5 Reasons Why You Need Shopping Center Security

Retail outlets draw a lot of traffic. If you own or run a mall, you want your customers to feel safe while shopping. You also want your retailers to feel like their employees and inventory are protected.

Hiring security guards who have the proper training to defend a shopping center — typically large, maze-like buildings — is the most essential step you can take to secure your mall.

But how do you find the best security guards, and what kind of expertise and skills do they need to have?

Here’s a rundown of how your shopping center can benefit from security guards. We’ll also explore what type of training and skills to look for in potential security guard hires.

Five Benefits of Hiring Security to Protect Your Shopping Mall

Yes, security is another business expense, but it’s cost effective and will save you a ton of money in the long run.

Let’s take a look at the five biggest benefits of hiring security guards to protect your shopping center.

Deters Criminal Activity at Your Shopping Center

Mall security guards are one of the best crime deterrents you can find. The very presence of a security guard is often more than enough to deter bad actors.

Most would-be criminals think twice before committing a crime when they know a security guard is nearby.

Vandalism, theft, and robbery are some of the most common shopping mall crimes, but more violent crimes like physical and sexual assaults can be a problem, too. Yet they’re far less likely to happen when security guards are walking around.

Security guards also discourage people from loitering — something that’s unfortunately quite common in shopping malls and parking lots. If your mall has a problem with people idling after hours, address it by hiring around-the-clock security.

Every security professional is trained to spot potential threats. If they notice any signs of suspicious activity, they’ll be able to step in before it can escalate into a bigger problem.

Security Guards Protect Mall Patrons and Mall Employees

People are constantly walking in and out of malls. Most of them are there to shop or dine at the food court, but others may be hanging around for less-than-innocent reasons.

Some criminals see shopping malls as the perfect spot to pickpocket distracted mall patrons or rob a store when employees turn their heads.

Put the right shopping center security measures in place, though, and you’ll have a safe environment on your hands.

Most retail stores often have their own security measures in place. But that’s not enough to keep the rest of the building secure.

Shopping mall security guards make regular patrols to keep a watchful eye on not only storefronts but also hallways, restrooms, and food courts. It’s an extra layer of security that mall owners can’t afford to overlook.

After dark, guards can escort store employees to their cars. They can also protect them from being robbed while making bank deposits at the end of the day.

Another unexpected bonus?

Technically, mall guards work double duty. How many times have you seen a customer ask a patrolling security guard for directions to the nearest restroom?

Helpful, friendly guards are fantastic for safety, but they’re great for customer service, too.

Efficient Loss Prevention

Individual retail stores take measures to prevent losses and theft. However, stolen inventory is a lot less likely to occur when you post security guards at the mall level.

Some malls assign specific security officers to handle loss prevention. These officers are trained to identify suspicious behavior before a would-be thief manages to grab something.

Loss prevention guards can also detain and secure criminals until law enforcement arrives.

A lot of shopping center thieves “hit” several stores in a row. Security guards might find a thief in one store, only to discover they’ve now recovered stolen merchandise from several other stores, as well — merchandise those stores may not have realized was stolen.

Security Services Provide Stronger Crowd Control

Shopping centers attract huge crowds, from unruly teens to excited Black Friday shoppers. You need security guards there to ensure crowd control.

Malls aren’t exactly in the habit of turning people away at the door. However, they can put other access control measures in place.

When a food court or movie theater becomes overcrowded, security guards can control access to prevent the risk of stampedes or mass confusion.

This also keeps your shopping center compliant with all occupancy limits and fire security laws.

Faster Emergency Response Times

Security companies have a lot of experience working with local law enforcement, EMTs, and other first responders.

If there’s a medical emergency, fire, or security threat, your security team will know how and what to communicate with the proper agency or authority.

Remember that mall security teams often get their training from local law enforcement bureaus. You can even hire security personnel who are trained to render basic first aid and other life-saving measures, such as how to use AED defibrillator devices. Talk about peace of mind!

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What Kind of Security Does Your Shopping Center Need?

Now that you’re ready to hire security guards to protect your shopping center, think about what skills and tools they’ll need to succeed.

Should they be armed or unarmed? Will they have access to a full-coverage video surveillance system?

Here’s what you should look for when hiring guards — plus a few more tips to help you strengthen your overall security measures.

Shopping Centers Need Physical Security Guards

The decision to hire armed or unarmed guards is a matter of preference.

For most retail businesses, armed guards simply aren’t necessary.

However, it’s a little different if your shopping center is located in a high-crime area, sells a lot of high-value luxury items, or stores significant sums of cash. In those cases, armed guards might be the better choice.

Around-the-Clock Security Monitoring

Decide how often you need your security team to work.

Most malls hire 24/7 security, but others only bring in security guards to patrol during hours of peak traffic, such as evenings and weekends.

At a minimum, you need security guards there during business hours. They’ll need to remain for at least a few hours after closing while retail and restaurant employees are still on the premises.

Many retail centers staff at least one or two indoor guards and one or two outdoor guards to patrol mall entrances, exits, and parking areas around the clock.

Malls Need Video Surveillance Systems

Security guards need access to CCTV video surveillance to do their best work.

A professional monitoring system supports their ability to keep a constant, watchful eye on every corner of your shopping center’s interior and exterior. This includes entryways, exits, and other means of egress.

When you hire a professional security company, one of the first things they’ll do is run a complete assessment to identify vulnerabilities and weakly secured areas of your property.

They’ll create a security plan, including the installation or upgrading of security cameras at all entry points, exit points, and parking lots or parking garages. Most security firms will install alarm systems and access control systems around mall entryways and service corridors.

Security companies can also provide remote video surveillance camera monitoring in addition to on-site monitoring.

On-site video monitoring is a must. By watching your surveillance feeds from inside the premises, mall security can quickly mobilize guards and contract local emergency services to speed up emergency response times.

Hiring security to conduct remote video monitoring of CCTV cameras is even better. This allows property managers and other authorized personnel to view real-time footage from a safe, off-site location.

It also reduces emergency response time should an incident occur after hours.

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How to Find Security Guards for Your Shopping Center

Look for security companies that have experience protecting retail outlets. Some security solutions are the same everywhere you go, but even shopping centers have unique needs that differ from those of banks, hospitals, schools, or nightclubs.

In California, the easiest way to find shopping center guard services is to search the free Security Explorer guard database. We vet and rank the top security guards in your region of California to save you time.

If you live outside of California, a simple online search will connect you with nearby security firms. Contact them to learn if they offer shopping center security solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and testimonials from past clients.

Your shopping center should be a safe and secure environment.

The less safe it is, the less likely customers will be to shop and dine there. It will also become harder and harder to convince retailers they should do business there.

Professional retail security guards are the solution. Learn more about top security guard services in California now.

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