With busy retail outlets, logistics centres, and hospitality venues, Preston is considered one of Lancashire’s prominent commercial hubs. However, with growth comes security challenges. 

Businesses are exposed to theft, violent crime, and anti-social behaviour. According to CrimeRate UK, 100 crimes per 1000 people were reported in Preston, which is higher than Lancashire’s average.    

These figures show that businesses are leaving numerous security gaps and relying on CCTV and alarm systems. Criminals mainly exploit these overlooked areas, resulting in financial losses. 

This is where guarding security services come into play. They close these security gaps by implementing manned security guarding, routine patrols and 24/7 rapid response.

What Exactly Is a Security Blind Spot?

A security blind spot is any vulnerability in your protection plan that criminals can exploit. Companies often assume that CCTV cameras and alarm systems provide comprehensive coverage, but the reality is that there are gaps.

Blind spots exist for various reasons:

CCTV limitations – Cameras can fail to cover concealed areas, such as corners, stairwells, or delivery zones.

Inadequate staff presence – Staff cannot watch every doorway or high-traffic area.

Poor lighting – Garages and warehouses with poor lighting provide easy targets for theft or damage.

Technology reliance – Computerised systems do not possess the human intuition to recognise suspicious behaviour.

In a place like Preston, where crime exceeds national trends, blind spots aren’t hypothetical vulnerabilities. They are everyday exposures that are costing companies thousands of dollars annually.

Common Security Blind Spots That Put Preston Businesses at Risk

Blind spots in security vary by industry, but some are common to all Preston businesses:

Car Parks and Loading Bays – Dark areas provide cover for thieves and vandals.

Rear Entrances and Delivery Areas – Less closely monitored, but ideal entry points for criminals.

Warehouses and Storage Areas – Extensive areas present a complete monitoring challenge, leaving products unattended.

Retail Shop Floors – Prolific environments provide distraction, facilitating shoplifting.

CCTV Coverage Beyond – Cameras cannot see it all; criminals discover where they are blind.

Digital Blind Spots – Poor access controls or out-of-date systems invite intrusion.

These weaknesses identify why technology alone is a risk. Manned security services address these weaknesses with personnel and real-time decision-making.

Rising Crime Trends in Preston Businesses

Preston’s crime scene highlights the reason why protecting security services is no longer a choice but a necessity. According to CrimeRate UK, the rate of 100 crimes per 1,000 residents ranks higher than Lancashire’s average of 81. More than 6,000 violent and sexual offences were reported in 2023, ranking Preston as one of Lancashire’s most violent jurisdictions.

LancsLive branded Preston a “hate crime capital,” also damaging public reputation and business confidence. 

For local businesses, these statistics become real risks:

• Staff safety concerns deter recruitment and retention.
• Customer anxiety diminishes shop, pub, and restaurant visits.
• Increasing insurance costs add to operational expenses.

Security is more than protection. It ensures Preston businesses remain competitive and resilient against crime.

How Guarding Security Services Resolve Hidden Security Gaps

Guarding security services Preston don’t just bridge gaps in camera surveillance. They address vulnerabilities comprehensively with trained personnel, regular patrols, and professional attention.

Regular Patrols

Security guards patrol interior and exterior locations at routine and random intervals, discouraging theft, detecting suspicious behaviour in real time, and preventing crime before it can occur.

These regular visits can help monitor blind spots that cameras can’t, such as stairwells or outdoor perimeters.

Access Controls

Guards control and limit access to sensitive zones, uphold visitor policies, and ensure that only authorised people have access, eliminating the threats of virtual and physical blind spots.

Mobile Patrol Security

For larger premises, security guards for hire conduct regular sweeps across vast zones, such as warehouses, distribution hubs, and large office buildings, providing a quick response to any incursion. 

24/7 Security Guarding Services

A round-the-clock presence is generally a deterrent in itself, providing assurance to staff and shoppers, as well as significantly decreasing criminal attempts during predictable times.

Professional Manned Guarding Services

Manned guarding creates trust in a visible presence. Guards serve as readily accessible contact points for emergencies and customer inquiries, while significantly reducing shoplifting and vandalism rates.

Research indicates that proactive patrol services decrease crime levels by as much as 16% and increase police detection by almost 50%, highlighting the quantifiable business value of these services.

Protecting Your Preston Business

Preston experiences above-average crime, and companies simply can’t afford to overlook blind spots in security. From violent offences on the rise to theft, weaknesses leave organisations open to financial loss, legal action, and reputational harm.

This is why partnering with a trusted security company in Preston is crucial. Region Security Guarding, a reliable security company, offers SIA-approved manned security guards to address security gaps in your business.

Our guarding security services offer a proactive solution for filling blind spots with regular patrols, access control, mobile patrols, and 24/7 manned security. For business owners, it’s not merely a safety investment—it’s a plan for financial stability and legal compliance.

Contact us today for your complimentary site security survey and discover how our expert guarding services can protect your employees, valuables, and reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Guarding Security Services?

Guarding security services provides customised security solutions, including manned security, routine and mobile patrols, access control, and 24/7 monitoring, to prevent and react to crime.

Why do I need security guards if I already have CCTV and alarms in place?

Technology alone can leave blind spots; security guards offer in-person checks and real-time intervention, filling gaps not visible to static systems.

Are regular patrols effective on big sites?

Yes. Security patrol firms cover warehouses, building sites, and multi-site campuses, identifying threats and preventing crime where CCTV may not be visible.

What does 24/7 guarding do for my business?

It provides consistent, active on–site protection for 24/7, dramatically lowering theft, vandalism, and customer/staff safety issues.