Did You Forget Security?

Posted by Paul Levine on 1st August 2023 -

All too often, a site or property is bought by a client to build on or to re-develop and the last factor to be considered is that of security, yet on most sites, an allowance of 15% is planned for theft and damage.

Some of this proportion of loss can be avoided if the project is planned correctly.  As security services does not actually produce a revenue, it is most commonly calculated for towards the final stages of planning as an expense to avoid as long as possible! 

Some smaller companies even use workers to stay on site rather than pay for professional security.  

We all understand that every site is different and the client ought to consider multiple options which any reputable security company should offer. 

Factors to consider include;

• What temporary or permanent style of alarm should be put on site?
• Should water / co2 / other detectors be required?
• Are watch towers required with voice activation?
• Does the site need a security man guard presence if so, how many?
• Would a general dog team be better suited? And how many?
• Does the site need a night and weekend vehicle patrol? Again how many would be suitable?
• Is a combination of the above better suited?
• How are any of the alternatives backed up? By management/supervisors (visiting / producing reports of incidence etc) or by management internet systems (Lone worker, 24/7 control room, check in and out system, hourly check-in systems).

All the above questions need to be thought out by a security company that knows the issues facing building sites and be able to talk to and find ways to assist the client company and their site manager.

The first thing to consider is, do you need security?  I believe every site should have some sort of security and use ACS SIA accredited companies only.   Given this accreditation, you can rest assured that the company is of quality and as bona fide as is possible.  

What is best suited to and for the site (as mentioned above).

Communication is vital and the client/site manager must be aware of inept security companies.   It is imperative that the security companies employ guards with good communication skills.  Checks need to be made on the services being offered.  For example, security businesses which offer ‘security officers’ with poorly spoken English, with little or no management back up can result in the officer being placed in situ and basically forgotten about.   The type of response from untrustworthy security guards have a lot to be desired especially if the guard is receiving a minimum wage and has little or no communication from his company.  Its likely that he will have lack of motivation which will reflect on his work with you.

A good officer will have good command of English, be confidant in his actions, dressed correctly (PPE), have the backing of management with whom he can meet with regularly, and knows his roles and responsibilities.  On a large site ideally, he would have the authority to check vehicles coming onto site and, as importantly, check vehicles leaving the site.  Checking is not just about paperwork it is also about searching vehicles.  With this as an obvious deterrent alongside large and clear signage stating that security is working on site etc., the visual deterrent is clear to all.  All of this adds up to being as cost effective as possible, without losing quality of service.   

Professional Canine and Security is ACS Accredited in security guarding, door supervision, key holding and alarm response.  We also have NASDU Accreditation and ISO 9001 in security patrol for man guarding and security dog teams as well as having safe contractors, CHAS and Constructionline.

All our officers are fully trained vetted and qualified with appropriate SIA badge and additionally go through our own induction training, including special training for each site.

Based in Sittingbourne, Kent however, we operate throughout the UK and with over 40 years’ experience in man guarding, our portfolio covers a very wide range of security cover from constructions sites, vacant properties, power plants and stations, fire watch buildings, hotels to pubs and clubs etc. 

We are also able to offer key holding and alarm response throughout Kent.  We provide any security you need from static guards to mobile patrols and dog handlers to Porters and concierge. We are also able to provide CCTV, alarms and response.  

Our aim is to give complete satisfaction, and to provide a safe and secure environment for all clients their staff and the location.

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