As a brick and mortar retail business, you likely have a security system and cameras in place to protect your inventory. However, the alarm you set at the end of every workday and having visible cameras are not the only preventative measures you can take against would-be robbers. This is where hiring a security guard for your business could be of big help. Unfortunately, some business owners see security guards as an unnecessary expense. However, depending on what type of industry you are in and the area where your store is located, they may actually be more than worth it.
Are you still not sure if a security guard is right for you? Here are five reasons to consider investing in professional security guard services in Fort Myers, FL for your retail establishment:
Crime deterrent: While placing security cameras and alarm placards in plain sight might make a person reconsider committing a crime, having a security guard patrolling the property may just scare them away for good. This is because a good security guard has the training to detect suspicious activity and is able to prevent criminal acts before they happen. Even better, the combination of business security cameras and visible security guards is an extremely effective crime deterrent.
Stop robberies and crimes: Many reputable security guard services in Fort Myers, FL train their personnel in weapons use and oftentimes hand-to-hand combat. Thanks to this kind of training, a security guard could potentially stop a robbery or another type of crime in progress. Due to safety or liability, a client or the security company may forbid the security guard from confronting a criminal. In this case, they understand they are to contact the proper authorities immediately and take safe, appropriate measures to stop the situation from escalating.
Versatility: Most professional security guards are trained to provide additional services, instead of merely being present at your business. Depending on the agreement a client has with the security service company, your security guard could take on other duties, including monitoring the security cameras, standing guard in restricted areas, providing extra backup to drivers during product deliveries and protecting the property after hours.
Help with customer service: Did you know that hiring a security guard can improve your retail business’ customer service? Your customers will look at your security guard as a trusted individual, so they may ask for guidance around your store or to be walked through a dark parking lot.
Peace of mind: When security guards are around, you are bound to feel safer. Business owners and employees can focus on their work better knowing someone is there to protect them—especially if you sell expensive items that are appetizing to criminals. Also, your customers will get the impression that their safety is important to you. This provides peace of mind for everyone.
To learn more about what professional security guard services in Fort Myers, FL can do for your business, call the experts at American Pride Security Services. We will be happy to answer all your questions or get services started for you as soon as possible!
With summer right around the corner, it makes sense to reevaluate your home’s security and go over important safety procedures with your family. While summer does give us beautifully warm, sunny days and cool nights, that doesn’t mean criminals are taking time off from engaging in criminal activity. In fact, the summer weather actually gives criminals more opportunities to break in and steal from residential homes. And many homeowners unknowingly make theft easier when they do things like leave windows open or doors unlocked.
We all want to have the best possible summer, free of crime and the hassle of reporting and replacing stolen items. Let’s ask an experienced residential security service in Fort Myers, FL about their top summer security tips to keep your family safe:
Close and lock doors and windows: In many parts of the country, the summer months will bring hot days, but come nighttime, the air turns cool and comforting. You may leave windows and patio doors open at night to let in the cool breeze, but it’s all too common to forget to close and lock them up before you go to bed. The easiest way to avoid leaving your house open to criminals while you sleep is to designate a family member to check and secure all the windows and doors every night.
Set the alarm: Much like forgetting to close and lock windows and doors, it can be easy to overlook setting your home security alarm. This is especially a problem during summer when all you want to do is get out the front door to join others for fun activities. Whether you just got home, are ready to go to bed or are leaving your house for the weekend, make it a routine to automatically set the alarm.
Secure the garage: It’s unlikely you’ll drive through a neighborhood on a nice summer day and not see several garage doors open. The garage is where many homeowners store items like landscaping and yard tools, sports equipment and bikes. What’s more, the garage is an access point into your house. Get what you need from the garage, and then close it.
Hire a security guard: You don’t have to live in a high-crime area to be a victim of theft. Criminals tend to target homes based on convenience, opportunity or knowing there’s something inside that they want to steal. Luckily, you can hire a professional security officer to patrol your community or private residence during the summer season or year-round. By having visible security personnel nearby, you can rest easy knowing someone is there to keep your family safe.
Be aware of scammers: Be cautious of door-to-door salespeople during the summer months. While one person distracts you at the front door, someone else could be entering through an unlocked back door to rip you off.
From being vigilant of what goes on in your neighborhood to hiring a residential security service in Fort Myers, FL, there’s no shortage of ways to ensure your family’s safety this summer. Don’t hesitate to contact the professional team of security officers at American Pride Security Services to discuss your needs!
If you have a business space or own a commercial property, then you might be interested in hiring a security officer (also called a security guard) to take charge of all your safety and security concerns. With a security officer patrolling the grounds, there’s less chance of criminal activity, and your employees and customers will feel safer. Many security companies also train their officers to deal with fires in the workplace, but the security officer needs to know your protocol for fire emergencies prior to starting service.
Without a doubt, you need to make sure you are hiring the right security officer for your needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the role of a commercial security service in Fort Myers, FL when it comes to fire safety.
Fire prevention
Whether patrolling a shopping mall or a college campus parking lot, one of the most essential duties of a security guard is to be observant. They must always be watching the property for suspicious activity and unauthorized individuals to prevent a crime from happening. The same thing applies to being vigilant of fire hazards—like noticing sparks or heat coming from electrical panels or equipment or around flammable materials. The officer will also inspect fire extinguishers regularly. Explain to your security officer what it is your business does and the products you work with so they are properly prepared.
