Shopping around for security companies can be an overwhelming task. With so many security companies out there, how do you know which to choose? There are some key things to consider when choosing the right security solution for your business. To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of attributes to look for when searching the security company that’s right for you. 

Consider their Work History

Business longevity can say a lot about the experience of a business. Security companies that have been around for a longer time likely have more expertise in their niche. That said, having years of experience isn’t necessarily a good indicator of the quality of experience. 

Look for a company with a breadth of experience. This includes companies that have multi-industry expertise. Experience across industries ensures a broad range of understanding of diverse security threats and solutions. The more the diversity of experience, the better a security company will be able to make a comprehensive plan to fit the security needs of your business or property.  

Prioritize quality of service over size of the company. Large security companies often boast about their size. However, this isn’t always the best indicator of quality service. If you hire a local small- or medium-sized security firm, chances are your business means a lot more to them. This means they are more suited to develop custom crime-prevention plans tailored to your needs. A security company’s capacity to meet the unique needs of all their clients depends on their adaptability and flexibility. If a company isn’t willing or able to provide one-of-a-kind solutions to your diverse needs, they don’t deserve your business. 

Reputation Speaks Volumes

You can do all the research you want on the websites of security companies, but don’t just take their word for it. Seek out the opinion of current and past clients. This includes reading client testimonials and Googling the company. Look up online reviews such as on Yelp, Facebook and the Better Business Bureau. 

Ask the company to share reference letters with you. This will give you a good sense of the company’s reputation. Look for a security company that has built long-standing relationships with their clients. The more research you can do on the reputation of security companies, the better. 

Reliability is Everything

Make sure the company you hire is reliable. This includes communication and technology. If a problem arises, your security provider should be one phone call away, available 24/7. If they’re not always available to you, they don’t deserve your business. Reliability also speaks to the technologies employed by security companies. Are they using the latest technology? Will your property be constantly monitored? Can they provide you with real-time updates? Security companies with reliable surveillance technology systems will be more effective in deterring crime. Simply put, security companies who aren’t communicatively available or using up-to-date technology aren’t as reliable or effective. 

Professionalism Matters

The integrity of security companies speaks volumes to the quality of service they deliver. Make sure the company you hire can prove their business licence and insurance. All security companies in BC require a security industry business licence. Moreover, ensure that the security officers are individually licenced as well. This licence ensures that the appropriate training and background screening is complete. 

Another indicator of reliable security companies is how strict their hiring process is. These practices might include additional background checks and supplementary training. Security companies that have additional internal training likely have a higher rigor for quality assurance. 

Next Steps

Once you’ve found a couple security companies to reach out to, ask them each for a quote and compare. Follow up with additional questions you may have, including contract details. 

First impressions matter. When you reach out to a security company, pay attention to their response. Was their communication clear and professional? Did you receive a response in a timely manner? Did they go above-and-beyond to answer your questions and meet your needs? Find a security company that will respond quickly, answer patiently, and work hard to earn your trust.

Get in Touch 

If you’re shopping around for security companies, visit our website, read our client testimonials, and get in touch with us! We are reliable, flexible, and professional with multi-industry expertise. Our strong reputation for our long-lasting client relationships speaks to our commitment to serving you. If you’re looking for efficient, comprehensive, and proven security services, we will exceed your expectations. We look forward to hearing from you.

The economic impacts of COVID-19 for most Canadians have been worrisome, but amidst mass layoffs in most industries, the security services industry is actually thriving in Vancouver. Secured Property Group’s teams of building security guards, grounds maintenance, key holders, and mobile security patrol have been working around the clock to protect businesses and properties of our clients in and around the Lower Mainland and beyond. With non-essential businesses shut down, property theft and crime are on the rise. Our growing clientele trusts us to deliver high-quality security services during this critical time. 

What Sets Us Apart?

The Secured Property Group has over 12 years of experience delivering expert security services in Vancouver, but our experience in the security industry dates far further. Our team has over 25 years of experience in national defence, military air force and airport security. In addition to our experience, we follow the principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) to tackle crime at the root cause of the problem. Over the years, we have been proven to provide trusted security and property management services through our integrated synergistic solutions. Our services include: facilities management services; mobile patrol and alarm response; security guard services and more. We tailor our offerings based on our client needs. 

Increased Demand Means Our Team is Growing

We are proud to work in the security service industry and provide necessary protection to our clients’ businesses, including essential retail partners. With an increased demand for our expert security services in Vancouver comes the need to grow our team. We are currently accepting applications from responsible, diligent, experienced security personnel to join our industry-leading team. 

