A common question asked by business owners is “What security guard services do I need?” When deciding whether to hire security guards for a retail business, office building, warehouse, or special event, it’s essential to carefully assess the specific security services required and determine the appropriate number of guards needed to ensure the safety of your property.

The number of security guards you employ directly affects the overall security of your premises, as well as the safety and comfort of everyone involved. This includes employees, customers, or event attendees. Several factors play a role in deciding how many guards are needed, such as the size of your space, the type of business you run, and how many people need protection.

If you’re wondering which security services are necessary for your business and how many guards you should employ, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll answer these questions, explain the primary functions of security guard services, highlight why businesses need security, and help you determine how many guards are needed based on factors like square footage and the specific risks of your business.

What Are the Types of Security Guard Services?

There are a wide range of security services for businesses to choose from that can protect their premises. In most cases, guards are typically trained to work across various industries. Some of the most common security services provided include:

• Event Security: Ensures the safety of attendees, staff, and property at events, handling tasks such as crowd control, access management, and emergency response.
• Construction Security: Protects construction sites from theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access, with duties that often include patrolling and surveillance.
• Retail Security: Focuses on preventing theft, ensuring the safety of customers and employees, and managing crowd control in retail environments.
• Warehouse Security: Safeguards warehouses from theft and ensures the security of inventory, while overseeing the movement of goods within storage facilities.
• Factory Security: Provides protection for manufacturing plants, including monitoring equipment, securing restricted areas, and managing personnel access.
• Static Guarding Security: Involves guards stationed at fixed locations to act as a visible deterrent, monitor premises, and respond to incidents.
• Mobile Patrol Security: Involves security guards conducting regular patrols of the premises or surrounding areas in a marked vehicle, offering a visible deterrent and providing rapid response to any security breaches.
• Reception and Building Security: Manages the security of office buildings, corporate environments, and reception areas, handling tasks such as visitor management, access control, and monitoring of entry points.
• Security Dog Handling: Employs specially trained dogs to assist in detecting illegal substances, explosives, or intruders. Security dog handlers provide an added layer of protection and can be used for both patrolling and crowd control.

Each of these security services is tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries, ensuring comprehensive protection in a variety of business settings.

Why Does Your Business Need Security?

Security is essential for the protection and smooth operation of any business. Without the right security measures in place, businesses are exposed to a range of costly and dangerous risks. Issues such as theft, vandalism, or trespassing can lead to significant financial losses and create a negative impact on the workplace environment.

Security guards play a critical role in reducing these risks by acting as a visible deterrent, responding swiftly to security threats, and ensuring a safe environment for employees and visitors. Their presence helps to safeguard both the physical assets of the business and the well-being of everyone involved, ultimately contributing to a more secure and productive workplace.

And, while there are multiple types of security guard services, they all share one common goal: to protect businesses and individuals from potential threats or harm.

What Does a Lack of Security Lead To?

Security guards play a crucial role in protecting businesses from potential threats, and without effective security measures in place, companies become more vulnerable to crime. Recent statistics highlight the severity of this risk. According to Newgate, over 606,000 crimes were committed against businesses in England and Wales last year alone. These startling numbers emphasise the growing need for businesses to invest in security protection.

Given the rising threat of crime, having professional security services in place is essential for safeguarding assets, employees, and the overall safety of the business.

Why is it Important to Have Security Guards?

There are numerous important reasons to have security in place at your business. Here, we’ve outlined the three key reasons why security guards are essential for protecting your business and ensuring its continued success.

Security Guards Provide Businesses With an Extra Layer of Protection

One key reason why security guards are essential for your business is that they provide an extra layer of protection. Security officers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable areas on your property or premises, helping to address potential weaknesses in your security system. By doing so, they strengthen your overall defence against threats.

In addition, security guards create a strong and visible presence, which can significantly deter criminals. A well-positioned guard signals to potential thieves that the business is protected by effective security measures. As a result, criminals are less likely to target businesses with obvious security in place, as the risk of getting caught is much higher.

Security Guards Reduce Crime

Another key reason to have security guards at your business is their proven ability to reduce crime. Guards act as a strong deterrent, discouraging thieves and criminals from targeting your property. Their presence alone can significantly lower the risk of theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities.

