Private security and event security companies have become increasingly popular in recent years and have arguably cemented themselves as an important feature of modern society. And with advancements in modern technology, the way in which such companies operate has become far more efficient and effective, allowing business owners to protect their premises in ways that they haven’t been able to in the past. But what does the future hold for private security services? And how will advancements in technology affect the way in which business owners secure their property? Let’s take a look in this expert guide.

The Use of Drones

Drones have become an increasingly popular asset in the private security sector. Drones offer an unrivalled level of versatility and are able to access hard to reach areas where a human being might experience difficulty. Drones equipped with cameras can provide aerial surveillance and real-time video feeds, allowing security personnel to monitor large areas from a central location. This can be especially useful for large scale events, construction sites, and other locations where hiring human patrols may be out of budget. Indeed, drones offer an affordable alternative to conventional security measures – and are definitely a worthwhile investment.

When it comes to the future of the UK’s private security services, it is likely that drones will continue to play an increasingly important role within the industry. Ever evolving drone technologies, such as longer battery life, improved cameras, and enhanced navigation systems, promise to make them far more useful in security applications, such as surveillance systems and reconnaissance missions.

Advanced Biometric Systems

Biometric authentication is nothing new, but is vastly becoming an increasingly popular tool in the private security sector, thanks to its ability to provide secure, accurate, reliable and convenient access control. Biometric authentication is effective because it analyses physical or behavioural traits, such as a person’s unique fingerprints, an individual’s face, and patterns in their voice, to verify a person’s identity and grant access to restricted areas or devices, and preventing unwanted visitors from entering the area, reducing the risk of harm coming to property or a business premises. 

As aforementioned, the key benefit of biometric authentication is the fact that it is highly accurate, secure, and reliable. Biometric traits are unique to each individual and are difficult to replicate, making them more secure than other modes of authentication such as passwords or scanning an ID card. Indeed, this also means that biometric authentication is faster and more convenient than having to remember a password and pin or having to carry around a physical ID card.

Although there are concerns from some commentators that biometric authentication can present privacy issues for those involved, it is a highly effective and efficient way to ensure that a business premises is secure, and only the people who should be on site are granted access. Indeed, the rapid advancements in biometric technology, such as improved accuracy and faster processing times will make them highly useful when it comes to access applications.

Artificial Intelligence

Increasingly, artificial intelligence is being used in security surveillance systems. One of the major advantages of AI is that it can analyse large amounts of data in real time and quickly detect any potential threats. AI systems use machine learning algorithms to identify suspicious behaviour or activity, such as unauthorised access, loitering, or unusual movements of individuals that the human eye may not be able to detect. AI systems essentially streamline the way in which a security system operates, reducing the workload for security personnel so that they can focus on other tasks such as running the business. Another added benefit of AI security systems is that they automate the monitoring process, providing for a far more accurate and efficient security system.

Although some critics suggest it has its flaws such as creating false positives for innocent behaviour, the AI technology is evolving at a rapid rate and is only set to improve, meaning businesses will massively benefit from an enhanced and far more accurate security system.

An Increased Reliance on Private Police

Due to massive government cuts in the UK, the number of public police officers has fallen dramatically, which has resulted in private security companies being used as essentially replacements for police patrols. Many small and large businesses are now opting to hire private security companies to protect their premises from break ins and thefts due to their loss of faith in the police service.

Cloud Based Solutions Will Be Everywhere

Much like with AI, the cloud based solutions are not a new trend in the private security industry, but it is arguably expanding extremely rapidly. From small business markets to much larger enterprises we can see the momentum push more and more businesses to leverage cloud-based security solutions and services. And as we continue to witness, the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on  businesses globally has only accelerated the movement to cloud-based operations for people and businesses around the world.

Cloud based solutions allow businesses to achieve a simplistic way of managing their security, minimising the amount of assets needed, and offer a setup that is both easy to use and navigate – and this is exactly what cloud technology delivers so well. With a cloud based security service, there is no need for a local server or software. Business owners can quickly and easily check the status of their business security in real time, receive security events and alarms quickly, and respond effectively to emergencies using a simple smartphone app.

