Why Retail Stores & Malls Need Security Guard Service

Do you run a retail store or mall? Do you have problems with theft, unruly customers, or more customers than you can keep an eye on? You could benefit from a security guard service.

Keep reading to discover everything you should know about security services for your store or mall, including the different types of security and the benefits of hiring them.

The Role of a Shopping Mall Security Guard

You have several choices for what professional security guard duties you can access for your store or mall. For example, common security service types include the following:

• Static: These guards stay in a specific mall area, usually somewhere vulnerable to theft or vandalism.
• Patrolling: Mobile guards move along a set route or patrol the entire mall to provide support where needed.
• Surveillance: Specialized surveillance guards take care of monitoring video cameras. They can detect suspicious behavior and then examine evidence after the fact.
• Event: Special events teams will work temporary positions to provide support when you’re expecting larger-than-average crowds.

The security team you hire will depend on your retail store or mall size. For example, you could hire a single static guard or an entire crew, including permanent surveillance system experts.

Benefits of Having a Security Guard for Your Store

Why hire a mall security guard? Besides security, their presence communicates to your customers that your store or mall is a great place to spend their money. Here’s how having these personnel around can take your business to the next level:

Discourage Criminals

Retail store managers and owners appreciate a security guard service for one primary benefit: they deter criminals. Often, having a security guard on the premises will offer the following:

• Prevent problems before they happen
• Reduce instances of theft and vandalism
• Prevent or handle conflicts that make other customers feel uncomfortable

Today’s criminals know no bounds, and they target churches, schools, and retail stores alike. Even if you can’t afford a surveillance system or a network of cameras, security guards’ training and experience mean they can identify suspicious behavior and act before things get out of hand.

Swift Responses To Secure Vulnerable Areas

As part of their safety and security duties, security guards can also focus on the most vulnerable areas. If you hire them permanently, they will quickly learn about and adapt to your needs and the specific challenges of the store in which you place them.

Do you keep a lot of high-end merchandise or cash? A security guard provides extra protection and a quick response to perceived threats.

Make People Feel Safe and Alert Security

A security guard isn’t just there to protect your business’s bottom line—they’re customer service professionals, too. Security guards are highly trained to provide various services, such as: 

• Emergency response
• De-escalating tense situations
• Giving directions
• Locating lost children on the property
• Resolving conflicts and more

When a customer sees a security guard, they instantly feel safer. That means everyone will feel more comfortable spending time in your store. A visible group of security guards tells people you care about their well-being, putting them at ease and allowing them to focus completely on shopping.

These benefits extend to your employees, as well. Protection and support go a long way if your team needs to work closing times or overnight. They’ll feel more empowered to safely interact with customers, refill the store’s stock, or count the money in the cash register with an on-site security guard service.

Provides Better Customer Satisfaction

While the primary duty of a security officer is to protect and respond to emergencies, a customer service function also happens at entrances and exits. They’re the first employees that your customers see. That means they’re in a perfect position to provide directions or help lost or confused customers in-store or while they patrol the parking lots.

Additional Read: Why You Need to Hire a Security Guard for a Construction Site

Finding the Best Security Force

How do you find the best security force for your store? Look for security companies that offer the following as part of their services:

License

No security agencies can legally operate without a license. Before hiring anyone, verify they have the correct licensing. 

The license confirms that the company’s supervisors can adequately train the guards in the duties and responsibilities needed to provide the best support. You should also look for the company’s membership in organizations such as:

• The National Terrorism Advisory System
• The US Federal Contractor Registration
• The American Society for Industrial Security.

Service Level Agreements

An SLA document is a contract between the security company and the entity hiring them. It outlines what duties the guards are responsible for and specific procedures. If a security company doesn’t offer an agreement, they might not look out for your business’s best interests.

Experience and training

What specific training do the security guard services have? Do the individual guards maintain licenses and receive ongoing education? Ask about how many years of combined experience the company offers.

If the company hasn’t been in business for at least a year, it likely won’t have conquered the challenges of a new business and various seasonal changes.

Competitive fees

While it’s true that you get what you pay for, you don’t need overpriced security to get great support and protection on-site. Be sure to compare prices across the services you want. Choosing a competitively priced company is okay if they’ll have the services you require.

Flexible services

While you could find a security company specializing in a single service if your needs expand, building a relationship with another company might take some work. Why not look for a company that provides a wide range of services from the start?

Safe Malls, Stores, and More With Security Service Packages From Stark Security Inc.

You could benefit from security guard service in so many ways. Why not reach out to Stark Security Inc. about highly trained security professionals who could keep your customers and inventory safe?

Fill out Stark Security Inc.’s convenient online contact form or call 1-877-70STARK (78275) or 773-455-1220 to learn more!