In the event of an incident, security guards are trained to respond swiftly, apprehending suspects and minimising potential damage. Over time, this proactive approach can save businesses a considerable amount of money by preventing costly losses from crime and ensuring a safer environment for both employees and customers.

Security Guards Create a Safer Working Environment

Finally, security guards are essential for creating a safer working environment, which is vital for any business. When employees feel secure at work, they are more focused, productive, and confident in their safety. A visible security presence helps reduce anxiety, providing employees with peace of mind and allowing them to feel protected from potential threats. This sense of security contributes to a positive work atmosphere, improving overall employee well-being and boosting the business’s success.

How Can I Hire Security Guard Services?

When looking to hire security guard services, there are two main options available. One option is to partner with a security guard company. These companies specialise in providing trained and experienced security personnel tailored to your specific needs.

By choosing a security guard service provider, you can ensure that the guards are fully insured, well-trained, and equipped to handle the security requirements of your business. Security guard companies typically offer a wide range of services, such as event security, mobile patrols, and on-site guarding, providing flexibility and expertise.

Alternatively, you can hire an in-house security guard through external recruitment. This may be an option if you prefer a permanent, full-time security presence at your business. However, hiring in-house comes with additional responsibilities, such as conducting background checks, managing training, and handling payroll.

For most businesses, working with a professional security guard company is the more efficient and practical choice, as it reduces administrative burdens and ensures high standards of service. To get started, you can get in touch with our team of experts at Region Security Guarding, where you can hire experienced security personnel tailored to your needs.

How Many Security Guards Do I Need?

The number of security guards your business needs depends on the nature of your operations and the specific security requirements. Here’s how to determine the right coverage:

Per Person

For businesses focused on large events and ensuring people stay orderly, the number of guards is typically based on the number of attendees. A general guideline is to have one security guard for every 150 people. However, if alcohol is served, this ratio should be adjusted to one guard per 75 people, as alcohol can increase the likelihood of security incidents.

For large events with over 1,000 attendees, it’s recommended to increase the ratio to one guard for every 30 to 50 people. This ensures proper crowd management and safety. It’s also essential to assign additional security to key areas such as entrances and exits, or backstage areas, where controlling access and monitoring activity is particularly important.

Per Square Foot

For other businesses, like offices, warehouses, or retail spaces, the number of security guards is often determined based on the size of the property. A common standard is to have one security guard for every 500 square feet of space. This can be adjusted depending on factors such as the layout, the value of assets, or the volume of foot traffic.

By assessing your specific needs, and following these guidelines, you can ensure the right level of security for your business or event, providing a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.

What Security Services Would Be Good for My Business?

Static security guards are an ideal solution for businesses such as shops, offices, and retail outlets, as well as for large events where entrances and exits need to be closely monitored. Their presence helps businesses control access to the premises, reducing the risk of unauthorised entry and potential security issues.

Additionally, having visible security guards reassures customers and event attendees, giving them a sense of safety and comfort. This added peace of mind can encourage people to stay longer, enhancing their overall experience and benefitting the business.

For larger properties like factories or warehouses, particularly those that are unoccupied after hours, mobile security patrols offer a more effective alternative. These patrols are highly effective in deterring crime when the property is most vulnerable. Mobile security officers conduct random and unpredictable checks, making it clear to potential intruders that the site is actively monitored.

This visible deterrent significantly reduces the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or other incidents. In the long term, mobile patrols can save business owners money by preventing costly damages and losses while ensuring the property remains secure.

So, What Security Guard Services Do I Need?

The type of security guard services your business requires will depend on its specific needs and operations. For instance, if you own a construction site, specialised construction security is the ideal choice, as these guards are trained to handle the unique challenges of securing such environments. Similarly, retail store owners should consider retail security services, which focus on preventing theft, managing crowds, and ensuring the safety of both customers and employees.

If you’re unsure which security services are best suited to your business, reaching out to a professional security company is always a good idea. These experts can provide tailored advice and detailed information about their services, helping you make an informed decision to meet your security needs.

For additional insights into the world of security guards, be sure to check out our news and insights page. You’ll find informative articles on topics like Where Do Security Guards Work? and What Equipment Do Security Guards Use? offering valuable guidance and knowledge to help you better understand your security options.