According to one report, around 28% of U.S. businesses reported an increase in physical security incidents in 2022, and 29% anticipate even more to occur this year. Are you concerned about theft, vandalism, and other crimes at your organization?

If so, you may want to consider hiring security guard services to protect your property and the people inside it. Even if you already have a high-tech surveillance system installed, the physical presence of a guard can be an effective deterrent for would-be criminals. 

Today, we’re sharing a few of the top reasons why this is a smart investment, and the benefits you can expect. 

1. Prevent Crime

Of course, the main reason why businesses choose to partner with a security guard company is to prevent crime from happening on their premises. While there are many different types of incidents that could occur at or around a workplace, some of the most commonly reported ones include:

  • Burglary
  • Robbery
  • Vandalism
  • Shoplifting
  • Employee assault
  • Employee theft
  • Fraud

Security guards are well-trained and experienced in the art of business protection. They know how to identify and stop suspicious activity before it escalates into a major event. If they notice anything amiss, they’ll spring into action to keep your employees, clients, and partners safe. 

Often, their presence itself is enough to avert criminal activity. If someone is planning to inflict damage at your workplace, they may be less likely to target it if they know you have a physical security presence. However, if an event does occur, security guards can also serve as an essential first line of defense.

They’ll know how to respond effectively, detain suspects to prevent them from getting away, and interview any nearby witnesses who saw what happened. They can also inspect affected areas for safety risks and assist in post-incident procedures as necessary.

2. Save Money

Following a security incident, your most important concern should be the safety and well-being of your employees. However, it’s also important to think about how much those events can cost your business. 

First, there are the physical damages to consider. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), just one act of vandalism can cost business owners more than $3,000 to clean up and repair. Then, there are the other costs that you’ll also incur, such as:

  • Lost sales
  • Property repair and replacement 
  • Business interruptions

When your organization falls victim to a crime, you’ll pay for it long after your property is restored to its former condition. By taking proactive steps to hire a security guard before such events occur, you can help protect your workforce and your bottom line. 

3. Strengthens Business Reputation

In today’s Digital Era, where anyone can hop online and write a review, it’s important to think about what others are saying about your business. If it experiences a criminal act, your workers and visitors may not feel as safe going there. 

When your business reputation is compromised like this, you’ll feel the effects. You may notice a dip in sales as a result of the negative press, or a lack of interest from would-be partners and investors. While you can take steps to recover, the initial and long-term fallout could be significant. 

If you want your customers to do business with you and not with your competition, this is one business investment that could make all the difference. In some instances, security guards can even offer a degree of customer service, helping to walk patrons to their cars or directing them to different departments, for example. In this way, they can serve as a valuable extension of your workforce and can help position your business as safe, secure, and support-oriented. 

4. Achieve Peace of Mind

When employees are confident that they have the best security guard services to keep their property safe, it’s easier for them to be productive and engaged. If they aren’t anxious or worried about being at work, their performance can reach its top potential. 

On the other hand, think about what they could be feeling and thinking if your company has recently experienced a security incident. It can be difficult to prioritize retention when you’re still reeling from the aftermath, but it’s critical to think about the event from your workers’ perspective. 

Especially in recent years, business leaders have started to herald the importance of employee mental health, and they’re looking for ways to keep their workers happy, content, and satisfied. A robust security presence is one step in the right direction, especially if your business is in a high-risk area. 

5. Ensure Rapid Response Time

If someone vandalizes your property or steals something from your business, it could take 20 minutes or more for the local police force to arrive on the scene. On the other hand, a security guard can spring into action much more quickly. 

This can not only help you respond more quickly to an incident that’s already in action but could also prevent others from occurring. For instance, consider what you would do if an aggressive customer walks through your doors. In many instances, you don’t have time to wait for help to arrive, and you need to act immediately. 

A security guard can apprehend the individual and make sure they don’t harm anyone or anything in their vicinity. This real-time action can help keep your property safe at any time of day or night.

Hire Security Guard Services for Your Business

Now that you know a few of the top reasons to hire security guard services, are you ready to add their presence to your company? This is one of the smartest and most strategic business decisions you can make, protecting both your physical and human assets. 

Our team at Security Now USA can provide top-tier security professionals for any business location or event. From restaurants and construction sites to commercial and retail properties, we protect it all. 

Interested in learning more, or ready to book a guard today? Complete our online form for a free quote and let’s connect!