As criminal incidents are on the rise, security becomes a prime concern for businesses. Physical security was once only a main requirement for establishments such as banks, hospitals and stores selling valuable products but now it is something that every business needs to invest in. Even if you are running a convenience store, you may still need one. And it is not always that security is needed to protect your business from criminal activities. Occasions such as holidays, festivals and events bring higher chances of lawlessness and disorder because crowds may go rowdy.
The best alternative is to be proactive and avail the services of a reputed security agency that can secure your business on regular days and on special occasions. Still, businesses tend to skip this service as they see it as an overhead. But do you think that it is worth overlooking the security of your business just to save some dollars? Obviously, it does not make sense and there are some indications that you must absolutely avail armed security sooner rather than later. Here are some signs that you should get this service right now.
Location in a high-crime area
Operating from a high-crime area is one of the reasons why you must avail armed security services. The location of your premises in a neighborhood which has a history of thefts and violence is a cause of concern. Even the business owners with their premises that are located in isolated and far-flung areas have reasons to lose sleep. It can leave you worried about the safety of your premises as well as employees. Having an armed security guard gives you the peace of mind that they are protected from any kind of criminal incidents.
Delayed police response in the area
Besides remote location, delayed police response in your area is another good reason to collaborate with a security agency. After all, you cannot just wait for the crime to happen till help arrives. The presence of armed guards will obviously make criminals think twice before perpetrating attack on your premises. Even if they do it, you will have trained and well-equipped people to tackle them while the police arrive. They may even nab the culprits and hand them over to the authorities when they come.
Employees work in night shifts
Another sign that your business needs to hire armed security services is that you operate in night shifts. Obviously, premises that are open 24 by 7 are at risk during the wee hours because that is when most robberies and crimes take place. Moreover, there are chances that your employees may be attacked while leaving late at night. Similarly, you also need to ensure the safety of customers who drop in late. With an armed security guard posted on your premises, you can rest assured about these concerns because they will make sure that everyone comes and leaves safely, no matter what time it is!
Parking lot security is a concern
The most dangerous area from the security perspective is the parking lots. Commercial parking lots, in particular, are often the venues of crime because they usually have poor lighting and are located in lonely stretches. Even if the parking lot of your business is located underground, there is risk of robberies and violence with the employees and customers. This is because people with wrong motives can easily hide there and attack unsuspecting victims when they are alone and cannot get help. Having armed personnel to guard the area definitely makes sense.
Employee and vendor theft are common
If you deal in valuable commodities such as precious metals and artifacts, there is always a possibility of employee and vendor theft. Such incidents are also common for facilities that have active cash counters. Even if you have surveillance cameras in place, getting an armed security guard is still a smart move for extra protection. While it gives you the chance to detect any untoward activities, employees and vendors will actually be dissuaded from such dishonest actions with the fear of getting caught. After all, you may be able to save a lot of money by investing some on the security of your business premises.
Protection of confidential information
Armed security is not just needed by businesses that deal in valuable goods. Even the organizations that have confidential information and data to protect need to be extra vigilant. Research centers, government agencies and big corporate houses, for example, face the threat of theft of their important documents and data. Breach of this information can have a far-reaching impact on the reputation of the business and translate into huge financial losses as well. Having an experienced security guard company keeps you stress free about the safety of any sensitive information in your premises.
Specific types of businesses
The security requirements of certain businesses are more as compared to others. For example, banks, schools and shopping malls are more susceptible to incidents involving safety breaches. Businesses that serve alcohol also have to be extra vigilant in this context. Similarly, hotels and event venues that host celebrity events and rallies need to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of celebrities and VIP guests. It makes perfect sense to hire experts like Smart Security Pros to ensure that these special needs are fully covered. The best part is that these professionals offer end-to-end solutions so that business owners can rest assured about the safety of their employees, customers and guests.
Problems with access control systems
Protection from crime is not always the reason for having security personnel at your premises. Another reason could be a problem with the access control systems. These systems present a major expense for any business, right from their installation to maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, they can become completely ineffective if you do not maintain them over time. Rather than investing in these expensive systems, you can take up the services of armed guards. The latter is not only a cost effective option but also serves extra benefits from the safety perspective.
Need for emergency backup
Besides the special requirements of specific businesses, every business owner needs to be prepared for emergencies. These situations may happen anytime in the normal course of business or on high-traffic events such as concerts, public gatherings and holiday sales. It is a good idea to have a backup plan in place to handle any incident that may endanger lives and property. Having armed personnel at your premises gives you all the peace of mind about handling anything, from a criminal incident to a medical complication.
Cover for liability issues
Protection from criminal activities is not the only reason why you should have armed guards for your business premises. If an organization has experienced losses on general liability or worker’s compensation policies, their insurance company often requires a corrective action plan. This plan typically includes the services of a security company. Obviously, the business can get a break in premiums and reduce the liability by availing the services of armed guards. And premises safety is definitely a bonus they get!
Need for a visitation plan
High traffic buildings need to have a visitation plan in place because they cannot just let any random visitors stepping in any time. Collaborating with a security service company is a smart decision as it lets the business have a proper visitation plan and much more. Besides monitoring people who are coming and going from the premises, these guards can make sure that these visitors are not carrying any weapons or dangerous materials. Additionally, the presence of these professionals is enough to protect the business from incidents such as theft and leakage of confidential information.
Absence of proper safety programs
Large organizations such as corporate houses, banks and government agencies often have proper safety programs in place. But this is something non-existent in small businesses that are pressed for funds. All they probably have is a foreman who is more concerned with administrative duties rather than security functions. Obviously, this arrangement is not adequate from the safety perspective. However, having an armed guard is the first step that such enterprises can take towards creating a tangible security program for themselves. Since these professionals have the right kind of experience, they can actually guide the business owners about the basics they need to implement to make their premises a safer place for employees and customers.
Businesses are often willing to invest hefty amounts in administrative activities but security is the last thing on their mind. However, this is something that they should never ignore, considering the increasing number of criminal incidents. The best way to deal with such situations is to be adequately prepared with a security system that you can rely on. Partnering with a professional security service is a great idea because they can assess your needs and provide you armed personnel to ensure the safety of your premises. With these skilled and experienced professionals looking after your needs, you can rest assured that your business and employees have the best people looking after their safety.
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