Ward off Bad Santas with Holiday Security Guards
Whether you own and operate a retail space, restaurant, office building, or event venue, the winter holiday season is busy and chaotic. This time of year presents ongoing opportunities for criminals to take advantage of businesses. Risks are everywhere, but holiday security guards maintain order and deter problems. Their presence gives businesses extra sets of eyes to take the weight off already taxed employees and keep visitors safe. The holiday season can be a happy one with live security guard support.
Discourage and Stop Crime
Retail environments are not strangers to an increase in crime during the holiday season. More inventory, more people in the stores, busy and distracted employees – it all adds up to a perfect storm that benefits thieves and puts business owners at a disadvantage. Adding holiday security guards to the premises or beefing up existing security efforts beyond video surveillance can prevent financial and operational losses in all types of businesses. Security guards:
- Recognize groups of organized retail crime
- Notice subtle behavioral changes
- Spot warning signs of trouble
- Respond quickly to threats
- Stop problems before they escalate
Take Weight Off Employees
Extended hours are the norm for employees in industries like retail, food service, or events. Businesses want to encourage more shopping, buying, and celebrating, and after-hours situations create vulnerabilities, many that can go unnoticed. Security guards can immediately tend to issues that employees don’t always have the time, bandwidth, or training to address, such as:
- Control foot traffic
- Manage heavy crowds
- Keep long lines in order
- Scan for thieves and shoplifters
- Prevent vandalism
- Monitor parking lots
- Keep an eye on blind spots
Tend to the Nitty Gritty Details
The services that holiday security guards perform can be as macro or micro as a business needs them to be. All guards are trained to be proactive, whether they’re in a tight situation, scanning massive square footage, or managing hundreds of guests. For example, guards can:
- Escort patrons, guests, and employees safely to vehicles
- Check bags, coats, and IDs at entrances
- Safeguard high-ticket merchandise
- Monitor surveillance footage while fellow guards are on foot patrol
- Work graveyard shifts to prevent overnight vandalism or theft
- Monitor inventory during frequent deliveries
- Keep loading docks, storage rooms, and back entrances secure
- Prevent unauthorized access in restricted areas
Round Up the Right Number of Holiday Security Guards
This time of year is supposed to be about joy and cheer, but crowds, product shortages, late appointments, and high tempers can create tension and frustration among patrons, visitors, and employees. Confrontation can arise, and holiday security guards are ready to serve as a stabilizing presence to control and calm situations. The presence of a guard alone can be enough to defuse situations in an instant.
If you have concerns about your establishment this holiday season, or simply want to beef up security and help your employees feel safer and more confident in their work and your patrons feel safe at every turn, contact Korner Security to take care of your business with holiday security guards.