Are you securing your business – or just waiting to see what happens?
The Staffordshire Police recorded a 12% increase in commercial property offences in 2024, with Lichfield and Burntwood experiencing one of the largest rises in property crime since 2020, in regards to burglary and theft.
It is easy to think that in a quiet cathedral city such as Lichfield, criminals might not bother coming to your business. However, Crime is opportunistic, though, and as it enters 2025, shop fronts, building sites, and industrial parks in Lichfield are being targeted.
Some local businesses are now realising that security is not a choice but a necessity, as theft or after-hours break-ins can lead to the loss of high-value equipment.
So, how do you choose the right firm for your security in Lichfield? Below is a checklist that will advise you on what to consider, what to avoid, and how to make an informed choice that safeguards your safety, your employees, and your assets.
Table of Contents
Why Lichfield Businesses Are Investing in Better Security in 2025
Rise in Commercial Crime Across Lichfield and Surrounding Areas
Smaller firms in Lichfield and Burntwood have reported an average cost of £8,500 per break-in, including stolen goods, damaged property, and lost productivity.
Crime in Lichfield is not perhaps reported on a national level, but there are constant reports of burglaries, vandalism, or stolen goods, particularly in small business complexes and warehouses.
Targeted Incidents at Retail, Office, and Construction Sites
Retail outlets within Three Spires Shopping Centre, Fradley Park contractors, and shared office complexes across the city all experienced repeat losses, typically after closing or during holiday shutdowns due to shoplifting.
Key Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Security Company
Is the Company SIA Licensed and Fully Compliant?
Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK’s licensing authority, so if a company cannot produce evidence of being SIA accredited, then you shouldn’t employ them. This will ensure that all guards are appropriately vetted, trained, and up to date with their legal requirements.
Do They Offer Local Coverage and Fast Response Times?
A company may be based outside the area and appear to be well-established on paper, but if they cannot reach you during an emergency in Lichfield, then what use is that? Always ask about deployment zones and response times.
Can They Provide Custom Security Plans Based on Site Risk?
All businesses are different. A warehouse, for example, presents very different risks compared to a nursery or a council office. The right provider should be able to offer you bespoke plans, rather than general coverage.
Are Their Services Scalable for Business Growth?
When your site expands or opens a second site, will your security provider scale with you? Look for flexible packages that will grow with your needs.
Services to Look for in a Lichfield Security Provider
Manned Guarding for Retail, Industrial, and Office Sites
When an on-site guard is present, it can be a highly effective deterrent, acting immediately to reduce incidents and losses. This is especially critical at sites with high traffic, loading bays, or those with people working on-site overnight.
Mobile Patrols for Multi-Site or Perimeter Security
If you cannot afford a manned guard 24/7, consider using mobile patrols for protection. Additionally, randomised routes will make your site a less specific target for organised theft.
24/7 Alarm Response and Keyholding
Your provider should also offer an alarm response service, where trained officers will have access to your location and can coordinate with emergency services at 3 am.
CCTV Monitoring and Live Incident Reporting
A contemporary system has remote notifications, live streams and an incident record (remotely viewable in a secure portal). It enhances transparency and helps establish confidence.
Common Mistakes Lichfield Businesses Make When Choosing a Security Firm
Choosing on Price Alone
While budgets are essential, low-cost providers often provide limited training to their staff, limited or poor coverage to your business, or have outdated technology in their processes. Cheap security is expensive when it fails.
Not Checking Local Case Studies or References
Ask for references or case studies of contracts with other local clients, businesses in the Lichfield area. A successful track record in your local area is strong evidence of reliability! In your mind, you must assess if they are relevant and capable of serving your needs appropriately.
Overlooking Reporting Tools and Transparency
You should receive audit trails, incident reports, patrol logs, and other relevant documentation, rather than just a vague overview of the periodic services you receive through monthly reports. A good provider will provide overall transparency and visibility of what you have paid for as a service.
Ignoring Long-Term Scalability or Support
You are looking for a security partner to work with, not just a contractor. You need to determine what service agreements are available, what the ongoing support plans are, how often contact is initiated, and whether upgrade options are available as your business evolves.
The Lichfield Security Company Checklist
Before you sign any contract, ensure the company can answer yes to all the questions in the checklist below:
- SIA Licensed & Fully Insured
- Located in or around Lichfield
- Quick Response Time
- Real-Time Reporting and Communication Tools
- Client References in Staffordshire or West Midlands
- Customisable / Scalable Security Strategies
Tip: Printing this list for use prompts the display of disclaimers, which can be helpful when consulting with security companies for the first time.
Bonus Tip – Schedule a Free Site Risk Assessment Before You Sign Anything
The reality is that most businesses do not discover their weaknesses until it is too late. Unfortunately, many only take action after an incident has occurred.
This is a creative way to get a more proactive approach to the matter:
- Invite a certified security company to walk your site.
- Ask them to point out blind spots, access opportunities, or equipment weaknesses.
- Even if you do not hire the security company, it could still be a valuable process to use their recommendations to improve the current process you do!
Conducting a risk audit is typically free, and it offers a significant amount of value immediately. Why not conduct a risk audit?
Ready to Protect Your Lichfield Business the Right Way?
Selecting a security company is not just about protecting your bottom line, but also about safeguarding your investment, your employees, and your business reputation.
Use the checklist above to prevent pitfalls and begin every engagement with a site survey. You’ll sleep better knowing your business is being protected by experts who familiarise themselves with Lichfield, identify your threats, and stand ready to respond.
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