Security is often a begrudged expense. Faith in humanity, belief in sheer luck, or willful ignorance; many of us would rather employ other tactics for peace of mind.
The UK Security market has various offerings; remotely monitored detection systems, hard wired CCTV, manned guarding or standard sensor alarms. All, in some ways, have their own merits. What’s right for one is wrong for another but with the economic downturn and many locations either becoming vacant and certain industries plateauing, the overriding option that can have true benefit to any methodology is mobile response.
To disrupt crime, people and places – whether residential or commercial – need the quickest response time by the closest accredited responder. The old adage that ‘time is money’ is true for the security sector; the longer criminals have to partake in their favoured pastime, the more it can cost a business.
With the reduction of visible policing in the UK, slashed by a third in 10 years (Home Office 2022) security officers in uniforms or in marked cars can be seen as a solution for deterrence. It is a way for criminals and the public to understand that there is security present. It can give a sense of safety and also act as a warning to anyone considering committing a crime.
This is why AURA believes that mobile response is the security key
Coverage – surveillance of multiple locations
Mobile response officers on the AURA network cover the UK. They can be dispatched to any area at any time and offer geographical coverage that other services can not. They can monitor multiple areas during a shift, and through their normal working practice they can keep an eye on several areas and help ensure that the premises are secure. Whether on foot or in a car, patrol officers can cover ground quickly, get to an emergency in plenty of time and potentially catch criminals in the act.
Options – perform a range of security checks
Mobile response officers can carry out a wide range of security checks. Not only can they respond to alarms, but security officers can also carry out exterior patrols in places which may not be visible by cameras, and ensure that everything is locked up and secured by properly inspecting doors and windows. Mobile security patrols can be called to perform any alarm response, or property checks, day or night.
Responsibility – put the responsibility in the hands of professionals
If an alarm goes off as a property keyholder, they must be able to get to your premises within 20 minutes to resolve any alarm issues. Failing to do so on more than three occasions may result in the police ignoring future alarms and the alarm will be regarded as a nuisance.
Mobile security patrols can also provide professional key holding and alarm response services in accordance with BS7984 to secure your business and ensure the safety of the business and employees. In the event of an alarm, a mobile security patrol can go to the property and take the necessary steps to re-secure the premises in the event of a break-in or criminal damage.
Technology – a cutting edge approach
While the AURA network mobile patrols can rapidly respond to unlawful activity at your premises, it isn’t enough to merely react to incidents as they arise. Proactivity is key.
Placement of the correct resources in the correct locations cuts response times and prevents crime. This is where the use of the latest AURA technology benefits the needs of the industry.
Data – analytical review
By using the AURA software platform to collect and analyse data on past incidents, it becomes much easier to plan for the future. The areas that have seen the highest number of incidents should naturally have their security needs addressed and causation factors for response calls need to be reviewed to aid in prevention and reduction. AURA equips mobile patrol officers with security response software, which when utilised gives real time data for review. Implementing the latest technologies to analyse trends and gain new insights, your business is in a far better position to prepare for the future.
A closer look at the types of incidents that have affected the premises should have a direct impact on threat mitigation planning, as well as the potential evidence of a need for an increased security presence in a hot spot or even the expansion of security hardware at a location. Using data enables everyone involved in the decision-making process to understand which factors have truly contributed to past security problems.
Value – a cost-effective option
If a permanent security guard is beyond your budget, you may find mobile patrol services to be much more cost-effective. With mobile security patrols, you can choose the scope of the officers’ work and can pay for only the services that you use. Having a mobile security officer watch over different parts of your premises also helps reduce your losses and liabilities from break-ins, vandalism, and other damage. The money saved from not having to pay for building repairs or a lawsuit is another way mobile patrol units can help you reduce costs.
Peace of mind
Mobile security response is a good choice for business owners who own several companies or buildings, construction sites or larger premises, as mobile responders can cover a wider area faster and more efficiently than traditional static security guards. Patrol officers offer around-the-clock protection in a designated area to ensure that the premises are safe and secure. They also offer peace of mind to employees especially for businesses that operate a 24 hour, 7 days a week shift. Fast response ensures employees that they are working in a safe and secure environment.
There are too many benefits that can be recognised by utilising a mobile security response to protect your business premises to list in full. The antiquated approach to alarm response is evolving. AURA makes sure that security services companies are taking advantage of the latest security software technology to help mobile patrols identify suspicious behaviour and address it in real-time, protecting your property and premises from vandals, thieves, and other potential risks.