The Bottom Line

Technology has arguably revolutionised the way in which private security services in the UK operate, and has allowed them to streamline the service they provide, making everything far more reliable, precise, and efficient. It is crucial that private security companies embrace this ever evolving technology if they want to ensure that they offer a service that truly safeguards a business – and that’s exactly what we do here at All Time Security. For more information on how we can assist you and your business, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Regardless of the type of business you run or the size of your home, you will require some sort of security service to protect your assets as well as your employees and customers, or even your family. 

With this in mind, it is critical that you only invest your time and money into a security service that you can fully trust. If you are searching for security services in Buckinghamshire or surrounding areas, then All Time Security would be an extremely dependable choice.

 This article explores why All Time Security can be trusted to protect your assets due to being one of the most reliable security services in Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.

What credentials can ATS offer?

First things first, All Time Security is an SIA-approved security agency that complies with the British Standard for security guarding. Our mission is to provide customer-focused security services in Buckinghamshire that protect the integrity of the sites we are securing while enhancing the professional image of our customers. 

In addition, we are also accredited to ISO 9001 for the provision of security, which means that we are audited every year by the British Standards Institution.
Here at ATS, we have a wide range of security services in Buckinghamshire, which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  From key holding to security response to CCTV monitoring and manned security guards.

What industry certifications can ATS provide?

Along with this, All Time Security is one of the few security firms that holds SIA Approved certification in Door Supervision, Key Holding, Security Guard, Close Protection and CCTV. Therefore, by choosing All Time Security for your security services in Buckinghamshire, you know you are hiring the best security service in the industry. We are one of the very few companies in the country that is approved in 5 sectors and is the only one in this area.

What’s more, is that All Time Security is also in compliance with COP 119 certification, which is a code of practice developed for security agents which aims to improve the effectiveness of security guarding service provisions. This allows us to provide labour to security companies to demonstrate best practices by holding independent certification in the scope of the provision of labour in the security and events sector having been audited against the requirements of COP 119.

Furthermore, All Time Security is an improved Edexcel training centre for various qualifications areas such as the Security industry, Healthy and Safety and Personal License. Our SIA security guards are highly trained and experienced security professionals who will provide on-site security and behave in a courteous, intelligent, and professional manner towards your staff and customers.

Don’t just take our word for it…

We’re only happy when our customers are completely satisfied with our service. Our customer testimonials showcase the efforts and success of ATS. 

“I’ve been working with All Time Security for a few years now and I can’t fault them. Waseem and the team really do feel like family and I believe they genuinely care about keeping the building and our staff safe. I would highly recommend them to any business looking for a more personal security set-up”  – Debbie (Mint Velvet)

“Superb service from a local company. During times of heightened security needs Waseem and the team have always been proactive to our needs supplying licensed and accredited high-quality staff sometimes within the hour to cover sensitive and difficult situations both in the Education and Healthcare sectors. Could not recommend the service and the company enough” – First Class

“All Time Security has been absolutely amazing. We cannot thank your team enough for all that they have done. The customer care from Waseem and his security team has been next to none. We had an attempted break in and if it wasn’t for their vigilance and quick action the outcome could have been very different. Their communication with us has been wonderful and we will certainly be using them again. Thank you to one and all.”  – Buzz Bounce
“I strongly recommend All Time Security for any security services you might need or want. We used their services for our party and they delivered such professional and pleasant assistance. The security guards were well-mannered, respectful and friendly and did all that was expected from them. We will definitely be using ATS in the future for any necessary service and help needed.” – Laura Zegura

We offer a reputable track record you can rely upon

Our reputation within the security services industry is indestructible.We provide a range of services and expertly trained security employees, each of who are certified SIA approved. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our clients, and we aim to do that by providing you with top-quality security personnel and services. 

With the ATS risk assessment, you can rely on over 15 years’ worth of industry knowledge and experience, with only the highest-trained security guards provided to your organisation. 
Time and time again we receive positive feedback from our clients about our security services in Buckinghamshire. So, what are you waiting for?

Why choose All Time Security?

ATS are an extremely trustworthy security service that you can rely upon. Our mission is to provide a robust, superior and consistent quality service that guarantees our clients peace of mind. We understand that the needs of a business or homeowner can change and that’s exactly why we have systems in place to cater for that change. 

