All businesses, large and small, can be the victims of crime. In particular, smaller enterprises can suffer from problems with theft and criminal damage because they don't have the resources to handle their business insurance costs, which tend to go up following a claim. Having said that, all types of business can get into trouble if members of the public or employees are injured as a result of criminal activities on the premises. Compensation costs that may ensue if you have not taken proper precautionary measures might even put you out of business.

Therefore, all commercial enterprises ought to consider the merits of in-person security to go alongside their technology, such as burglar alarms and CCTV systems. In other words, this means investing in security guards. Why are they so important?

Crime Prevention

One of the key advantages of having a security guard or two on your site is that it will deter criminals from even making an attempt at wrongdoing. This can mean that your chosen security firm won't necessarily make arrests on your behalf or catch many thieves in the act. However, their mere presence is enough to put off would-be intruders and therefore their true value is in what they prevent. With a visible presence in a smart uniform, most crime levels will fall overnight if guards are seen to be on patrol.

The Sense of Security

Remember that when people worry about crime on your premises, they are not necessarily being rational about it. Just one minor crime might make customers, clients and even your own employees feel as though there is a greater level of risk to their persons and to their property than actually exists. Hiring security personnel—even if it is a temporary measure—can allay such fears and make visitors feel reassured. Sometimes it is about dealing with perceptions of crime rather than the reality, after all.

Dealing With Crime

When a crime occurs in your place of business, it ought to become a police matter. However, most office staff and shop workers know little about the correct processes to follow before the authorities arrive to take over when a crime occurs. On the other hand, well-trained security operatives have the necessary know-how and will make sure that evidence is not destroyed whilst preventing suspects from getting away before the police can make it to you. Even if a criminal cannot be stopped for whatever reason, guards skilled in security matters should be able to monitor them and provide good enough descriptions for the police to track them down on your behalf.