Which security solution offers better peace of mind?
When it comes to safeguarding your property, which is better—stationed security guards or mobile patrol services? It’s a question many business owners struggle with, especially when weighing costs, flexibility, and response effectiveness.
With rising concerns about theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access, choosing the right security option can impact not just your peace of mind but also your bottom line.
This guide covers the ins and outs of hiring security guards vs. mobile patrols so you can choose the best option based on your business needs and budget.
Understanding Security Guards and Mobile Patrols
Security guards, whether stationed at an entrance or assigned to patrol within a fixed area, provide a constant physical presence. Often, their mere visibility acts as a deterrent to potential threats, making them an ideal solution for sites where security visibility is crucial.
Key Benefits of Security Guards:
- Immediate Response: Guards on-site can respond instantly to incidents.
- Customised Coverage: Guards can tailor their patrols based on high-risk areas.
- Customer Interaction: Guards often assist with visitor directions, provide reassurance, and handle customer service needs.
- Consistent Deterrent: A static guard can deter crime simply through their visible presence.
However, security guards can be costly, as they need to be compensated for each hour they are present on your property.
Mobile Patrols: Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
Mobile patrols involve security personnel who periodically visit a site rather than remain stationed. These patrols typically cover multiple locations within a set radius and can be scheduled at various times to add an element of unpredictability to security measures.
Key Benefits of Mobile Patrols:
- Cost-Effective: Since they aren’t stationed full-time, patrols are typically less expensive than stationary guards.
- Wide Coverage: Mobile patrols can cover multiple areas in a single shift, ideal for large properties.
- Flexibility: Patrols can be scheduled randomly, making it harder for intruders to predict security activity.
- Rapid Response: Many mobile patrols offer quick response times to alarms or incidents on your property.
However, because they’re not on-site continuously, mobile patrols may take longer to respond to an incident compared to stationed security guards.
Comparing Security Guards and Mobile Patrols: Pros and Cons
1. Cost Considerations
- Security Guards: More expensive due to hourly wages, especially for 24/7 coverage. Often preferred by high-risk locations where the cost is justified by the value of the assets.
- Mobile Patrols: Typically more affordable as the cost is based on periodic checks rather than continuous presence.
2. Level of Deterrence
- Security Guards: High deterrence as they’re visibly stationed, which discourages unwanted behaviours and activities.
- Mobile Patrols: Moderate deterrence. While visible during patrols, their absence between rounds may allow room for potential issues to arise.
3. Flexibility
- Security Guards: Less flexibility in movement across multiple sites but can adapt their routes within one location.
- Mobile Patrols: Highly flexible and can cover larger areas, but at intervals that may leave certain areas unattended between rounds.
4. Response Time
- Security Guards: Immediate response capability, especially during emergencies.
- Mobile Patrols: Response may vary based on patrol location at the time of the incident, although most patrol services are equipped to respond quickly when needed.
5. Customer Interaction and Service
- Security Guards: Can provide customer service, offer directions, and add to the customer experience.
- Mobile Patrols: Minimal interaction since they aren’t consistently on-site.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Security Guards and Mobile Patrols
1. Risk Level of Your Property
High-risk properties, like retail outlets or sites with valuable equipment, may benefit more from full-time security guards. Lower-risk sites or those with larger perimeters may find mobile patrols sufficient.
2. Budget Constraints
Security guards are costlier but provide continuous monitoring, while mobile patrols offer security on a smaller budget, providing you with cost savings over time.
3. Desired Level of Presence
If a visible, consistent presence is necessary, security guards are likely the better option. For locations where a periodic presence is adequate, mobile patrols could be more fitting.
4. Response Time Needs
Immediate response is best achieved with on-site security guards, whereas mobile patrols can respond within a predetermined timeframe suited to lower-priority sites.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Security Solution
- Assess Your Needs: Take stock of your property’s size, layout, and areas prone to risks.
- Evaluate the Site’s Crime Statistics: Knowing crime patterns in your area can guide you in choosing an appropriate level of security.
- Consider Hybrid Solutions: Some businesses combine on-site guards with periodic patrols to balance cost and coverage.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to the choice of security guards vs. mobile patrols, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each option provides unique advantages and can be tailored to fit your property’s requirements and budget.
Whether you choose the consistent deterrence of a security guard or the flexible coverage of mobile patrols, you’ll be enhancing the safety and security of your business.
Still unsure which is right for you? Accord Security is here to discuss your options and find a custom solution tailored to your specific needs.
FAQs
1. Which is more effective, security guards or mobile patrols?
Effectiveness depends on your needs. For constant presence, security guards are superior, but for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, mobile patrols are ideal.
2. Are mobile patrols suitable for large properties?
Yes, mobile patrols can efficiently cover large properties by rotating through designated zones.
3. How much do security guards cost compared to mobile patrols?
Security guards tend to be more expensive due to hourly rates. Mobile patrols are generally billed based on rounds and are often more budget-friendly.
4. Can I combine both security guards and mobile patrols?
Absolutely! Many businesses benefit from a combination of both, with guards covering critical areas and patrols, adding a flexible security layer.
5. Do mobile patrols respond to alarms?
Yes, mobile patrols often respond to alarms and can be on-site quickly in case of emergencies.