APE Fire & Security Offers Cost-Effective Security Solutions To Replace Expensive Onsite Security Guards

APE Fire & Security states that businesses can employ security guards to patrol the premises, outside of business hours, in order to keep the premises secure.

While many organizations and companies may see this as the perfect security solution, there are alternative options out there, to cater to varying needs.

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. While there are many benefits of having manned security on the business premises out of hours, it is not a very cost-effective way to secure the property and assets.

To have even one security guard is a costly affair. Property owners are paying someone their yearly wage to look after the property. But with one or even two onsite security guards, it is impossible that they can keep an eye on the entire site at once.

Alternative security solutions for commercial properties

APE Fire & Security offers a range of electronic security solutions suitable for all types of commercial properties

APE Fire & Security offers a range of electronic security solutions suitable for all types of commercial properties. To understand how these solutions can effectively replace an onsite security guard, take a look at a case study, in which the company has done just that.

In a property, where APE Fire & Security had earlier installed intruder and access control on the premises, but most recently installed a full monitored CCTV and tannoy system, they noticed that once the alarm was set, when someone crossed the yard, the CCTV camera picked up the person and announced over the tannoy system that the site is monitored.

Images live-streamed to the monitoring center

The images are live-streamed to the monitoring center and from there, the property owners can view and make the decision, as to whether they should contact the authorities or not.

If they can see the intruder leaving, they may wait a few minutes to ensure they have properly left the premises, 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 key-holder or the police directly.

Why is this system better than an onsite security guard?

• Interactive

The tannoy system is an audio system that can be completely customized, as per the specific needs of each site that 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, in order to watch over the property every year. Also, when taking cost into consideration, property owners should think about what they could possibly lose, if there was a break-in to the property.

Loss of expensive machinery, assets and stock are all things that could greatly impact the running of the business.

• More accurate

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

• Adaptability

These systems can be personalized, 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 vandalize/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

While the 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, it can ideally be sorted out with very minimal downtime. CCTV can be switched on to record 24/7, not only out of hours, but also during the working day. This can improve the security of the business during the daytime as well.

• Immediate police response without danger

Having any security system monitored means that a monitoring center 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.

The next course of action to take

There is no one way to secure a property. Each property and owner will have its own individual needs and required security levels. The best immediate action they can take is to get in touch with a professional security company, such as APE Fire & Security.

They offer a free, no-obligation survey to all sites. APE Fire & Security’s team of expert surveyors can help to identify weak spots in the premises and discuss and design the most suitable system.