Apply Today

To meet the increased demand for security services in Vancouver, we are rapidly expanding our team. We offer excellent opportunities for growth and career advancement in an environment where employees are empowered to fulfill their potential. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, send us your resume and cover letter to info@securedsecurity.com today. 

When you think of security needs, what comes to mind? Protecting the value of open businesses might be the most obvious answer. But just because most stores and public facilities are closed, does not mean that they are not at risk for break-ins, vandalism and crime. In fact, the opposite is true. As we discussed in last week’s blog post, protecting businesses is more important now than ever. However, this week we want to highlight the importance of what’s happening outside buildings; how landscape upkeep acts as a deterrent to crime, and the importance of protecting public areas that are now closed for use.

Maintaining the Landscape Helps Deter Crime

When you leave on extended vacation, chances are you ask a neighbour or friend to check your mail, water the garden and keep a light on to make it appear that your home isn’t empty. It’s common sense that an empty or abandoned building becomes a target for vandalism or break-ins. The same is true for non-essential commercial and retail buildings, many of which are now closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Since 2008, we have proven that good landscaping plays a vital role in maintaining and securing a building. Moreover, the spring season is the most important time to refresh the physical grounds in preparation for the summer season. If you’re looking to improve the security of your building, including grounds maintenance, get in touch with us—we are fully operational and remain committed to the highest rigour of security and landscaping services for your business needs.

Securing Public Recreation Areas

Warmer weather is descending, and with the closure of gyms and recreational sports facilities, people are flocking outside for fresh air and for exercise to combat cabin fever. While getting outside is necessary for physical and mental health, measures still need to be taken to ensure the community’s safety in the midst of COVID-19.

In an era of increased time spent outdoors for most people , the BC government has taken to restrict or close access to recreational areas including some trails, public playgrounds and campsites. However, if these closures are not properly enforced with a security presence, chances are some of the public will still access them, despite the risk of spreading and transmitting COVID-19.  Secured Property Group is ready to protect these outdoor areas for the sake of public health. It’s our way of supporting the fight against the spread of COVID-19. 

The Secured Property Group is dedicated to supporting BC’s Provincial Health Officer’s guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. As we all know, these guidelines are not just to protect BC citizens, but to reduce the incredible strain on frontline healthcare workers as much as possible. It’s in all of our best interest to all do our part.

If you’re a government agency, property management firm, general manager or office manager, we are waiting for your call to discuss the needs of your organization. Get in touch and we’d be happy to help!

I read an article earlier this week that confirmed one of my fears surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. In it, a source from the Vancouver Police Department confirmed they were now seeing an average of four commercial break-ins a day. Normally this figure is one or less. As society grapples with the public health and financial challenges posted by COVID-19, criminals are seizing their opportunity to get to work, preying on businesses left shuttered by employees at home practicing physical distancing.

As we often like to tell our clients, crime flourishes where opportunity allows it to. The Secured Property Group is here to help prevent that opportunity from arising. If your business, or property, is currently undermanned due to COVID-19, we have a number of services that can help to keep you protected:

Security Guard Services

As business owners ourselves, we understand the demand for short-term security solutions is high right now. We have ramped up our staffing levels to provide support for our clients when and where it is needed. We can provide a cost-effective and comprehensive security solution that covers terms as short as a few days, and up. Our guards can assist operations like retail stores, public sector buildings and even corporate facilities that are currently empty or understaffed.

Mobile Patrol and Alarm Response

Depending on your individual needs and budget, our Mobile Patrol teams can be employed to perform randomized patrols along pre-determined interior and exterior routes. This service can also be tailored to respond solely to alarms or on-site incidents. This service is perfect for the following types of properties:

• Property Managers
• Construction Sites
• Office Buildings
• Parking Lots
• Warehouses
• Government Offices

Parking Enforcement

With demand lower at this time, many parking lots are providing the perfect setting for property crime. Our team can work with you to build tailored parking enforcement programs that suit the needs of the location and the current situation. Each of our Parking Enforcement team members receive basic security training that enables them to effectively deter theft and crime while enforcing lot rules and regulations. No matter the size of the lot, our team is equally adept at patrolling large scale parking garages, shopping malls or smaller residential buildings.

Get in Touch

During this challenging time, The Secured Property Group is standing by to assist. If you’d like to hear more about our services, or would like to enquire about a particular security solution, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.