The Risk of “Nothing’s Happened Yet” in Commercial Building Security

“It’s been fine so far.”

“Nothing’s happened yet.”

“But we’ve never had a serious incident.”

If you work in property management, you’ve probably heard these phrases about your building’s security. At first glance, they sound reasonable. If nothing bad has happened, no break-ins, no major issues, why put extra time and budget into security? The problem is that “nothing’s happened yet” doesn’t mean there’s no risk. More often than not, this means the early signs haven’t led to visible consequences yet.  

The key is getting prepared for risks and preventing issues from escalating. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how this mindset leaves commercial buildings vulnerable and why you need proactive security to protect the property.  

When a Quiet Track Record Turns into a Costly Problem

In reality, commercial buildings don’t just go from “safe” to “serious incident” overnight. Many issues start small, and multiple weak points together create opportunities for crime, such as:

• Doors that don’t latch properly

• Garbage that starts to pile up  

• A safe exit signage that’s missing

When nothing happens, these gaps are easy to ignore. However, when incidents do happen, the costs here are very real.  

Tenants may start worrying about safety and losing trust, which could potentially trigger liability and insurance issues.

Doors That Don’t Latch Properly

The door has been an issue for a while. People know it doesn’t always latch properly unless you pull it just right. Someone mentioned it once. Someone said they’d let the building team know. Most days, it looks closed, so it doesn’t feel urgent.  

Then one night, as usual, the door stays slightly open after everyone leaves. By morning, some packages that were left in the lobby are gone. Did someone slip in through that door and steal the packages? The CCTV may have captured what happened, but it’s hard to trace the person and get the packages back, not to mention how unsettling this can be for tenants.  

With commercial building security guards on site, they can change how this situation plays out by:

• Performing security checks: Noticing doors that don’t latch properly during routine security checks, before they cause bigger problems

• Reporting issues early: Flagging the issue right away while keeping building management informed instead of letting it linger

• Ongoing monitoring: Keeping a close eye on the problem until repairs are done

• Maintaining visibility: Reducing the chance of unauthorized access by maintaining a visible presence during the day and after hours

That kind of active oversight is what keeps someone from slipping in and walking out with packages that don’t belong to them.  

Garbage That Starts to Pile Up

How do you feel when you walk past overflowing garbage bins in your office building? At first, it’s just unpleasant. The bins are full, and trash bags are piling up on the ground. Soon, the issue becomes worse. Odours develop, liquids leak onto the floor, causing slipping hazards, and different rodents and animals are rummaging through the bins.

People start complaining about it. What started as an inconvenience becomes a health and safety concern that tenants no longer feel comfortable ignoring. While property managers are dealing with this, it’s better to have concierge security guards who can keep an eye on the garbage area every day:

• Conducting routine patrols: Patrolling the garbage room regularly to catch overflow and other minor issues

• Enforcing building rules: Reminding tenants and service providers to follow proper garbage disposal guidelines when needed

• Taking appropriate action: Either calling or asking the property manager to call the garbage pickup provider to tend to the situation as soon as possible

By staying attentive and communicative, concierge security guards help keep shared spaces clean, safe, and comfortable for everyone in the building.  

A Safe Exit Signage That’s Missing

The exit sign has somehow been removed in a commercial building. No one remembers exactly when. Maybe it was taken down during maintenance, or it fell and never got put back. It stays off everyone’s radar as people think they know the building well enough.  

One day, the fire alarm goes off. People step into the hallway expecting to follow the usual sign for a safe evacuation, but it’s missing. Someone hesitates. Someone turns the wrong way. Visitors and new tenants look around, trying to follow someone who seems to know the way out. The exit is there, but the guidance isn’t.  

Responding to emergencies is part of what building security guards do. On top of that, they help ensure the building is well-maintained, so missing signages can be spotted and addressed quickly. Here’s how they can help:

• Safety checks: Spotting missing or damaged signage during patrols and informing the building team

• Emergency coordination: Contacting emergency services and coordinating their arrival

• Evacuation support: Calmly directing occupants toward safe exits and designated assembly areas

• Immediate assistance: Providing basic first aid to anyone affected until emergency teams arrive

Move Beyond “Nothing’s Happened Yet” with Blackbird Security

With extensive experience in commercial building security and a proactive mindset for day-to-day risk management, we help elevate safety across your property, while supporting a more welcoming, better-management environment.  

Ready to move past the “Nothing’s happened yet” thought? Contact us and let’s talk about the security options for your building.

FAQs

Can security guards help with risks after hours?  

Yes, security guards are effective at reducing risks after hours by maintaining a visible presence, controlling access, patrolling the building, and responding to emergencies immediately. It’s recommended to talk to your security provider about the after-hours coverage you need.

How does concierge security improve tenant experience?

Concierge security guards improve tenant experience by offering excellent customer service, answering questions, directing people within the building, managing deliveries and service visits, and helping resolve minor concerns.  

How much does commercial building security cost?  

The cost of commercial building security varies based on risk level, property size, and whether special services are needed, such as alarm response. For a detailed quote, fill out the form here and let’s discuss the security options for your building.