The single most common question we get from new clients in BC is: do I need a guard on site, or are patrols enough? Choosing wrong costs you either money or coverage. Here's how we think about it with our own clients.
Choose static guards when…
- The site needs a visible deterrent during operating hours (front desk, lobby, gate)
- Access control matters — visitors, deliveries, contractors, sub-trades
- You need on-site response to incidents in seconds, not minutes
- Insurance or contract requirements mandate continuous coverage
- The site has high-value foot traffic (retail open hours, residential concierge)
Choose mobile patrol when…
- The site is unoccupied or low-occupancy after hours
- A randomised, unpredictable presence is all the deterrence you need
- You have an alarm system that needs human verification on activation
- Cost matters — patrols deliver coverage at a fraction of the static rate
- Multiple sites can share the same patrol route
Sector quick guide
| Sector | Most common choice |
|---|---|
| Active construction | Static gate cover by day + patrols overnight |
| Strata / property management | Patrols nightly, optional concierge |
| Retail | Static during open hours + patrols overnight |
| Residential | Patrols only |
| Industrial / warehouse | Patrols nightly, escalating to static if loss continues |
Hybrid is usually the right answer
Most properties end up with a mix — for example, a static officer at the gate during construction work hours and randomised patrols overnight. A good provider will price both options and let you pick the right balance for the risk and the budget.
If you are not sure where to start, book a 30-minute site assessment — we'll walk the property and tell you what we'd actually do, with no obligation.