Many business owners go their whole career without having to deal with crime happening on their commercial property. But for many others, the possibility of theft, vandalism, or violence is too close a possibility and many times a reoccurring issue. There’s no way to prevent all difficulties that may behalf a business during the course of its life but there are certain steps business owners can take to minimize the impact potential crime has on their business.
You may not think you need a security guard, but there are some red flags that may indicate otherwise.
Below are some of the most common signs that mean you should hire a security guard for your business
A large parking lot or garage
One of the most common places crime such as theft, vandalism, or physical assault happen is in a business’s parking lot or garage. Parking lots that are large offer plenty of places for someone to hide on a busy day and a parking garage offers even more cover for someone up to no good.
Your customers or employees may be accosted on their way to their car or find their car has been damaged while they were away. A security guard can deter potential crime in the area just with their presence and offer escorts to customers and employees feeling wary.
You’ve noticed shrinkage
If there are some question marks in your inventory, it may be time to hire a security guard. Shrinkage is the loss of inventory without the corresponding sale which means someone walked out with an item without paying for it.
This could be shoppers in a large store who have places to sneakily swipe items or your own employees who walk out with items (especially if you don’t do a bag check at the end of shifts). A security guard can keep an eye on what you can’t and deter potential theft.
You sell alcohol at your business
Whether you serve alcohol for at home consumption or you allow patrons to partake on your property, any time a substance like alcohol is involved, it’s good to have a security guard present. Inebriation from alcohol can make customers combative and those who come in seeking alcohol could likely already be impaired or have other worrying factors associated with their behavior.
While a security guard may not fully deter someone mentally incapacitated, they will keep your employees and customers safe in the event of an altercation.
Additional Questions
What if my company already has a safety program in place?
Certain industries, such as construction, have built-in safety protocols and elect a member of the team to serve as the safety supervisor or officer. But this isn’t always enough, especially if your company is currently dealing with short staffing. And many times these security officers only focus on keeping employees and the work environment safe, not necessarily the rest of the premises where crimes may occur.
Can a security guard handle an emergency situation?
All security guards get training in different levels of emergencies but depending on the company you go with to provide your security, some may have more training than others. You should do your research to see what security guards offer the best overall protection and response across situations.
Talk to a security guard company such as Talon Security Service in Troy about your business’s needs. Our security specialists are the best in the area for every type of business or property security solution you need as we provide security guards for all businesses and industries throughout Michigan.
Focus on running your business, special event and overall daily life by safeguarding your location, facility, staff, equipment, and customers. Call for a Free Estimate today!