Our team can be relied upon to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that we can be trusted to protect homes, businesses, or other assets effectively. We are committed to providing an environment that is safe, secure and built with trust and loyalty. We pride ourselves in delivering a service that is dependable, reliable and efficient. 

Buckinghamshire is one of the many locations covered by our contractors. If you are in need of security services in Buckinghamshire, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today. Call us on 01494511222 or drop us an email at info@alltimesecurity.co.uk.

Since warehouses are used by many businesses to store a vast range of physical goods, these can be easy pickings for thieves who happen to get into a warehouse.

This situation explains why, if you run one of these businesses, the onus is on you to keep warehouse security up to scratch. We would particularly urge you to heed the following tips…

Be selective about who you recruit 

Given that many security threats to warehouses actually originate from inside them, it can pay for you to be extra careful about who you staff them with in the first place. It goes without saying, then, that you want especially trustworthy employees. 

While exactly who would count as ‘trustworthy’ can be very much a subjective judgement, you can at least put job applicants through a strict screening process aimed at weeding out bad apples. These may include, for example, applicants with a criminal record.

Make sure your warehouse has enough large open space 

It can be a good idea for you to leave some ‘buffer space’, so to say, in your warehouse. This strategy can help to prevent stock in the warehouse from getting damaged as well as ease employees’ efforts to retrieve these goods. 

However, there’s also a good security incentive for you to prevent tall storage facilities in your warehouse from blocking the view: workers in the building will have a good sightline through to parts of the building where wrongdoing could otherwise too easily go unnoticed.

Put up perimeter fencing around the whole site  

Of course, it would be harder for aspiring criminals from outside your business to enter the physical warehouse building in the first place if you arranged for security fencing to be erected around the site’s entire perimeter.

You should, however, make sure this fencing is at least seven feet high. Meanwhile, where openings in the fencing are meant to allow authorised vehicles to access the site, you can have security barriers and gates as well as number plate recognition technology fitted.

Add CCTV cameras both inside and outside the warehouse 

All of these cameras can be connected to the same network — one that also allows each camera’s video feed to be remotely monitored.

As for exactly where those cameras should be installed, you could prioritise areas where would-be thieves are likelier to linger — like entry and exit points, not to mention areas where high-value inventory is kept.

If any of these cameras do record a crime happening, the footage can help with identifying the culprit and serve as evidence in a court of law.

Invest in secure doors and windows 

A warehouse’s weakest spots — at least from a security point of view — are often the building’s doors and windows, for the simple reason that, obviously, they tend to be easier to break through than solid walls. 

You could inspect your warehouse’s current windows and doors and find that many of them lack up-to-date security features.

Hence, you might be able to justify the expense of replacing these problematic doors and windows with newer units built to hold up against physical attacks for longer.

Take advantage of our alarm response service 

With this service, we can send suitably trained and experienced engineers to your premises to install alarm systems. If any of these are triggered at your warehouse, an alarm response security officer from All Time Security can respond by turning up at the building in little time.

Ideally, though, alarms we install at the warehouse will prevent crimes from even happening there. Indeed, the mere sight of these alarms, especially if attached next to signs with warnings along the lines of ‘this warehouse is alarmed’, can deter people from attempting crime.

Hire security patrol officers  

One reason why many dubious people might want to prey on warehouses is that they can too often be left empty or with specific areas that people never or rarely visit.

If your own warehouse is sparse in ways like these, you can help to close these security gaps by hiring security guards. When you source these from security patrol firms, you can arrange for guards to carry out mobile patrols to both daily and nightly schedules.

All Time Security can supply your UK warehouse with patrol officers who have been trained by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and know how to respond appropriately to security incidents.

Utilise a key holding service 

You might have heard or read the term ‘key holding’ before, but remain unsure what it actually means. It refers to a specialist security service where a security firm holds keys to a client’s warehouse and keeps those keys in a secure location at a distance from the warehouse itself.

If the warehouse’s security is breached, the security firm can send a security officer to the site. Once this officer has arrived at the property, they can check it and then decide what to do next.

In the event of a minor security incident, the officer might do little more than lock the warehouse up again. However, if the alarm was triggered due to a more serious security incident, the officer will take appropriate steps to safeguard the premises.

These steps can include contacting emergency glaziers if window glass has been smashed, or asking a static security officer to temporarily stay on the premises. 

