Preston is home to one of the UK’s most diverse local economies, spanning world-class aerospace manufacturing, bustling retail, and busy logistics hubs. But with economic growth comes increased security risks, from theft and workplace incidents to threats against valuable assets. 

Is your business truly safe with the measures you currently have in place? Manned guarding services in Preston is crucial for companies seeking to protect their staff, safeguard property, and maintain a positive reputation. 

Trained security officers provide a visible, professional presence that deters potential threats, responds swiftly to incidents, and reassures both employees and customers.

Preston’s Diverse Economy and Rising Risks

Preston is a dynamic economic hub with a broad industrial mix:

• Aerospace: The city is a cornerstone of the UK’s aerospace industry, with BAE Systems operating major facilities in Warton and Samlesbury. These sites are pivotal in the design and manufacture of military aircraft, requiring high-end airport security measures.
• Retail: Preston boasts a vibrant retail sector, featuring high streets like Fishergate and Friargate, as well as shopping centres such as Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre. Ensuring retail security is critical to protect against shoplifting, vandalism, and theft.
• Logistics: Strategically located between major motorways (M6, M55, M65, M61), Preston serves as a logistics nexus, hosting companies like James Hall & Co., making logistics security vital to safeguard goods, vehicles, and personnel.
• Construction: Ongoing regeneration projects, including the Central Lancashire Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026, focus on developing new retail spaces, offices, and housing. Construction site security is crucial in preventing vandalism, theft, and project delays.
• Professional Services: The financial sector is well-represented, with numerous consultancies, insurance firms, and law offices, particularly around Winckley Square, contributing to Preston’s reputation as a hub for professional services.

Crime Statistics and Trends in the Preston District

• Antisocial Behaviour (ASB): According to data, ASB is a significant concern in Preston, with a crime rate that is 182% higher than the national average.
• In the past year, there were 15,400 reported incidents of ASB, accounting for 27.8% of all crimes in the area. The incidence of ASB has increased by 2.8% year-over-year.
• Shoplifting: Shoplifting incidents have risen by 15.3% over the past year. Nationally, shoplifting offences surpassed 530,000 for the first time in the year leading to March 2025, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.
• Criminal Damage and Arson:  The crime rate for criminal damage and arson in Preston is approximately 96% of the national average. There were 3,800 reported incidents in the past year. This category saw an 11.6% decrease year-over-year.
• Other Theft and Burglary: Preston had the third-highest number of burglaries by volume and the fourth-highest rate across Lancashire in 2024. The rate of other thefts is 25% higher than the average in Lancashire.

Role of Manned Guarding Services in Preston

Manned guarding services in Preston provide trained security personnel who are physically present on-site to ensure the safety of premises, assets, and people.

Key Benefits Manned Guarding:

• Crime Prevention: A visible security presence deters potential offenders, thereby reducing incidents of shoplifting, vandalism, and other forms of criminal activity.
• Rapid Incident Response: Guards can act immediately during emergencies, minimising damage, loss, or disruption.
• Staff and Visitor Reassurance: Their presence creates a safer working and public environment, boosting confidence among employees and customers.
• Regulatory and Compliance Support: Guards ensure businesses adhere to safety regulations, industry standards, and insurance requirements.

Case Study – Local Example

Preston-based construction company was experiencing repeated equipment theft and project delays, resulting in significant financial losses. 

After employing professional manned guarding services to monitor the site, the company saw a reduction in losses of over 50% within six months. The presence of trained guards not only deterred theft but also ensured rapid response to any attempted breaches.

Similarly, a retail hub in Preston implemented manned guarding to address rising incidents of shoplifting and vandalism. Visible security personnel on-site led to a measurable decrease in theft, improved customer confidence, and smoother daily operations.

Return on Investment (ROI): The reduction in losses, combined with the reassurance provided to staff and management, demonstrates that manned guarding is both a cost-effective and essential security solution for businesses in Preston.

