Do you need Security Guards ?
Posted by Mark Wilson on Sunday, January 27, 2019 Under: Security Guards
Security guards can be a valuable asset to any organization.
Security cameras and systems should be a part of any business whether its premises are a store, building, house, shed, prefab building, or large corporate offices. These systems ensure reliable footage and reporting facilities that can show you in real time what is happening, where, how and who is involved. It is a no brainier for business and your valuable insurance policies.
One thing that will always be needed however, are people on the ground. Security guards are like infantry soldiers who are on the ground close to, or where the action is, so that they can watch, control and report on what is happening,. They are trained to use their observational skills and technologies and backups in the best possible way.
What you need to decide is 'do I need physical security on my premises?' This will depend on the size of your business, what you are protecting and of course where you are located. If for instance you have a large building and outside area, with high value intellectual property and/or stock that needs to be protected and you are located in an area with a high crime rate... you would be well advised to employ guard security.
Let's go through a few scenarios.
Always remember that before any security decisions are made and implemented, in regard to physical and system security, a consultant should be sought to assess what you actually need that is relevant to your business and location. This will save you time and money and you will avoid making the wrong choices.
Generally, small businesses such as a small shop selling low theft risk products or services like food, clothing, plumbing, hardware, will not normally require any guards. (Unless of course you are situated in a particularly volatile area, and local statistics have shown that you may be in danger from criminal activity during your business hours). Your own security awareness, procedures and systems may be enough to manage minor situations.
However, businesses such as gas stations, and money lending facilities are a medium to high risk, so there is quite often a need for extra physical security. A risk consultant can give expert advice on whether or not your business would need this type of protection.
Retail hardware stores and other larger sized stores are more likely to be at risk of passive theft from opportunistic shop stealing. In this case also, you should take into account the statistical risk of you being a target before acting. However there are some measures you can easily introduce.
- Firstly, it is essential for your staff to have a strong sense of security awareness. All Staff on the floor need to be watchful of all customers, especially those shoppers who come into the store and appear to be acting suspiciously. They could be potential thieves.
- If your staff are watchful and report any suspicious activity or theft you then have a fast reporting procedure in place that involves the police. Large hardware chains adopt this strategy routinely and it works very well! Another good strategy is to make use of your PA system to make security announcements, such as 'Security please report to aisle four'. There is actually no security in the store, but this message can be repeated at regular intervals for example every 20 minutes.
- You may also want to have signs stating that there are plain clothes shop detectives within the store, when in fact there are none.
In : Security Guards
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