Familiarise your workers with good security practice 

No matter how much technology you introduce to the security equation, you have to remember that, ultimately, you and your employees are still only human. For this reason, no matter how diligent these workers are with their security processes, human errors can still slip into them.

Fortunately, when you brief your employees in depth on security protocols, you can reduce the chances of such mistakes happening. Many companies operating UK-based warehouses could go even further by outsourcing much of their warehouse security to All Time Security. To learn more about how your own company could benefit from going down this route, please phone our head office on 01494 511222. 

It is important that schools provide a safe environment for students and staff alike. For your own educational institution, one key part of the equation would be making sure the onsite security measures and apparatus used by your staff are up to scratch.

Schools can be faced by many different threats. Some people might attempt to compromise security systems used by the school — and, if it is in a crime-ridden area, students and staff can be at risk of falling victim to assaults.

If you are a staff member of a school and responsible for keeping it secure, you should investigate various security strategies for this educational establishment to potentially pursue.

Your school’s security policy should be part of a wider plan aimed at ensuring students’ and staffers’ health, safety and wellbeing. You should decide how you will not only react to security incidents but also, when and where possible, reduce the likelihood of them arising in the first place.

Evaluate your school’s current security measures 

What security measures does your school already have in place? You might have reduced the number of entrances as well as the number of specific people authorised to use them. The site might also have its own communication system reserved for use in emergencies. 

Whatever form your school’s security does take, it would be wise for you to now assess it to see if there is any obvious room for improvement in it.

You could find it particularly useful to consider your legal obligations under two particular pieces of UK legislation: the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR).

The UK Government website has guidance for how you could carefully shape your school’s security strategy with these UK laws in mind.

Consider a range of physical security procedures

You might recall when, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘the Swiss cheese model’ was cited to explain why multiple measures – rather than just getting vaccinated – would be necessary for slowing down the spread of the virus.

A similar principle can justify the use of numerous physical security methods at your school. Just like no single anti-COVID tactic provides an entirely watertight defence by itself, neither does any given physical security solution available for implementing in an educational environment.

So, while we would be able to – on your request – monitor your school remotely via CCTV, we urge you to also make use of our alarm response and key holding service. This would involve a duty alarm response security officer arriving on the scene at short notice if an alarm is triggered at the school.

Build partnerships with public safety officials 

Through establishing strong ties with the police and local authorities, you can gather security-related information suitable for guiding your security policy’s development in the right direction. Public bodies and officials with which your school could forge fruitful partnerships include:  

• Other schools and colleges based nearby
• The local divisional or district police commander
• A police partnership officer
• The local resilience forum

When you have ready access to all of the above sources, information can be shared more quickly and easily between you and them. Consequently, you will be able to time-effectively get expert input into your security plans as you draw them up or revise them. 

It bears emphasis that, in the event of a security breach at the site, you will be in the best position to decide what course of action should be taken first. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has prepared a guide on when schools should call the police.

Analyse the state of your school’s cybersecurity

Of course, many schools needed to switch to remote learning as the pandemic took hold – and your particular institution might have preserved many digital education tools from that time. However, in any case, it’s no secret that schools have remained highly reliant on online operations.

It is a strong testament to this that, according to an audit recently undertaken by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Grid for Learning (LGfL), 78% of UK schools have been hit by at least one kind of cyber incident.

This situation underlines the importance of making sure your school’s cybersecurity is resilient. You can – for example – audit the school’s data security in search of vulnerabilities, while staff can be trained in good practice when it comes to cybersecurity awareness.

Don’t be reticent about the prospect of school security guarding

With shooting incidents in the United States having led to increasing acceptance of armed security officers in schools on that side of the Atlantic, you shouldn’t rule out the idea of following suit in your own school – even despite the UK differing very much from the US with regards to gun law.

After all, the UK has its own persistent crime problems, such as knife crime. You should also keep in mind that many current members of your staff could lack specialist expertise in how to handle dangerous individuals on the school grounds.

Fortunately, it is often possible for schools to hire security guards from local security companies. For example, our team here at All Time Security can provide your school with security guards whose mere presence there can make it feel safer and act as a visual deterrent to aspiring attackers.

Hire educational concierge staff

Right now, you might be wondering what the term ‘educational concierge staff’ actually means. It refers to workers essentially each capable of providing security, customer service and student support. Yes, all three are available from just one person.

