Why Warehouses and Distribution Centres Need 24/7 Security

As the holiday season approaches, businesses are gearing up for the busiest shopping period of the year: Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, and the weeks leading up to the holidays. For warehouses and distribution centres, this surge in sales means increased inventory, constant movement of goods, and heightened security risks. To allow for smooth operations and prevent incidents, having 24/7 warehouse security is critical during this period. In this blog, we’ll explore why round-the-clock security is essential for warehouses and distribution centres during the holiday sales rush.

1. Increased Inventory Creates Higher Theft Risks

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales driving demand, warehouses and distribution centres often receive a significant increase in inventory leading up to the end of the year. More stock means more opportunity for theft, both from external criminals and internal employees.

During these high-demand periods, criminals and criminal organizations may target warehouses looking for valuable goods, especially when they believe security is focused elsewhere. Warehouses also experience shrinkage due to employee theft, with a surprising 75% of employees admitting to committing theft from an employer.

Having a 24/7 on-site security guard presence helps to deter both external and internal theft. With constant monitoring, security guards can respond quickly to suspicious activity and ensure valuable inventory stays secure and safeguarded. A visible uniformed security presence alone can act as a powerful deterrent against potential theft, communicating to criminals that a site is well-guarded.

Blackbird Security gatehouse security guard

2. Increased Traffic Causes Operational Chaos

The holiday sales rush brings with it increased traffic in and out of warehouse facilities, with trucks arriving and departing, employees working overtime, and supply chain operations ramping up to meet demand. This activity can result in operational confusion, making it easier for unauthorized individuals to slip through unnoticed.

Security guards closely monitor access points, check credentials, and ensure that only authorized personnel are on site. With a clear view and record of who’s coming and going, security guards can prevent unauthorized entry and mitigate the risk of trespassing, theft, or damage to inventory. Guards can also help manage traffic flow, ensuring vehicles move efficiently without creating bottlenecks.

Front desk security guards stationed at a warehouse’s main entrance record and verify the identification of any visitors on premises. These guards can also actively monitor CCTV cameras to ensure that the entire warehouse premises are monitored continuously. Gatehouse security guards serve a similar function to front desk security guards by verifying vehicle visitors at the entrance of truck loading areas.

3. Warehouse Security Guards Mitigate Fire Hazards and Safety Risks

The risk of accidents and fire hazards can increase with the constant movement of people, inventory, forklifts, and heavy machinery. Warehouses may experience overcrowded storage areas, improper handling of flammable materials, or malfunctioning equipment, all of which can pose serious safety risks.

A 24/7 warehouse security team trained in emergency response protocols ensures that any potential hazards are quickly identified and reported. Security guards perform regular patrols and inspections, checking for fire hazards or safety violations. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or injury, they are prepared to respond immediately and coordinate with emergency services, mitigating damage, ensuring the safety of staff, and minimizing inventory losses.

4. Security Guards Prevent Supply Chain Delays

Delays in the supply chain during the holiday season can have significant financial consequences for businesses. Security incidents including thefts, emergencies, or acts of vandalism, can cause delays in shipping and receiving goods, impacting the ability to meet customer demand and potentially resulting in lost sales. Having on-site security guards present at all hours to safeguard operations prevents disruptions and ensures that warehouses or distribution centres run efficiently throughout the holiday season.

Additionally, the presence of security guards can actually speed up operations, as gatehouse guards and front-desk security guards can efficiently point visitors in the right direction once they reach the facility. Guards can also assist in overseeing the safety and security of shipment handling, ensuring packages are loaded and offloaded quickly and efficiently.

Warehouse and distribution centre security in Canada

5. Warehouse Security Guards Protect Against Vandalism and Break-Ins

When they close for the evening, warehouses and distribution centres can become prime targets for vandalism and break-ins, especially when they are located in remote areas. With a round-the-clock warehouse security presence, your facility remains protected at all hours, including off-hours. Security guards can perform continuous perimeter checks, monitor cameras, and respond swiftly to suspicious activity, preventing damage to property and inventory.

6. Security Guards Are Trained to Handle Incidents

Security guards are equipped with specialized training to handle a variety of incidents that may arise in warehouse and distribution centers, particularly during the busy holiday season. Security guards respond and act quickly, including confronting thieves and handling altercations as well as responding to accidents or fire hazards.

At Blackbird Security, our guards receive advanced training in a variety of areas, including peaceful de-escalation, standard first aid, and report writing, all of which are essential to warehouse security. Having dedicated professionals on-site to handle any security threats, theft incidents, or trespassers provides invaluable peace of mind and support for warehouse owners and staff alike.

Mobile Patrols: A Cost-Effective 24/7 Solution

Mobile security patrols are conducted by security guards in marked security vehicles. Their function is similar to standard foot patrols, however, instead of a guard being statically present at all hours, a security guard will arrive at pre-arranged times to conduct their patrol before leaving until the next patrol. Patrols can be scheduled at random intervals, providing an element of deterrence for potential thieves who won’t be able to gauge a time to break in. Mobile patrols are a popular warehouse security choice during overnight hours, as they provide a solution for 24/7 security at a cost-effective rate.

Warehouses and distribution centres protected by Blackbird Security have a 24/7 Control Centre team at the ready. In case of a triggered alarm, our team will dispatch the nearest mobile security guard to investigate the cause and take action as needed.

Mobile security for warehouses. Best warehouse security in Canada

Secure Your Canadian Warehouse or Distribution Centre for the Holiday Rush

With the holiday sales rush quickly approaching, the security of your warehouse or distribution centre should be a top priority. From protecting valuable inventory to preventing accidents and supply chain delays, 24/7 warehouse security coverage ensures that your operations run smoothly and safely during this critical time.

At Blackbird Security, we provide expert security solutions for warehouses and distribution centres across Canada. Our highly trained security guards are equipped to handle the unique challenges of the holiday season, offering round-the-clock protection and peace of mind.

Get in touch with us through the form below to learn how we can safeguard your facility. In addition to warehouse security, we provide services in the following areas: