The Importance of Virtual Guarding & Keyholding Services in London
Business security has always been a major concern for many organisations, particularly for those located in the capital city. While each organisation will have their own preferred solutions for minimising risk, the COVID-19 pandemic is shifting the landscape quite dramatically, meaning a new approach or additional fortification could well be required. For those businesses that haven’t yet ventured into the world of virtual guarding, now is the time to consider introducing this level of security presence, helping to better protect commercial premises in London which could remain unoccupied for a period to come or, operating at much smaller capacities than usual.
Business Theft is on the Rise
Although the Office for National Statistics reports an overall reduction in total crime rates since the start of the pandemic, it does state that much of this reduction is due to a notable drop in domestic crime and personal theft as the public are spending more time at home. Business crime, on the other hand, continues to be a growing concern and isn’t something that has diminished as commercial properties have been forced to temporarily close their doors.
In fact, the opposite is true. As many physical locations remain shut, and employees continue to work from home, crime has been growing across many sectors. Construction plant theft, for example, has risen by 50% during lockdown, while there has also been a surge in break-ins at pubs, restaurants, shops, and offices which may still contain valuable equipment, and may also still host systems that can enable hackers to physically access confidential client and proprietary data.
Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for the rise is the growing level of unemployment across the country. The latest figures from the BBC suggest that UK unemployment now stands at almost 5% following redundancies and business closures. And perhaps even more worrying is that criminals are believed to be becoming increasingly confident due to the identity-concealing effects of mandatory face coverings and surgical masks.
There has never been a more important time to take action; to ensure you’re doing everything you can to minimise risk. And that’s where virtual guarding and keyholding service come in. They could even help to reduce your insurance premiums, too.
How Can Virtual Guarding Help?
Virtual guarding not only helps to protect your premises, but yourself and your workforce, too. With a 24/7 secure control room, commercial properties can be remotely monitored in real time through CCTV and alarm activations, enabling deployment of a rapid response mobile patrol unit of professionally trained security experts who can be on-site in under 30 minutes. With crime on the rise in London, keeping your workforce away from potentially dangerous situations is imperative.
Right now, business can’t afford to take chances. Virtual guarding and keyholding services in London have never been more important, and we’re here to help. Get in touch with us online, or call 020 3143 4423 to speak to a member of our team.