These workers can interact with students, such as to familiarise them with the academic environment. After hiring educational concierge staff from All Time Security, your school can also rest assured that these workers will be able to assist in diffusing volatile situations should the need arise. 

We invite you to email info@alltimesecurity.co.uk so that you can learn more about educational concierge staff and, if you would like to utilise them, how you would be able to do so.

Security Solutions

Security service providers have the knowledge, resources and trained staff to provide a suitable and effective security solution. A solution tailored to suit your specific needs. These services can range from risk assessments, CCTV and alarms, all the way to security guards and door supervisors.

Security Guards

Most venues that cater for crowds of people need to take hiring security guards/door supervisors to assist in crowd control. Not only are SIA trained and qualified security guards equipped with the skills and knowledge of crowd control, they are also trained in conflict management and customer service.

Security guards are usually the first people guests see when entering the venue and the last to see when they are leaving. This makes the guards looking presentable and having excellent communication skills crucial in delivering a great service.

Security guards are also trained in first aid and fire safety and can act as fire wardens in case of a fire. They can assist with injuries and have quick access to the Police in case of emergencies.

Event Security.

Every event planner will confirm the necessity of security, for not only the safekeeping of both the attendees and host or hosts but also the protection of the venue. Now, this may come as a surprise to event planners, but the damage costs caused by security threats and safety hazards are far greater than the costs of hiring a security provider. 

Would you rather pay thousands of dollars on damages that could have easily been avoided just to save a few hundred dollars on security? Is it worth the risk? It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.

Event security is a way to guarantee the protection and wellbeing of your: premises, assets, staff and visitors. They will be guarded by professional security guards, deployed by security providers, who will provide a number of security checks and other measures to ensure this. These security guards are qualified and trained to cover several duties including;

• Providing a secure environment
• Security patrolling
• Access control
• Fire safety and first aid

All Time Security is one of the most trusted and leading door supervisor companies providing unparalleled security solutions. When you hire us, rest assured that your property, people, and assets are in good hands.

CCTV

Some companies choose to have professional CCTV Close Circuit Television installed in their premises. This is a fantastic visual deterrent as would be thieves, vandals and arsonists, will think twice about attacking a building that has CCTV installed.

Having CCTV installed means that perpetrators are more likely to be identified and apprehended. CCTV footage is also a solid form of evidence for the prosecution in court.

Most professional businesses choose to incorporate a combination of Security Guards and CCTV giving you a varied and robust form of security.          

How to Distinguish and Select a Good Security Service Provider

Before we get into what makes a good security provider, let’s first look at what a security provider is and what they do.  

A security provider or security services provider is a professional company that offers a range of security services for businesses, corporations, venues and retail outlets.  

Security is needed by venues that have guests and staff attend. Anywhere there are people attending, there needs to be a level of staff and guest management. Venues and businesses that have the capacity and events that cater to crowds of people owe a duty of care. Venue managers may opt not to have a professional security service provider to provide security, but they open their premises, staff, and guests to unnecessary risks. 

When looking for a security service provider, make sure that they possess the qualities necessary to provide a high level of security. This includes having properly trained and experienced guards who can handle all types of situations.

The security service provider should be able to provide a range of services, such as event security and close protection. Flexibility also matters since the security needs of different businesses can vary greatly.

You need a trusted and efficient security firm with a wide range of services that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. 

What do security service providers do? 

Security service providers have the knowledge, resources and trained staff to provide a suitable and effective security solution. A solution tailored to suit your specific needs. These services can range from risk assessments, CCTV and alarms, all the way to security guards and door supervisors.

What to consider when selecting a security services provider

Just the way you have to decide on anything important is how you must approach finding the best and most suited security provider for your event or venue.

Qualifications and accreditations

The security industry is led by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA will only accredit a security services provider if they meet the industry standard for providing security services in the UK. Thus, a great place to start when hunting for the right security services provider will be to check whether the SIA has approved the company.

ISO9001

Another good idea would be to identify whether the security provider has an ISO9001 certification – this ensures that the company has been audited by the authority to ensure that it meets the criteria to operate to the highest quality. This ensures policies and procedures are in place for the company to offer a good service.  

