Do Vehicle Security Patrols Prevent Crime?

If you are looking at different physical security services to protect your business or secure community, you might be considering mobile security solutions in the form of mobile patrols by manned vehicles. Here’s some insight from a security specialist into the kind of protection and response these services offer to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.

The goal of vehicular mobile patrols

Usually, this service involves one or a pair of trained security guards patrolling an area at scheduled times in a highly-visible mobile security vehicle. They don’t stay on-site, but rather patrol a number of areas at times specified by the client – for example, patrolling commercial office parks after hours.

The goals of a mobile patrol are:

• High-security visibility – This is a highly effective deterrent for crime in commercial, industrial and residential areas, preventing both opportunistic and more organized criminal activity.

• 24/7 security – Mobile security patrols are available at all hours and are a preferred choice for an after-dark security solution.

• Secure large premises – Having a vehicle extends the range of your trained security guards, allowing them to perform effective mobile patrols over large commercial or residential spaces, including entire neighborhoods.

• Test security systems – Mobile patrols actively test your different levels of security, including checking accessible gates/doors/windows, report on the conditions of the property, suspicious activity and more. These reports should be filled in and submitted on a daily basis, making them useful data for building owners, your security specialist, and security teams. In addition to watching for illegal or criminal activity, your mobile security team should report on maintenance or safety issues such as damage to the property or burned-out lights that criminals can take advantage of.

• Prevent trespassing – Any unauthorized access can be quickly detected and responded to, either by trained security guards or law enforcement.

• Affordable security – Mobile patrols are often more affordable than having a private security guard, allowing businesses and residential areas access to trained, experienced security protection from a security specialist without having to pay for a permanent security guard.

The main drawback of mobile security patrols that your security specialist should inform you about is that they are not effective for catching criminals in the act. The vehicles are highly-visible as a deterrent, so they cannot sneak up on criminals or play a role in trapping criminals. In the event of your mobile security team detecting criminal activity or your security alarm is triggered, your mobile patrol may only respond if they are trained to act under these conditions. In general, they will act to alert law enforcement or relevant emergency services.