or incident follow-up.

Key Types of Security Signs

• CCTV / Surveillance Signs
• No Trespassing / Private Property Signs
• Authorised Personnel Only Signs
• After Hours / Alarm System Signs

Best Practices for Security Signs

• Mount signs at all entry points
• Use UV-rated, weatherproof materials
• Keep messages clear and simple
• Combine with lighting and physical barriers

Australian Legal & Compliance Notes

CCTV use in Australia must comply with privacy and surveillance laws. Businesses should display appropriate signs alerting people to monitoring, ensure footage is secured, and check local council signage rules. Some other facts to keep in mind.

• Privacy & surveillance laws: CCTV can capture personal information, so give notice it’s in use. The federal OAIC advises that CCTV/surveillance should be handled consistently with privacy principles; states/territories also have surveillance-device laws. More info here OAIC
• State differences exist: Workplace and general surveillance rules vary (e.g., NSW/ACT workplace surveillance, limits in sensitive areas). Keep microphones off unless you’ve checked consent rules.
• Good practice: Clear signage, limit recording to what’s necessary, secure retention, and define access—echoed in legal explainers and state guidance.

Pre-Holiday Shutdown Checklist

1. Walk the perimeter and identify weak points.
2. Install CCTV, No Entry, Restricted Access and other security signs.
3. Confirm lighting coverage at night.
4. Test alarms and update after-hours contacts.
5. Document installation for records.

Lock it down before you shut down

Browse our full range of Security – Trespass Signs at National Safety Signs for trusted quality and fast-track delivery Australia-wide excellent customer service. From councils to construction companies, organisations across Australia trust us for reliable, high-quality safety signage.

“Thanks National Safety Signs for your signs, they arrived very quickly and were exactly what I needed!” — Rosemary National Safety Signs

Google / Yably reviews rate the company 4.90/5 from around 360 reviews, highlighting product quality, fast delivery, and good customer service. Yably

Bonus: HR and operations during shutdown

If you’re running a formal end-of-year shutdown, check current rules around directing annual leave under Modern Awards/NES (for the HR side of shutdown planning).