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Do you really need security guards?

It’s 2021 and the world is forever changing. With new security solutions frequently being released, as a business owner, do you still need security guards?

Before we go into whether you need security guards or not, let’s have a look at some of the other security solutions businesses are using.

CCTV Closed Circuit Television

This may seem like an obvious security solution, but you will be surprised at how many businesses overlook the importance of having good quality CCTV. Some businesses don’t have CCTV installed while others have it installed but without having a professional security audit to ascertain what type of cameras are the most suited to the business premises and the right locations.

CCTV acts as an immediate and well-recognised deterrent for both opportunities and professional thieves, vandals, arsonists and burglars. This is an effective and affordable way to keep a close eye on your business premises, products, and staff.

Alarms

Alarms have been used in business premises and retail outlets for many years. Alarms can be used to trigger numerous alerts such as theft, break ins, fire, flooding and even refrigerator temperature warnings. Having good quality alarms can save businesses thousands in losses and damages and can potentially save lives.

Mobile security patrols & alarm response

Not many businesses know that security service providers offer a mobile security patrol service and alarm response service. This can be an affordable way to maintain security – a team of security guards will, at agreed times, patrol your premises to ensure that there are no signs of burglaries, criminal damage, arson, etc.

Security Guards

The traditional and effective security guard service is still considered by many as the best security solution.

Security guards are, along with acting as visual deterrents, trained to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities could include areas of a premises that is not secure. Areas that are not protected with CCTV or entrances and exits that are poorly lit.

Security guards will patrol areas that are susceptible to break-ins and fire. Security guards will also look for areas that may suffer from leaking pipes and fire hazards – this alone can save businesses thousands in damages and can reduce the risk of injury to visitors and staff.

Having security guards is also a great way to instil confidence in your staff and visitors – demonstrating that you as a business owner take their safety and security seriously.     

Venues are opening – securing your venue

Now that venues are open again and most are running at full capacity, security has become increasingly important.

An influx of visitors to venues means that security needs to be on point to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

Here are some quick and effective tips on securing your venue:

Risk assessment

It might seem obvious, but you will be surprised at how many business owners overlook doing an effective and thorough risk assessment. A risk assessment is carried out to identify various risks and vulnerabilities – this can lead to a drastic reduction in the risk of injury to guests and staff, theft, criminal and accidental damage, industrial espionage, leaks, and fires.

Security guards/ Door staff

Most venues that cater for crowds of people need to take hiring security guards/door supervisors to assist in crowd control. Not only are SIA trained and qualified security guards equipped with the skills and knowledge of crowd control, they are also trained in conflict management and customer service.

Security guards are usually the first people guests see when entering the venue and the last to see when they are leaving. This makes the guards looking presentable and having excellent communication skills crucial in delivering a great service.

Security guards are also trained in first aid and fire safety and can act as fire wardens in case of a fire. They can assist with injuries and have quick access to the Police in case of emergencies.

Security Service Providers

A venue could hire its own security guards which is great, as any security is better than no security, but there are some essential benefits of instructing a professional security service provider to handle all the security requirements.

What are the advantages of having a Security Service Provider?

Having a security service provider means that they will deal with sending qualified and trained security guards to the venue, and in case of sickness, they will arrange for suitable replacements to fill in, so you are never left without security staff at your venue.

In case of last-minute security requirements, a security service provider can arrange for short notice additional staff if required.

Security guards who are sent to the venue will also have access to the security service providers control room. The control room is manned 24 hours a day and can arrange for additional staff and quick access to the emergency services.