What Is Mobile Patrol Security? Roles, Benefits, & How To Choose


Mobile patrol security provides a ranging, highly visible security presence that’s designed to protect large-scale premises. Security can so often be a complex requirement for businesses, especially in terms of modern options, and questions like “what is mobile patrol security?” don’t always have clear-cut answers.

With our complete guide to mobile security patrols, we explore the benefits of roving patrols for security. We’ll touch on where they’re deployed most effectively, and why they’ve quickly become the go-to choice for some of the UK’s more complex (and cost-effective) security solutions.

 

What Do Mobile Security Patrols Do?

 

Mobile security services (often called mobile patrols) offer a proactive approach to protecting property, especially on larger-scale premises like logistics businesses, warehouses, or factories. They’ll be able to conduct both routine and random security patrols, maintain perimeter integrity, investigate any disturbances, provide lock and unlock services, and deliver support and guidance in event settings such as festivals.

However, that’s only a snapshot of what you can expect. If you’re wondering, “Is mobile patrol security worth it for my site?”, we’ve broken down the key duties you can expect, as well as how you can tailor it to your unique premises.

 

1. Comprehensive Exterior Patrols

When planning our approach to site security, we often focus on what’s inside, utilising intruder alarms or motion detection systems to deter trespassers or thieves. Of course, these options have their place, but they work best when coupled with mobile security officers.

These expertly trained professionals take the time to check multiple different aspects of your site, including:

  • Perimeter integrity
  • Any possible breaches or breaks in your fencing
  • Gatehouses, barriers or check-in points
  • Entrances, exits and ingress points
  • Areas of concern (such as difficult-to-secure outskirts)

External mobile security patrols (especially vehicle patrol security measures) also offer one of the more visible ways to reinforce that your site has a security presence. That’s an area we’ve been able to reinforce for one of our major construction clients in North London, delivering regular patrols of their ambitious new project.

We view mobile patrols as the first line of defence, offering that weatherproof solution and reassurance that your site is in safe hands. Whether they’re used as an intermittent security presence, designed to “throw off” any possible intruders, or on a more regular basis, they’re able to keep the outside just as protected as the inside.

 

2. Internal Patrols Are An Essential Consideration

Of course, securing the outside of your building is just one aspect of mobile patrol security. The likelihood is that you’ll want the same level of reassurance for your property’s interior as well as its exterior, especially if you have larger buildings like warehouses or housing complexes on site.

These provide an unmatched synergy between your existing measures – CCTV cameras and an intruder alarm, for instance – and the more physical reinforcement that a mobile security patrol service can provide. It’s an option we’ve often provided for shopping centres, which regularly need internal checks to ensure they’re ready for the general public.

As standard, you can expect your patrolling security personnel to be alert for:

  • Property or structural damage
  • Issues with entrances or exits (such as broken or blocked doors)
  • Damage to windows
  • Any weather-related problems (such as water ingress)
  • Any alarm activations

While less visible than the external patrols we mentioned earlier, they still possess the authority that can prevent any criminal activity from occurring. The science supports that, with a recent study showing a sharp decline in the amount of crime that a site experiences simply by having a more visible security presence.

 

3. Combine A Key Holding Service With Mobile Patrols

One of the more understated benefits of opting for a mobile security patrol presence on your site is that they can securely hold a copy of your keys if needed. Having been at the forefront of the security sector for almost 30 years, we’ve seen countless customers opt for this, and for good reason.

Not only does opting for a mobile key-holding security solution remove any onus or undue pressure from your staff members, but those keys can be used in the event of an emergency or if an alarm has been activated.

While we’d always hope that those situations would never happen, they’re all too familiar. Trusting a security company with a set of your keys is a simple and cost-effective way to respond to those incidents.

We’ve key holding and alarm response services. Combining that with mobile patrolling officers only serves to augment the service and offer a more instant response.

 

4. Experience Regular, Thorough Updates On Your Site Security

Up-to-date technology allows for a more modern approach to random security patrols, especially on sites where existing security technology (like CCTV towers, access control systems and intruder detection equipment) is already part of the protective measures in place. Reporting plays a key role in that, delivering an essential solution as part of those systems, and providing an on-the-ground perspective for any incidents.

All security officers are trained to do exactly this – it’s part of the process they undergo to become a security officer. That’s very rarely known by those looking into security, but it’s a crucial part of the process and ultimately helps reassure clients, reinforces the security measures we recommend, and provides a more comprehensive service.

That’s only set to grow with further developments in security technology. As leaders in our industry, ProFM Group have sought to remain at the forefront of what we do. We’ve equipped our mobile patrols with precise geolocation options, as well as a cutting-edge reporting and lone worker management solution in the SmartTask system.

