Security personnel aren’t necessary for all situations or all businesses. Often, the need for a security guard will occur for a specific purpose or situation. Business owners with a physical location will have to put consideration into how much security they need and what security measures they should look into. Surveillance systems and access controls can work well, but there are some situations where a security guard service can offer the most safety for both employees and assets.
Here’s a look at some situations where considering a security guard service can make the most sense for a business.
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When You Want to Make People Feel Safe in the Parking Lot
Many businesses have no control over the conditions of the parking lot because they rent their building, storefront, or other commercial sites. A larger parking lot can become a fertile ground for criminal activity if it has poor lighting and no security cameras, which can describe many of the parking lots out there.
The presence of security personnel alone can serve as a deterrent for a lot of potential criminal activity. A security guard on the premises can mitigate some criminal behavior while also making employees and others feel safer when they have to venture out into the parking lot when it’s dark.
Here, you wouldn’t have to seek the full-time services of a security guard. You would only need them during the set of hours when it’s dark.
When Your Business Operates in a High Crime Area
Occasionally, an area will receive the designation of a high crime area unfairly or in a way that misrepresents the area. Nevertheless, some places do have crimes occurring of one type or another higher than the average of every other surrounding area.
You likely know what type of area you’re doing business in, but if you’re unsure, you can always look at your state or county crime map. You can also find crime maps online, such as those offered by SpotCrime and CrimeMapping.
A security guard is well worth the money when it comes to adding a level of safety to a business in such an area. Security personnel can often curtail a lot of potential theft attempts, vandalism, and other types of criminal activity just by being there.
When Shrinkage Rears Its Ugly Head
Theft can occur in many ways, and sometimes it’s hard to monitor all the potential avenues available for someone to steal from your business. Depending on the type of business you run, your theft risks can include people off the street, employees, contractors you pay to do a singular job, and anyone else who can gain access to your cash or your goods.
If you’re noticing that your business comes up short more times than you can account for, hiring security can help correct the issue or at least make it more manageable. You should still have other security options in play, such as a surveillance system and more oversight for your stock and employees.
When You’re Routinely Transporting Cash or Other Valuable Goods
Until it’s time to transport that cash, it sits on-site. For the sake of safety and to keep your money safe, it’s a good idea to hire security specifically for when it’s time for you or your employee to deal with the cash. This also applies to anything of value that builds up at your business or requires periodic transport to a bank, safe, or another facility.
When You’re Gaining a Lot More Traffic
When your business only sees a handful of people each day, there’s usually nothing to worry about. However, if your business starts receiving increased traffic, then congratulations. That means you’re growing.
Unfortunately, that also means you need to become even more vigilant about who enters and exits your doors. A security guard can help you monitor the people that come and go. If you only allow employees or people with certain credentials to enter your business, then a security guard can help make sure it’s only those people who gain access.
When You or An Employee Receive a Threat
You should take threats of any type seriously, and you should certainly report serious threats to the authorities. In the meantime, you can also seek professional guard services to add an additional level of safety.
The visibility and presence of a security guard can help others feel safe. And if the threat was a credible one, the presence of the guard can help make someone think twice about attempting anything untoward.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and, really, you don’t need anyone else’s reason to add security and protection to your business. For any business, security is of the utmost importance. A professional security guard can serve numerous purposes, and sometimes it’s fine to have security personnel just for the peace of mind they can bring.
A security guard should complement a full business security system. Even if you’re a one-person operation, make sure you’re doing what you can to mitigate as many security risks as you can.
