Every business owner knows how hard it is to build and run a successful business. First you have to put in the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears – not to mention your hard-earned money – and then you have to worry about installing and maintaining security systems to protect what you’ve built. Security takes time and brain space you don’t have. Do you need cameras? How many? What kind? What else could you be missing? Sometimes you “don’t know what you don’t know” until it’s too late.

Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own – or look very far for expert help. You probably have local security experts in your community – a great way to get what you need – protection and peace of mind.

In this article, we’ll explore why you need security help and the benefits of partnering with a local security service company. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about the type of security company that can assist you in identifying potential security threats and minimizing vulnerability, so you
can focus on what you do best — running your business!

Does My Business Really Need Security?

Absolutely– YES! No matter the type, size, or industry – everyone needs security. In 2020, the FBI reported almost 400,000 incidents of burglary at non-residential locations in the United States – aka places of business.

Unfortunately, there’s more to worry about than burglary after hours by a stranger. In physical threats alone – crime may be burglary, robbery, violence, shoplifting, theft, or vandalism.

We don’t like to think about it, but theft can be external or internal.

Betrayal by an employee is every business owner’s worst nightmare, but it happens. Employee theft causes a loss of $50 billion annually in the United States.

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency reports that physical security threats decrease productivity by 50% and can incur a 20-40% employee turnover rate following a security incident. Why is that? Employees need to feel safe in their place of work in order to perform and continue to show up for work. Incidents of this nature can be detrimental to a small business. Small and medium size business owners may find it daunting to think of the cost of setting up proper security. However, it is an investment in the future – think return on investment.

Setting up proper security from the very beginning decreases a company’s risk profile for external threats.

Strong physical security is the first step.

Your initial objective is to make your business unattractive to criminals, leaving no question that there are eyes on the property and criminal activity will not go unnoticed. Deterrence is the name of the game. Hindsight is 20/20 – aim to have foresight!

You do not have to have it all at once. Start with the outer layers – entrance points, exit points, security gates, cameras, and perimeter security. Physical security measures are meant to delay and deter. Invest in security equipment and a security business that can scale with your business and anticipate your
needs as it grows.

Security is a partnership, not a sales transaction- making a local security company an attractive option.

What Does a Local Security Company Bring to the Table?

Local usually means a business that was started with a vision and purpose that serves the needs of its fellow people –making it personal. Let’s dive a little deeper into what a local security business brings to the table for a community.

Real-Time Insight

Local service means local insight. A security business based in your community has a first-hand take on security threats and crime patterns in your area. Every city, county, and town is unique, with varying history and demographics – warranting a local perspective.

A local security company also has a network of other clients, making them privy to any threats other clients have experienced.

As a business owner, you may be aware of some security incidents in the community but likely do not have a high-level view of crime patterns. Security is a moving target. Let your local security company be your expert.

Familiarity with the Lay of the Land

How familiar are you with the immediate surroundings of your business? If your location is new to you, you probably haven’t had time to thoroughly scope your exterior proximity or learn all of the side streets or discover what lies just in the wooded area outside your back door. Even if your business is established, there may still be some surprises to discover. We learn new things everyday!

Chances are – a local security company already has some familiarity with the location of your business. When you make the first call to set up a security assessment, the local guys might already have quite a bit of context to share – like the walking trails two tenths of a mile from your back door that is heavily traveled after dark or the 24- hour convenience store at the end of the block. Proximity to major public transit routes or the family of black bears that frequents your parking lot might not be on your radar yet.

Let the locals teach you what they know and  tell you where to place cameras and security devices outside and inside  your property. Trust them – they definitely know local better than a national security brand located halfway across the country. 

Connection to Local Law Enforcement

When something goes wrong in life – burglary, car accident, medical emergency, escaped python in your yard– who are the people that respond first and show up to make us feel safe? It’s law enforcement. They show up every time and immediately secure the scene.

Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that the security company that protects your business has a healthy working relationship with local law enforcement?

It’s almost guaranteed that local security companies have good relationships with local law enforcement, allowing  them to stay up to date on local crime patterns and perceive threats for clients before an incident even occurs.  The connection might have  formed when  working on prior security incident investigations together. Or, if you are lucky,  maybe the security  business owner even has prior law enforcement experience. Rest assured that a local security company will assist you to work hand in hand with law enforcement if a security event ever occurs at your business.

Personalized Customer Service & Community Investment

Working with a local security business means a personalized experience. You won’t be just another customer in a sea of many. You will be on a first name basis with the company. Who knows —you might even run into the owner in a local restaurant sometime.

When you have needs, help is not far away. No waiting in a long queue to speak with someone who doesn’t know about your business.

A local security business is invested in the safety and protection of the local community. It’s personal to them and they have your best interest in mind. Your success is their success.

Don’t Wait: Get In Touch With A Local Security Business Today

Don’t try to be your own security expert. You have a business to run, remember?

Find a security company that you trust. Trust requires a connection.

Start your search locally and connect. Reach out to your local professionals and set up security assessments. Ask questions but be sure to let them give their personalized recommendations.

If a local security company is the right choice for you, the benefits of their local expertise will shine. You will feel like you have found a partner in protecting your business, not just a “good enough” security solution.