You can also receive more automated updates through innovations like our VPOD visually verified intruder alarm system, which connects directly to your smartphone for unlimited access and control over what you see.

 

5. Perfect Synergy With On-Site CCTV Solutions

One of the most important aspects of any security solution is how it integrates with your existing protection measures, especially when it provides an intermittent security presence. A bespoke security solution is the ideal way to ensure that, requirements and where security can intersect with them, is essential.

That’s another area where mobile security services excel. While your officers will always be on the move, they’re able to check on any CCTV cameras or monitoring stations your site might have (construction sites often have these in a port-a-cabin, for instance) for a more comprehensive view of your site.

We touched on the VPOD system earlier, and that’s particularly pertinent here. It’s just as mobile as your security personnel – requiring just a single person, a 30-minute installation – and operates as a more stationary companion to those mobile security patrols. It’s the latest development and one we’ve been proud to pioneer.

 

Is Mobile Security Patrol Worth It For My Premises?

 

Many businesses could find substantial benefits in opting for a mobile patrol. As we’ve seen, they’re among some of the most adaptable solutions offered by the security sector, and can seamlessly switch between internal and external patrols.

However, it’s equally valid that some sites will find far more advantages than others. For example, a boutique retailer or small renovation works would likely be self-contained enough for static security officers or more “hands-off” solutions (think CCTV or intruder alarms), which is why we so often emphasise a tailored approach to security.

We suggest considering a mobile security patrol solution if you have multiple buildings or a particularly expansive site that’s one large area, or one that requires perimeter checks for security reasons. That includes:

  • Construction sites and housing projects
  • Logistics and distribution centres
  • Factories and industrial enterprises
  • Warehouses, shipping yards and storage areas
  • Housing estates and gated communities
  • Supermarkets or large-scale retailers
  • Airports, train yards and other transport hubs
  • Energy industries like solar and wind farms
  • Vacant properties, such as abandoned industrial projects

That’s far from an exhaustive list, of course. We strongly advise conducting a simple test: if you stand at the front entrance of your site, can you see the opposite side with a quick glance? This puts you in the shoes of a security officer and can help you decide whether a static security officer or a mobile security patrol is best for your premises.

 

What Should I Look For In A Mobile Security Patrol Provider?

Now that we’ve answered “what is mobile patrol security?” and why you’d opt for them for your site, it all comes down to the decision process. We won’t sugarcoat it – choosing the right security provider can be a difficult process, but it doesn’t have to be.

We’ve highlighted four key areas to look out for, what they mean, and why they’re a crucial consideration when deciding who to opt for in a competitive industry.

  • Tailormade Solutions – Choosing a provider who’s able to tailor your security solution to your unique requirements is crucial. With so many unique sites throughout the UK, your security provider needs to understand your property on a deeper level, understanding what it needs and why.
  • Proper Accreditations – A difficult one, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry. You should be on the lookout for a company that’s recognised by the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) as a good starting point. We’d also recommend keeping an eye out for key industry accreditations (like SafeContractor and Constructionline), as well as indicators of their quality (like ISO accreditations).
  • Use of Technology – A good security company is well aware of the changing tides of the industry. Check out the cutting-edge solutions they offer, and how these connect with their other suite of services (you’ll naturally want to consider how these synergise with mobile patrol security). A great example is the VPOD visually verified intruder alarm we mentioned earlier, but there are other signs, like AI-assisted security cameras.
  • What Else They Offer – Of course, if you’re reading this article, you’re no doubt looking for mobile patrols. However, we’d also suggest considering what else your chosen provider can offer. While you might not expect it to come in handy immediately, businesses are constantly evolving, and having a security provider who can adapt alongside you is essential.

There are naturally other factors you’ll want to consider, and that’s completely understandable. While we’ve provided you with four of the main talking points, it’s always worth doing your due diligence and finding a solution that works for you.

 

Meticulous Mobile Patrolling With ProFM Group’s Expert Officers

Our mobile security patrols are at the forefront of the sector. We’ve honed and perfected an approach to mobile security that genuinely resonates with sites across the UK and has earned us the mantle as the UK’s best. That’s all done through exceptional, industry-leading service, and keeping pace with the wider security industry.

From customised patrol routes and complete 24-hour service through to some of the industry’s most impassioned professionals, ProFM are the clear choice. Contact us today to discuss your options in much more detail and to receive your free, no-pressure quote.

Emily Macaulay, Director of Sales

Emily

Shared Services Director

Emily is responsible for business growth and account development via new sales. She leads the Business Development teams through strategic goals and objectives in line with business targets and strategy. Emily is a friendly, approachable and a respected senior manager at ProFM Group who always strives to deliver service excellence.

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