Cost-Effective Security Solutions to Onsite Security Guards

You may employ security guards to patrol the premises outside of business hours to keep your premises secure. Whilst many organisations and companies may see this the perfect security solution, are there alternative options out there? 

The Benefits of Manned Security

Visual deterrent

Criminals are most often opportunists. When they see sites without visible security, they are more likely to take the risk and target these sites. If a criminal sees a security guard on patrol, they likely will not take the risk. 

Control flow of traffic

Guards can be effective forms of access control. A regular security guard will get to know faces and vehicles and therefore can question suspicious visitors. 

Fewer False alarms

If suspicion is raised, a security guard can immediately determine if there is a real threat or normal activity. 

Whilst there are many benefits of having manned security on your business premises out of hours, it is a highly un cost-effective way to secure your property and assets. To have one of these guards is costly. You are paying someone their yearly wage to look after your property.  But with one or even two onsite security guards it is impossible that they can keep an eye on the entire site as once. 

What Alternative Security Solutions are Available?

We have a range of electronic security solutions suitable for all types of commercial properties. To understand how these can effectively replace an onsite security guard we need to look at a case study in which we have done just that. 

Below we have a video of a site we have previously installed intruder and access control on the premises but most recently we have installed a full monitored CCTV and tannoy system.

Here in this video demonstration, you can see that when the alarm is set, when someone crosses the yard the CCTV camera picks up the person and announces over the tannoy system that the site is monitored. The images will be live-streamed to the monitoring centre and from here they can view and make the decision as to whether they should contact the authorities. 

If they can see the intruder leaving, they may wait a few minutes to ensure they have properly left before deciding the site is safe. On the other hand, if they can see on the CCTV that the intruder has made their way further into the premises and looks like they are going to cause trouble the monitoring station can contact the keyholder or the police directly. 

Why is This System Better Than an Onsite Security Guard?

Interactive

With the tannoy system, as shown in the video above, these audio systems can be completely customised to each site they are installed on. These security tannoys can also be linked directly to a monitoring station so that security guards in the monitoring station can directly address intruders.

Cost-effective

Although these systems have installation and maintenance costs, they are much cheaper than paying an entire salary to someone to watch over your property every year. Also, when taking cost into consideration, you should think about what you could possibly lose if there was a break-in to your property. Loss of expensive machinery, assets and stock are all things that could greatly impact the running of your business.

More accurate

CCTV can cover all entrances of the property at once. As discussed above, security guards cannot always keep eyes on the entire property, but CCTV can.

Adaptability

These systems can be personalised, allowing use on any site. These systems may not only be used in work yards but also on farms or more secluded premises.

Evidence

Should someone manage to get into the property and vandalise/ steal anything, CCTV will have a recording of these events. Providing these recordings to the police could help identify and convict the criminals involved.

Reliability

Whilst your onsite security guard may be reliable in terms of showing up to their job, they may not actually be keeping up with their duties out of hours. Long hours and night shifts can mean it is difficult to see how productive an onsite guard is. CCTV will provide coverage through all hours without getting tired or lazy.

CCTV does not have sick days or holiday

CCTV is extremely reliable and should there be an issue, normally can be sorted with very minimal downtime. CCTV can be switched on to record 24/7 recording issue not only out of hours but also during the working day. This can improve the security of your business during the daytime too!

Immediate police response without danger

Having any security system monitored means that a monitoring centre will respond to any alarm activations or activity on the premises out of hours without actually having to be on the premises and be in any danger from a potential intruder. The police can still be onsite within minutes without anyone being in danger of being injured in the meantime. 

If you are interested in CCTV Installation in Bristol or across the South West – get in touch today.

What’s the Next Action to Take?

There is not only one way to secure your property. Each property and owner will have its own individual needs and required security levels. The best immediate action you can take is to get in touch with a professional security company. Here at A.P.E Fire & Security, we offer a free, no-obligation survey to all sites. Here our team of expert surveyors can help to identify weak spots in your premises and discuss and design the most suitable system for you.

Get in touch today on 0117 982 5045 or at info@apealarms.co.uk