Safeguarding Your Business: Combating the Post-Lockdown Crime Wave

As the UK emerges from lockdown, businesses across all sectors are reopening, and life is gradually returning to normal. However, this new normal has also brought about a surge in crime rates. According to a report by the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance (CEP), violent crimes and drug offenses have risen above pre-pandemic levels. In these circumstances, law enforcement agencies focus on high-crime areas, leaving other regions vulnerable. Consequently, businesses must take proactive measures to protect themselves from theft and secure their premises.

Retail Security

Retail stores have long been targets for shoplifting and theft. The vast array of products and constant customer traffic make it challenging to detect criminal activity. Retail businesses have employed various security measures, including extensive CCTV systems, access control RFID scanners, and security guards. However, post-lockdown, businesses must also ensure that customers and employees adhere to COVID protocols. In such scenarios, electronic security measures are insufficient, and businesses require manned security guards to handle emergencies. These guards are trained to physically approach and defuse situations, making them an essential component of retail security.

Hospitality Security

The hospitality industry was severely impacted by the COVID lockdown, with consumer spending dropping below 70% of pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the Office of National Statistics. With the lifting of restrictions and the return of guests, businesses must now contend with theft, unwanted visitors, and emergency situations. While electronic security measures can help monitor threats, manned security guards are crucial for taking action against them. Guards can be stationed at entry points to deter unwanted visitors and are trained to handle emergencies, such as fires or medical incidents, ensuring the safety of staff and guests.

In some cases, hotel security may need to deal with disorderly guests who vandalize property or disturb other patrons. Security guards can maintain order and resolve such situations. Additionally, deploying K9 security dogs alongside manned guards can serve as a strong deterrent to potential threats, enhancing the security environment and projecting a positive image for the business.

Construction Security

Even before the pandemic, the construction industry faced significant issues with theft and vandalism, resulting in millions of pounds in financial damages annually. Theft of building materials, vandalism, and trespassing continue to plague the industry. In the current climate, manned security guards can provide the necessary security for construction sites as work resumes post-lockdown.

Security guards act as a visual deterrent to crime and protect construction sites from vandalism and trespassers. Their training enables them to safeguard key entry and exit points, preventing equipment theft from internal and external sources. Furthermore, combining manned guards with K9 dog security and mobile patrols can secure the outer and internal perimeters around the clock. K9 security acts as a useful deterrent for trespassers, while mobile security patrols identify and prevent threats from outside the site.

Corporate Security

The COVID lockdowns led to the closure of office spaces, with employees working from home. As workspaces reopen, protecting office spaces and workers has become paramount. Manned security guards play a crucial role in corporate security, offering a wide range of advantages to protect workers and assist with administrative duties.

Security guards can monitor CCTV feeds, covering remote parts of the building and gathering information to respond to threats. In large corporate office spaces, guards can be deployed at entry and exit points to monitor activity and deter unwanted guests. Additionally, security guards contribute to administrative duties, such as checking in individuals entering the building. This not only reduces the cost of hiring additional staff but also allows guards to vet individuals and remain vigilant against suspicious activity that could harm occupants or damage property.

For comprehensive security solutions, consider partnering with a reputable security company. G3 Security offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring the safety and protection of your premises, employees, and customers.