Why Should Businesses Choose the Best Security Company?

Selecting the right security company in Preston is crucial for safeguarding your business, assets, and personnel. The most effective providers share several key qualities:

• SIA-Licensed Guards: Only trained and licensed personnel can deliver professional and compliant security services.
• Local Knowledge: Understanding the Preston area, crime trends, and site-specific risks allows for more effective protection.
• 24/7 Response: Rapid, round-the-clock incident response ensures threats are addressed immediately, minimising loss or disruption.
• Tailored Risk Assessments: Each business has unique security needs; personalised assessments ensure resources are allocated efficiently and vulnerabilities are addressed.

Region Security Guarding embodies these qualities, offering SIA-licensed personnel, expert local knowledge, 24/7 response capabilities, and customised security plans, making them the preferred choice for Preston businesses seeking reliable, professional protection.

Solutions to Consider for Preston Businesses

• Retail: Deploying trained on-site guards helps prevent shoplifting, deter vandalism, and manage antisocial behaviour. Visible security presence also reassures staff and customers, improving overall safety and operational confidence.
• Construction: 24/7 manned guarding services in Preston protect protects construction sites from equipment theft, unauthorised access, and vandalism. Guards can also monitor deliveries and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing project delays and losses.
• Logistics: Security personnel manage access control, monitor deliveries, and safeguard valuable stock in warehouses and distribution hubs. This enhances logistics security by preventing theft and ensuring smooth operations.
• Corporate Offices: On-site guards provide visitor management, monitor premises for security breaches, and offer reassurance to staff. This creates a safer workplace, supports regulatory compliance, and enhances employee confidence.

Manned guarding is your first line of defence against theft, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour.

Protect your business today. Partner with Region Security Guarding for professional, on-site security tailored to your retail, construction, logistics, or office needs.

Call Region Security Guarding now or request your personalised security plan and secure your site before it’s too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is manned guarding?

Manned guarding involves trained on-site security personnel who monitor premises, deter crime, and respond immediately to incidents.

2. Why do I need retail security in Preston?

Retail security in Preston helps prevent shoplifting, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour, protecting staff, customers, and profits.

3. Why choose Region Security Guarding?

At Region Security Guarding, we provide SIA-licensed guards, local knowledge, tailored risk assessments, and rapid 24/7 response for Preston businesses.

4. How quickly can manned guards respond to incidents?

Manned guards are on-site and trained to respond instantly to any security threat, minimising damage, loss, or disruption to your business.

5. Can security services be tailored to my specific business needs?

Yes. Security plans are customised based on industry, site layout, risk assessment, and specific requirements, whether for retail, logistics, construction, or corporate office environments.

Business Security You Can Rely On

Trusted by leading businesses nationwide for reliable, 24/7 protection.

Contact Us Today

or call 0330 912 2033

We have used Region security for quite a while now. Top notch service, great guards and helpful staff. We love our guards and the team for all of their help / work. No need to try the other companies at all."

Andy Yeomans - Jones Skips Ltd

Great company, professional services, friendly guards and helpful at times when required."

Rob Pell - Site Manager

A professional and reliable service. Always easy to contact and has never let us down with cover. No hesitation in recommending and competitively priced also. After using an unreliable costly company for several years it is a pleasure to do business with Region Security"

Jane Meier - Manager

Region Security were very helpful in providing security for our building. We had overnight security for around 4 months. The guards themselves were professional, easy to reach and adapted very well to our specific needs. Would definitely recommend Region for security needs.

Lambert Smith Hampton

Great service. Reliable and professional and our lovely security guard Hussein was so helpful, friendly but assertive with patients when needed. He quickly became a part of our team and we would love to keep him! Will definitely use this company again

East Trees Health Centre

Fantastic Service from start to finish with helpful, polite accommodating staff, we have used Region Security a few times now and always been happy with what they provide.

Leah Ramsden - Manager