Top Winter Overnight Security Tips

Fall and winter present a unique set of challenges for every type of business, from retail storefronts and corporate offices to condominiums, warehouses, and construction sites. Thefts and crime are exacerbated during the winter months, thanks to lower visibility and holiday vacation times, which may leave your property unattended for extended periods. Shortened daylight hours present extended opportunities for bad actors to vandalize and burglarize your property. Additionally, vagrancy tends to increase during winter months as a result of cold weather. 

The key to prevention lies in being aware of these common issues and taking proactive steps to mitigate them through effective security strategies. In this blog, we’ll discuss our recommendations for enhancing security measures during the holiday season and winter months, as well as how security guards can prevent vagrancy.

Install Bright Lighting & Security Signage For Increased Visibility

The lack of visibility throughout winter nights offers thieves the chance to break into businesses and sites. This can be mitigated through the strategic use of lighting.

Bright lighting around the exterior and through the interior of facilities can help mitigate the risk of theft and unauthorized entry. Depending on location and needs, warehouses may benefit from implementing lighting that remains on throughout the night or motion-detection lighting. Ensure that entryways and access points, including loading docks and doors, are all covered by strategically placed lights.

Security signage, such as that placed on perimeter fencing or at entryways, is a strong deterrent to potential criminals and vagrants, signalling that a property is well-protected. This reduces the risk of unwanted activity or potential theft through deterrence. At Blackbird Security, we provide highly visible signage for each of our clients’ properties.

Monitor CCTV Security Cameras

CCTV cameras often work in conjunction with lighting. Brightly lit areas are more visible over CCTV, and potential thieves are likely to be deterred by the mere sight of cameras. Ensure your CCTV cameras are in working order and aimed at their designated points of interest. Consider investing in an on-site security guard who can monitor your security cameras at all times. 

Hire Security Guards

Static security guards or patrol security guards stationed at warehouses during overnight hours add a valuable layer of protection to every business property. On-site security guards will be able to respond instantly to any emerging security threats, alarms, or suspicious activity seen on a warehouse’s CCTV cameras. 

During routine foot patrols, security guards ensure that all locks and access points are secure and that no vulnerabilities or gaps in barriers, such as fencing, are present. Additionally, the sight of a uniformed security guard signals to potential criminals that a site is well-guarded, proactively deterring crime before it happens. 

Security guards at Blackbird Security use TrackTik technology to enable real-time reporting. By accessing the TrackTik portal, our clients can gain live updates on security as it happens on site, including images, report write-ups, and live patrol routes. This allows our clients to maintain a transparent, bird’s-eye view of the property, which can be especially useful during the holiday season when staff are on vacation. 

Invest In Mobile Security Patrols

Mobile security guard patrols are an efficient and cost-effective alternative to stationary uniformed guards. A mobile security guard patrols property in a highly visible security vehicle on a randomized schedule, which deters potential criminals and keeps them from conducting break-ins. 

Mobile security guards can be scheduled 24/7, ensuring your property is protected at all times, including nights and off-hours. This is especially useful during periods when staff members are off for the holidays, adding an extra layer to your security strategy. 

As part of their patrol routine, mobile security guards will inspect the security of access points, assess the site’s environment for signs of vandalism and damage, and document any incidents in case of unwanted activity. In the event of a triggered alarm, mobile security guards will promptly arrive at the site to assess the situation and mitigate security risks.

Review Your Security Strategy

Keeping your security strategy up to date is key to preventing security incidents. Before the holidays, your security team should conduct a security audit to ensure that all access points are locked, equipment is secure, CCTV cameras and alarm systems are functional, perimeter fencing is secure, and staff are educated on current strategies. 

Preventing Vagrancy During Fall and Winter Months

With cold weather, properties may experience an uptick in vagrancy and loitering. During fall and winter, more individuals may seek shelter indoors or in covered areas, which can pose security risks for your property. Security guards are an effective measure against unauthorized access, serving to protect your property and assets. 

Security Hazards Posed by Vagrancy

While loitering or vagrancy may seem relatively harmless at first, it can quickly escalate into a serious security issue. Here are a few potential hazards associated with vagrancy:

1. Unauthorized Access

During fall, unauthorized individuals may try to enter buildings or use sheltered areas like loading docks, stairwells, or covered entryways as temporary shelters. This can put both employees and residents at risk. If left unchecked, unauthorized access may lead to theft, vandalism, or other criminal activity.

2. Theft

Individuals loitering on the property may be tempted to steal items such as packages, bicycles, or personal belongings left unattended. In some cases, unauthorized access can even lead to more organized thefts and break-ins targeting high-value inventory or office equipment.

3. Fire Hazards

One of the most dangerous aspects of vagrancy is the potential for fire hazards. Individuals may light small fires to keep warm. These activities are highly risky and can cause extensive damage to the property and endanger lives if a fire were to spread. Read our previous blog about the dangers of trash can fires.

4. Leaving Doors Unsecured

When unauthorized individuals gain entry into a building, they may leave doors, windows, or gates unsecured, compromising the overall security of the premises. This increases the risk of further unauthorized access or even more severe security threats.

5. Vandalism

Vagrancy can also lead to vandalism, including graffiti, property damage, or the defacement of shared spaces such as stairwells and underground parking areas. Not only does this affect the property's visual appeal, but it can also be costly to repair and lower the building's perceived value.

6. Loiterers

If loiterers occupy key stairwells on-site and refuse to leave, guards will use de-escalation techniques to prevent these situations from escalating into more serious conflicts. This is why it’s essential to choose capable, well-trained guards from a reputable security company to protect these areas. 

How Security Guards Prevent Vagrancy

Security guards employ a variety of strategies to keep properties safe and discourage loitering or vagrancy. By leveraging these proactive measures, guards can ensure a secure and welcoming environment for both employees and residents.

1. Foot Patrols Monitor Activity

Security guards conduct regular foot patrols to monitor all areas of a property, especially those that are more vulnerable to loitering, such as parking lots, stairwells, and exterior entry points. By frequently patrolling these areas, guards can quickly identify and respond to any suspicious activity before it becomes a larger issue. Additionally, a visible security presence on foot patrol is a deterrent to those who might consider lingering on the property.

2. Concierge Security Guards Monitor Access Points

Concierge security guards stationed at the lobby front desks of residential and corporate buildings are the first line of defence against unauthorized access. They monitor who enters and exits through the primary entrance, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the property. Additionally, concierge security guards monitor rooms, hallways, and other access points throughout the building using CCTV cameras, which are watched from the front desk.

3. Security Guards in Uniform Provide Visual Deterrence

Security guards may be stationed at a building’s entrance or throughout key areas within. Their visible uniforms serve as a visual deterrent, making it clear that the property is actively monitored and protected. Their presence alone can discourage individuals from loitering or attempting to gain entry. In the event that an issue arises, uniformed guards are trained to handle these situations professionally, using techniques to de-escalate the situation.

At Blackbird Security, our guards receive comprehensive training to equip them to handle every situation they may encounter while on duty, from peaceful de-escalation techniques to customer service training. Learn more about our in-house training programs provided through Blackbird Academy.

Partner With Blackbird Security for Fall and Winter Property Protection

As we transition into the fall season, ensuring your property is adequately secured is more important than ever. At Blackbird Security, our professional security guards are trained to respond to seasonal challenges and mitigate risks like vagrancy. Interested to learn more about seasonal safety hazards? Check out our previous blog where we detail how security guards keep residential building stairwells secure during fall.

Contact us through the form below to learn more about how we can help you protect your property.