Businesses across the United Kingdom face a wide range of security risks, including break-ins, theft, vandalism, trespassing and risks to staff safety. Understanding how to protect a commercial property is an important responsibility, and many businesses consider whether manned guarding or modern security technology offers the better level of protection.
This question is even more relevant when looking at recent data. The Office for National Statistics recorded 146,147 non-residential burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending September 2023. Source: ONS Police Recorded Crime
The Home Office Commercial Victimisation Survey also found that twenty-eight per cent of UK businesses experienced crime in 2022, with retail and wholesale sectors being the most affected. Source: Home Office Commercial Victimisation Survey 2022
These figures show why commercial properties need strong and reliable security measures. The challenge is choosing the right combination.
How Commercial Security Needs Have Developed
Commercial crime continues to evolve. Offenders look for weak entry points, poor lighting, unmonitored areas and predictable access routines. As a result, many organisations now rely on a blend of physical presence and modern systems rather than a single method of protection.
Many businesses use a mix of:
• CCTV monitored in real time
• Alarm systems linked to monitoring centres
• Access control for staff and visitors
• Perimeter sensors for early awareness
• Recorded footage to support investigations
These systems improve visibility, highlight unusual activity and reduce blind spots.
However, even the most advanced system cannot speak to people, calm a situation, provide reassurance or intervene directly. This is where trained security officers remain essential.
The Role of Manned Guarding
Manned guarding continues to be a key part of commercial security for several reasons.
Decision-making during incidents
Trained security officers can make immediate and informed decisions. They can identify whether a situation is a genuine risk and take the appropriate steps to resolve it.
Strong visible presence
A uniformed officer can reduce the likelihood of opportunistic crime. The College of Policing notes that visible security measures have a clear preventive effect. Source: College of Policing Crime Reduction Toolkit
Ability to manage a wide range of incidents
Security officers can respond to attempted theft, trespassing, aggressive behaviour, unauthorised access and emergencies. Their presence often prevents situations from escalating.
Support for staff and visitors
Security officers often provide reassurance, manage access points and assist visitors. This improves safety and overall confidence within the workplace.
The Role of Modern Security Technology
Technology continues to advance and provides valuable support for commercial security.
Wider site coverage
Cameras, sensors and alarms can monitor large areas and create alerts when activity is detected. Monitoring centres can also review live footage.
Recorded evidence for investigations
CCTV footage provides clear evidence that can be shared with the police or used internally.
Immediate alerts
Alarm systems and sensors can notify staff or monitoring teams when unusual activity occurs. This allows quicker responses.
Limitations of technology
Technology can only detect, record and alert. It cannot intervene, de-escalate incidents or physically protect a site. Equipment can also be affected by network issues, power loss or false activations.
Why a Combined Approach Is Often the Most Effective
Many commercial sites now use both manned guarding and technology because the two methods work well together.
A combined approach provides:
• Immediate detection from technology
• In-person response from security officers
• Faster confirmation of what is happening
• Lower overall cost than multiple officers alone
• Improved coverage of large or complex sites
• Stronger evidence collection and reporting
This approach is now widely used across industrial estates, warehouses, construction sites, offices, retail parks and hospitality venues. It offers a balanced and flexible method of protection.
Rivo Security Services for Commercial Properties
Rivo Security provides a complete range of services that help businesses protect their buildings, people and assets. Each service can be used on its own or combined with others to create a tailored plan that matches the needs of a site.
Manned Guarding
Rivo Security provides trained officers who manage access control, reception support, patrols and general site safety. Their presence reduces the likelihood of crime and provides reassurance for staff and visitors.
Security Guard Attending
If an alarm activates or suspicious activity is reported, Rivo Security can send an officer to the property. This allows businesses to avoid sending their own staff to potentially unsafe situations.
Mobile Patrols
Mobile patrol units visit sites at agreed times to check entrances, perimeters and general site security. This is useful for properties that do not need a full time officer.
CCTV and Alarm Monitoring
Rivo Security offers monitoring through trained operators who watch for activity and respond to alerts. This ensures the property remains under observation at all times.
CCTV Installation
Rivo Security installs camera systems that support clear visibility and recorded evidence. These systems can be set up for both small and large sites.
Key Holding
Businesses can store their keys securely with Rivo Security. In the event of an alarm, staff from Rivo Security can attend the site and carry out checks.
Vacant Property Inspections
Vacant buildings are often vulnerable to trespassing and damage. Rivo Security carries out regular inspections to ensure the property remains safe and compliant.
Risk Assessments and Site Reviews
Rivo Security provides assessments of site layout, access points and existing security measures. This helps businesses identify improvements and understand the level of protection required.
Bringing Your Security Strategy Together
Manned guarding and modern security technology each provide important benefits, but they are most effective when used together. Technology improves detection and awareness across a site, while trained security officers provide judgement, presence and in-person intervention. A combined approach offers a reliable and practical method of protecting commercial properties of all types.
If your organisation is reviewing its security arrangements or planning ahead, our team can provide clear and practical guidance based on your environment.
To speak with Rivo Security and Monitoring, you can contact info@rivosecurity.com, call 0113 487 3999, or visit rivosecurity.com Our head office is located at Anchor House, Thornhill Road, Dewsbury, WF12 9QE.
