Blackbird Commercial Building Security Services: Case Study

Through our strong understanding of building security challenges and a tailored security program, we helped reduce total incidents by 59.1% at a mixed-use property in Burnaby, BC.

If you’re managing or overseeing a commercial property, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring your tenants feel satisfied and secure. However, in Canada, 45% of small businesses have been directly affected by crime and safety issues, ranging from theft and vandalism to loitering and public disturbances. Many of these incidents happen at the commercial property they operate in. That’s where a professional commercial building security program comes into play.  

In this blog, we'll explore how Blackbird Security implemented the right security program and restored order and safety at this mixed-use property in Burnaby.

The Common Challenges of a High-Use Commercial Property

Busy commercial properties don’t face a single major issue. They face a combination of everyday pressures as people come and leave.  

This Burnaby mixed-use site brought together offices, retailers, and residential units in one high-traffic environment. Throughout the day, people flowed in and out for work, shopping, or going home. Some of the common challenges are:  

1. Large Open-Access Areas Creating Ongoing Friction

The outdoor areas were designed to be welcoming, with benches and open gathering places meant for tenants and visitors to enjoy. But because they were easy to access, they also became common spots for vagrancy and public drinking.  

These activities raised safety concerns. Some vagrants and public drinkers could become confrontational or display aggressive behaviour, especially when asked to leave, making routine oversight more challenging than expected.

2. Misuse of Shared Spaces Increasing Safety Risk

The walkways and plaza areas were designed to allow people to move safely and comfortably between retail stores, office entrances, and residential building access points. These pathways helped ensure steady and organized movement across the property.  

However, unwanted activities like biking through pedestrian walkways began occurring more frequently, creating safety risks for people moving through the area. Property management had to consider the potential liability issues if someone were to become seriously injured.

3. Equipment Wear and Maintenance Gaps Adding Operational Strain

With hundreds of people moving through the property daily, wear and tear became unavoidable. Lighting required more attention, signage loosened over time, and fire safety fixtures showed signs of strain.  

Without someone consistently identifying and reporting issues early, these maintenance issues weren’t always identified right away. What could have been handled with a quick fix turned into a costly repair. Minor concerns lingered longer than they should have, which also affected both operations and appearance.  

Together, these challenges added strain to daily site management, posed potential risks, and reduced the overall sense of safety for occupants.  

Taking Back Control with Our Proactive Security Program

To address these challenges, our Blackbird Security team implemented a structured, proactive commercial building security program. The program focused on prevention, de-escalation, and communication. Within six months, the results were measurable:

• Vagrancy ↓ 40%

Issues like loitering outside parkade entrances or sleeping on the benches declined substantially.

• Public Alcohol Consumption ↓ 88.7%

Drinking in shared areas reduced significantly.

• Maintenance Incidents ↓ 56.6%

Incidents such as fire safety box malfunction or exit sign detachment decreased sharply.

• Disturbances ↓ 86.4%

Disturbances, including noise and biking in restricted areas were significantly reduced.

Active Deterrence Through Proactive Patrols

A strong, consistent on-site security presence was the first step. Our tactical guards in full heavy-duty gear provided a visual deterrent, discouraging suspicious activity and reinforcing the message that the property was being actively monitored.  

To support their presence, they also conducted proactive patrols throughout high-traffic and high-risk areas, watching for suspicious activity and maintenance issues.  

Strategic De-escalation and Law Enforcement Coordination

When confrontational or aggressive behaviour occurred, our guards responded in a calm and professional manner, focusing first on de-escalation. By maintaining composure, communicating clearly, and setting firm boundaries, they were often able to reduce tension and resolve situations before they escalated.

For loitering or any disruptive persons, these individuals were asked to swiftly leave the property. If a situation involved violence, public safety threats, or criminal activity beyond a guard’s legal authority, guards contacted law enforcement immediately.  

In certain situations, our guards provided information about nearby shelters and community services, offering a practical next step for those who needed support.

This approach helped keep the property under control without overreacting, while ensuring real risks were taken care of seriously.  

Communication and Reporting

We maintained consistent and timely communication with property management. Guards provided summaries of their patrol findings, observations, and any concerns identified during each shift. When incidents happened, detailed incident reports were completed outlining what happened, how they handled the situation, and any follow-up actions.  

This level of reporting ensured transparency, accountability, and allowed management to make informed decisions based on real-time information.

All of these strategies combined contributed to a 59.1% reduction in total incidents.  

A Building Security Team You Can Rely on for Results

Commercial properties require consistent oversight and a structured approach to maintain a secure, well-managed environment. At Blackbird Security, we take the time to learn about your property’s unique challenges and customize a security program that fits your needs, backed by more than a decade of experience in building security.  

If you’re looking to reduce incidents at your property, contact us today.  

FAQs

What are the duties of building security guards?  

Building security guards conduct routine patrols, perform security checks, secure access points, and monitor for suspicious activity. They also help with emergency response, including medical emergencies and fire.

Do building guards provide customer service?  

Yes, concierge security guards provide customer service. They greet tenants and visitors, assist with questions and directions, handle packages, and help resolve minor building 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.