Reputation

Once the formalities are covered and you have identified a company that has complied with the correct regulations, is an SIA accredited, licensed security provider, it has a valid ISO9001 certification, then it might be a sensible idea to hunt around to see what sort of reputation the company has – the types of reviews it gets from customers and its employees.

All Time Security is made up of experts in security solutions who protect your business, property, and assets. Our services are designed to provide high-level security for your premises while also enhancing the professional image of your business.

If you’re looking for a reliable security firm that can address all your safety and security needs, contact us today to discuss the solutions we offer.

How can security service providers help in the pandemic?

With the Coronavirus (Covid19) still in full force, many people feel on edge about their business premises and their homes.

With less people around and streets and areas of businesses being vacant, businesses and homes are at higher risk of being burgled and vandalised.

The emergency services have their hands full and this means they are not always able to respond to alarm activations immediately. This is where security service providers take the lead in ensuring rapid response to alarm activations to reduce risks, prevent crimes, safe clients from potential losses and give people peace of mind.

While business owners are in lockdown or isolating, their places of business and assets will be kept secure by a professional security agency.

Security service providers such as All Time Security are an SIA approved contractor and their staff are all regulated and vetted. This means that businesses can rest assured that they are in safe and competent hands.

Security service providers offer a rapid response and mobile patrol service – this combined with keyholding means that whatever the situation, they will be able to deal with it appropriately.

The mobile patrols are carried out by professional security guards in high visibility uniforms. This acts as an effective visual deterrent for professional and opportunist thieves. The patrols include security guards patrolling vulnerable areas and looking out for signs of criminal damage and forced entry.

Security guards are highly vigilant and keep an eye out for other potential threats such as fires and leaks. This saves businesses thousands in losses every year.

Alarm Activation Rapid Response

With emergency services overwhelmed, they are not always available to investigate alarm activations, private security service providers such as ATS combine their mobile patrols with alarm activation rapid response – meaning that soon as an alarm is activated, whether it be fire or intruder alarm, they will respond immediately – sending a response unit to the site immediately to investigate the activation.   

What are the advantages to this?   

If an alarm is activated and it has been done by error or accident, then business owners are not disturbed – the security guards will deactivate the alarm and reset it. Log the activation and report it, saving business owners the time and hassle. If the activation is due to crime then security guards are well-rehearsed in taking the appropriate action.

Professional security is not just for businesses

There is a common misconception that security is just for businesses. Security guards, CCTV, alarms, alarm response and keyholding, are all services that people conceive to be related to businesses and commercial premises, but this is not the case.

There are plenty of other areas that professional security services are required and used frequently. These areas include councils, emergency services and government.

 Security services

Private Security firms are commonly relied on by councils when running events, especially when running events that will have large numbers of people. Any event, whether it is public or private, indoors or outdoors, that has large numbers of people needs to have a few things in mind:

Risk

With any event, there are a number of risks that need to be identified and a plan put in place to reduce or remove them completely. Security service providers are trained in risk assessments and risk management.

Crowd management

Large crowds often cause chaos and security service providers to deploy professional security teams that are highly trained and skilled in managing crowds.

Security

Security is a vital part of events. Having the correct security services means that as event organisers, you are taking the responsible precautions in keeping staff and visitors safe and secure. This also gives people the reassurance that you take their safety seriously.

Emergency Services

There are often times when emergency services are under extreme pressure and are unable to keep up with demand. This is where professional security service providers step up and aid the emergency services in keeping people safe and places secure. Security guards are SIA qualified and are able to deal with many different situations.

Government

Like councils, government events usually require a combination of Police and security guards. Security service providers like All Time Security are often called on to carry out thorough risk assessments and put robust plans in place for securing conferences and various other events.

Personal Protection

High profile people, including celebrities and public figures, personal security is a must. High profile people are often at risk. Risk of attacks, both physical and verbal. Security guards who are trained and qualified in personal protection are skilled in vigilance and protection.

This means they will stay with their client at all times and ensure that no harm comes to them.

If you require professional security services for your events, business or personal security services, contact All Time Security and see how they can help you.    

Why retailers rely on proven security solutions 

Retailers all over the UK, whether they be small scale stores or major retail outlets, suffer losses through theft and fraud. It’s unavoidable… or is it?

