What are mobile security patrols and how do they work?

Ensuring commercial buildings are secure when unoccupied is a top concern for businesses - especially when expensive equipment is held on the premises.

As well as loss of assets, burglary and criminal damage can also result in downtime, which comes at its own cost, so it pays to take steps to reduce any such risk.

Using alarm systems and other physical security measures in isolation may not be enough to stop would-be criminals. However, combining such measures with the presence of a uniformed security officer on site, can be an incredibly effective deterrent. What mobile security patrols offer is a cost-effective solution for doing just that – particularly in comparison to the cost of having static guards on site 24hours a day, or when you need to cover a large area.

What are mobile security patrols?

Mobile security patrols are normally provided by an external security company. What the patrols entail - and most importantly, the quality of the service provided - will vary widely between different security firms, so it pays to shop around.

In basic terms, a mobile patrol involves a security officer visiting the premises an agreed number of times. Once there, they will check for issues and deal with them as necessary.

The attending security operatives can also carry out checks on buildings, to ensure they are fully secure with no windows or doors left unlocked. Additionally, they may be able to look out for and report any maintenance-related problems, such as burst pipes. This can help alert businesses to potentially damaging issues early on, so they can take immediate action if it is required.

Having uniformed officers on patrol and a visible security presence on the premises can not only deter criminals, but also limit any window of opportunity there may be for a break-in, burglary or the destruction of property. As well as theft and criminal damage, patrols can greatly reduce the likelihood of people trespassing, or attempting to take up residence in the grounds.

How do mobile patrols work?

Once you have found a reputable security company to work with, you will agree the terms of the security contract and outline the finer details of the assignment and what the patrols will involve. The security officers will then make an agreed number of visits to the business premises throughout the night, or during other periods of closure (such as weekends and bank holidays).

Each of these patrols will be carried out at a random time, so there is no obvious pattern. This means would-be criminals will have no idea how long they may have to attempt something, before the officer returns. The frequency of these visits will be agreed as part of the security contract, but may typically be anything from three to six patrols a night.

Dependant on the assignment instructions, your patrols may be purely external, meaning they are conducted within the grounds of the property but without entering the building. In this instance, the officer will check around the outside of the building or buildings, looking out for open doors and windows, lights left on or valuable stock left out. They will also look out for suspicious activity, or people or vehicles close by.

You may however choose for the security company to keep a set of keys to the premises, so the officer can enter buildings and conduct internal checks too.

What happens if a problem is spotted?

As mentioned, the level of service and what is involved will vary widely between providers. As an example, here is what you might expect were you to work with the team here at Venture Security.

In most cases, issues such as open windows, doors or lights left on will be rectified instantly and a full report sent to the customer. This enables facilities managers to address concerns with negligent employees and means they have clear evidence on hand should they need it.

If any serious or urgent issues are detected, the security operative will quickly address the situation and communicate this to their contact at the company (typically the facilities manager), as well as to the emergency services if necessary.

In the event that the security officer disturbs a criminal in the act, they are fully trained in conflict resolution. If they spot that a break-in has occurred, they are also trained in crime scene management, so any evidence is preserved for the police investigation.

How do you know the patrols have been carried out as agreed?

One of the top questions that companies ask when it comes to mobile patrols, is ‘how will I know they have been carried out and to the standard we expect?’

At Venture, we use the latest technology to enable the production of auditable reports that detail an operative’s activity whilst on site. Their movements will be tracked and they will be required to ‘check-in’ using a timekeeping device at pre-agreed checkpoints during each patrol. This is not only for the benefit of clients, but for their own safety. These reports will be systematically sent to clients, providing them with the information they need and complete peace of mind that their facilities are being well looked after.

There is also a comprehensive contingency plan in place, so the agreed patrols will never be disrupted, such as in the event of a team member being ill, a vehicle break down or poor weather conditions. This gives businesses complete transparency and peace of mind that their premises and assets are being protected.

Overall, mobile patrols remain one of the most popular and cost-effective security services provided by the security industry.

TRUSTED SECURITY

Venture Security is ranked among the top 1% of leading security companies in the UK. From manned guarding to our mobile patrol services and key holding and alarm response, we help our customers keep their premises, assets and people safe.

Our SIA licenced security officers support businesses big and small, based across Winchester, Andover, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Fareham and the wider central-southern region. For more information, or to book a free security review, please call us on 01264 391538, or email [email protected]

 You may also be interested in:

• Case study – Mobile patrols in action for Salisbury firm Rowanmoor

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