Does Security Matter?

[Arsh4d]

This is pointed more towards business premises that use security staff, but by all means anybody can participate.

In these times of financial hardship do you consider security to be a top priority?

• Do you stop using security guards and risk theft?
• Do you use a member of staff instead to carry out security duties?
• If you already use security, do you ask your contractors to lower the charge rates?

How much does security matter to you and your premises?

Your views please.....

 

[Consistency]

One big problem is that staff want big wages. A friend I know runs a security company and when someone left recently had to approach an agency as they needed cover urgently. The answer kept coming back from various agancies that they would not work for less than £9 per hour. This was excluding the agency fees.

A concern is that these staff remind me of that supermodel who said " I will not get out of bed for any less than however many thousands of pounds it was" and security companies are being forced to either put up their rates to cover their costs and make a profit and risk losing the contract if that customer cannot afford the cost or go to workers who will work for less and this more often than not means employing foreign workers who may have the licence but may not understand very good English or be able to write reports well.

This is a concern when employers are being accused of putting foreigners before "our own" but "our own" are brfinging this upon themselves.

Companies are getting to the point where they cannot afford security and risks are many. We all have to cut corners. It is not always possible for a security company to lower their rates as there are some staff who want too much in wages and to lower the charge rates can easily mean that the contract simply becomes paper and money handling.

 

Unless the security is provided by a reputable company and well administered, it is totally useless against even the laziest of criminals.

Unfortunately this then costs, and this cost is something a lot cannot afford.

It will become a more significant factor soon I think though, because once the poorer in society start to feel the pressure (and I cannot see how next year they won't), then this will increase the robbing swines.

So, for a good security company, there will be potential for growth as the financial mess deepens mefinks.

Me, I just practically live in my office, and I keep a first aid kit handy for any would-be burglars for when they arrive

 

[Wholesale-Suppliers]

I am usually not interested to hire some security staff but I think the security accessories like alarms and the digital locks are very things for the security of your business place

 

[gordano]

Security is not an area I would compromise on, that said there are always efficiencies that can be found. For example at our offices (we have shared security) we have agreed to combine certain tasks with office admin to reduce the guarding costs. We still keep 24/7 security but we have reduced our overall operating cost.

 

[dharm999]

A good security company will always look at how they can save a client money. As long as the client realises the extra risks they are taking as a result of the reduced security, and are happy to accept them, then savings can be made. A better way, as Gordano says, is to look at what other staff are doing and see what can be passed over to the security company. As an example we distribute mail, act as a receptionist, fill photocopiers, etc.., things that individually may be small but can add up.

Also, a number of our clients have switched from static guarding to mobile patrols, as a short term security saving. We dont like losing revenue, but if it means supporting our client through a short term problem, then we do it, as its better to retain a client than try and find a new one. Others have switched to electronic solutions, again not a replacement for a person, but for some clients it works.

Pay rates are not an issue, we dont get people saying they want £9/hour, just doesn't happen, as there are lots of people looking for work. If anyone says they need to pasy £9/hr, the only circumstance that would apply, in my experience, would be a City of London location doing front of house work for a blue chip company.

We've had clients reduce the hours of cover, have a major problem, and then end up going back to where they were, having realised that actually security is quite important!

Lots of companies view security in the same way as insurance, a necessary evil, but having the right security company, and working in partnership (as glib as that sounds, its true), it can be more than a necessary evil.

 

[MrTempleDene]

I wouldn't want a security guards job, to risky, £9 per hour is cheap considering the risk assault as part of the job.

Certainly I consider good locks and alarms a necessity, but at the moment I haven't really the budget or need for security guards.

 

[pixelbob]

For me security is a top priority. Security is the first defense against theft. Because thieves always look for an easy job and if you lower your security then you will be at risk.

 

[calibra]

My dogs keep my place secure