Retail outlets such as supermarkets have thousands of people walking in and out every day. And they often have hundreds of people inside the store at one time. This gives both professional and opportunists thieves the incentive to steal high value items that are on display. 

As there are so many people shopping the store, they will go pretty much unnoticed – giving them the opportunity to commit a crime. 

What can be done about retail theft?

This is a great question. With so many security solutions and with so many so-called experts on security giving the best advice, how does a retailer know what security option, if any at all, to use?

Most retailers resort to using CCTV cameras to deter would be thieves – but often this does not deter thieves, especially professional thieves who are good at concealing their identity and hiding from the cameras. 

And more often than not cameras are used to review footage after a crime has been committed and although this is good, it will not necessarily prevent losses.  

What about security guards? 

Security guards are definitely a proven method of loss prevention in retail and security guards have been used for many years. 

Retail security guards are an excellent visual deterrent – when would be thieves are greeted by a security guard, they immediately know they have been seen. They are aware that security guards are present, and they are more likely to get caught stealing. 

But can one or even a few security guards keep an eye on huge numbers of customers in the store to ensure that they are not stealing? The short answer is no… but there are a few ways that security guards can be more effective in retail security. 

If you are a retailer with a team of security guards then it would be a good idea to have CCTV operators, static guards and patrol guards all working together to keep an eye on customers. 

Security should pay particular attention to high value items by keeping a camera on the high value section and by carrying out regular patrols in that area. 

Security guards are skilled in looking out for overfilling of high value items and making sure that they are properly secured. 

A good combination security services provided by an SIA approved contractor can help prevent retailers losing thousands in theft and collusion. 

Security has now become an important part of everyday life, and impacts everything we do. This is especially the case in the retail industry. It’s no secret that retail, due to its customer facing nature is at considerable risk of taking losses through theft. It was reported that in 2015, the annual bill for UK retail crime soared to £613m (The Guardian), but the impact retail theft leaves is more than just financial – the repercussions of retail theft on employees can also be incredibly damaging. However, by hiring professional security services you are reducing the risk of theft, keeping your employees safe and minimising  the potential damage.

Professionally trained retail security guards are skilled in deterring and apprehending shoplifters, which has a huge positive impact on the outlet.

Theft in Retail

Theft in retail is one of the most common types of theft. Many companies know there is a theft problem in their retail store, but often struggle to identify where the theft is occurring, making it a challenge to prevent it. Most thieves are people who enter the store posing as potential customers. Some are opportunist thieves, who when an opportunity arises commit the crime, while others are professional shoplifters. These types of thefts can cause considerable losses to a company.

How to Combat Theft in Retail

Retail security guards will man the doors, identify potential thieves and keep an eye on them. Through surveying people’s body language and watching behavioural patterns, they’re able to spot adverse behaviours commonly associated with shoplifting. Security guards are trained in shop floor patrols, CCTV control room operating and remote monitoring.

Conflict management

Retail security guards are trained to deal with all types of situations. They possess conflict management skills which allows store managers and owners to feel rest assured by their backup. Security guards are able to handle incidents appropriately and in accordance with security regulations and the law.

Internal theft

The good thing about having professional retail security guards is that they are trained in identifying all types of thieves – including staff. Many retail companies suffer losses through theft of products and money by staff working in their store. Retail security guards keep a close eye on everyone and are trained to carry out random checks and staff searches. Never underestimate the power of a staff search – they are a great deterrence for potential thieves and usually save stores thousands of pounds every year.

Incidents and incident reporting

Security service providers ensure that all retail security guards are trained to handle all types of incidents. They are also coached to follow the correct incident reporting procedures set by the outlet. Security guards always remain polite and professional. Their main priority is to de-escalate situations and keep people and the premises safe and secure.

Safety of customers and staff

Retail security guards are not just there to protect products from thieves, they are also there to protect people as well. Customers and employees will feel much more comfortable at a store that has professional retail security guards. Knowing a professional is close by and ready to help at any moment gives employees peace of mind.

Customer service

The retail industry is heavily focused on providing great customer service. That’s why having a retail security guard who is dressed smartly, greets customers and is helpful adds to a great overall customer experience.  

All Time Security is a leading UK supplier of retail security services. Contact us today to find out more about our bespoke security services.