Make important phone calls
Regardless of whether you hire a security guard to work during business hours with people present or to patrol the property alone after hours, the security guard is typically the first person to sound the alarm and call for help in the event of a fire. If there are signs of a fire—such as an alarm sounding or the presence of smoke—the security officer may be expected to confirm that there is indeed a fire. Should there actually be a fire emergency, the guard will activate the fire alarm, call the fire department and inform the client of the situation. They will also report to their supervisor.
Help with evacuation
Before a commercial security officer begins a new patrol, they need to know the exact evacuation procedures for every type of emergency situation the client has in place. In general, basic evacuation procedures will likely include calming down and directing crowds of people to the nearest emergency exit, as well as dealing with large crowds once everyone is outside the building. And there’s a good chance they will be the person communicating important information to the emergency response team at the scene. Additionally, the security officer should regularly check that emergency exits are clear, with no objects in the way to block fire escape routes or exits.
Can your business benefit from hiring an experienced commercial security service in Fort Myers, FL? At American Pride Security Services, all our patrol vehicles come equipped with a fire extinguisher and a security officer who knows how to use it. Contact us to learn more about our fire safety procedures, or to start taking advantage of professional security services today!
When you’re looking for a security guard service to patrol your property, one of the first things you are likely to check on is whether the company has a good track record of crime prevention. This makes sense, since you are hiring a guard to patrol a property you own—like your business building or other commercial property. But what you may not have considered is how important it is for security officers to possess the skills necessary to interact with you and your customers at a personal level.
Why is this type if interaction important? Because in addition to wanting to deter crime, your reason for hiring a security guard is to feel safe and comfortable—and good customer service is a big piece of this puzzle, whether you know it or not.
Here are five must-have customer service skills of an exceptional security guard company:
Greets people with a smile: In many cases, the uniformed security officer is the first person your guests or customers see when they enter your property or business. This is the best time for security guards to smile, wave and give a warm greeting, as it’s a great way to make a good first impression. And not only will a friendly greeting go a long way, but it’s also liable to make a positive impact.
Makes eye contact: Security guards are trained to be alert and attentive, so it’s only natural for them to make eye contact with clients and a client’s customers 100 percent of the time. Good eye contact shows the guard is willing to connect with others, and in turn, people will feel comfortable coming to your security guard for any kind of help they need.
Gets to know clients: Building a rapport between clients and security officers makes for a fantastic working relationship. The truth is, it doesn’t take much to get to know someone. A security officer trained to provide good customer service will have pleasant communication skills, and may approach you like they would a friend. If clients feel like the officer wants to get to know them, then they can rest easier knowing their home or business is in good hands.
Always listens: As the client, you are bound to have concerns, issues or complaints that you want to relay to your security guard. When you do speak with them, they should hear you out until the end without interrupting and then repeat back a summary of what you just said. This is called active listening, which is a necessary trait of a top-notch security officer.
Shows empathy: It’s crucial that guards express that they care, because especially when in uniform, a security guard is looked at as an authority figure, a person someone can go to for help. And as the client, you want your problems to be acknowledged and understood.
At American Pride Security Services, we are proud to employ skilled and friendly security officers who are highly trained in protection services and effective communication. All this and more makes us a top choice security guard company. Give us a call to learn more about our services!
Many crimes that occur on a business’ property are based on opportunity—like shoplifting, robbery, building tagging and physical assaults. And while any type of business can encounter thefts and crimes, some are more popular targets, including banks, retail shops, convenience stores and product warehouses. Luckily for you and your business, hiring a professional security officer to patrol the grounds and perform safety checks can deter a lot of criminals. In fact, having a high level of visible security can cut your risk of criminal activity by more than 50 percent. It’s well worth it to at least talk with a security company about your specific needs.
Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a commercial security service for your business:
Security: Safety and security are of the utmost importance—especially when it comes to your patrons. If you are a business owner or commercial property owner who is looking for ways to protect your livelihood and your customers, then security guard services might be for you. The mere presence of a security guard gives clients and their employees and customers peace of mind, as well as a sense of security. More over, your business doesn’t need to be in a high crime area or sell luxury items to take advantage of a security guard service.
Crime prevention: Like a residential home with a “beware of dog” sign or visible home security cameras, criminals are more likely to think twice about targeting your business when there’s a security officer present. A well-trained security guard looks for suspicious activity, assesses situations and takes action against security breaches, making them a greater deterrent than a typical security system. Hired guards show criminals you are serious about protecting your business.
Handling crime: Depending on their level of training and the company’s policies, a security guard may note details of a crime to relay to the police or physically detain a suspect. Procedures will be in place should a guard need to handle a business crime situation. It’s also your decision to either hire armed or unarmed guards to protect your business—let any commercial security service that you are considering know your preference.
Real-time monitoring: Depending on the type of establishment, business security cameras may be partially or completely unmanned, only recording activity inside and outside the business. Unfortunately, this does not help much if a crime is in progress, but the footage can be used as evidence later. The good news is that you can hire a security guard who both actively patrols the premises and is employed to monitor the business’ video surveillance. A professional guard is trained to watch the screens for shoplifters and other trouble inside the business, and to keep an eye out during off hours.
When the time comes to hire a professional commercial security service to patrol your business property, give us a call at American Pride Security Services. Our security guards are properly trained, and they possess the skills necessary to prevent crime and maintain your business’ security. Contact us today!
