Disaster Was Seconds Away—But Security Saved the Day
Allow me to retrace a day in my life that I will always remember.
For years now, I have been operating a men’s fashion outlet within one of the busy malls in Birmingham. I have experienced busy seasons with customers, lean days in sales, satisfied customers, a couple of shoplifters, the regular experiences, really. Everything had become somewhat predictable until that summer afternoon when I encountered what I did.
Even now, when I close the shutters each evening, I pause. And I remember that one terrifying day.
When UK Burned, We All Felt the Heat
You probably heard about the UK riots back in 2024. The flames of destruction engulfed shops, and businesses lay in ruins, families torn apart. For small business owners, a single city undergoing turmoil is akin to the rest of the country being set alight.
The Mob Arrived — And So Did the Panic
An ordinary afternoon for me meant coming back from lunch and admiring new offerings while finishing off my tea. Everyone says it is the silence before the storm that means something is coming…. well, this time screaming was a uniquely horrible storm. At the time, the mall was overfilled with people and the ever-soothing music was blasting, and out of nowhere my ears caught the music of panic.
Now it was my turn to see the reason for the panic. I grabbed a peek through the doors and the was an angry and chaotic mob controlling the entrance to the mall. Some of them had their faces covered, while the other half carried bats with them. It was obvious that they had one intention, Make as much damage as they could.
It was and unfortunate moment to realize my guesses had turned into reality. Everything I had worked for throughout my life was about to be erased in minutes.
The Day My Shop Didn’t Get Looted
But then something incredible happened.
Before they could reach my shop, the mall’s security guards, provided by one of the most trusted security companies in Manchester, moved into position.
They didn’t panic. They didn’t run.
They locked down side entrances, directed customers to safety, and stood firm at their posts.
I also saw the retail security guards guiding panicked families, keeping calm, pushing the mob back with support from police.
By the time it was over, many shops had been looted. But mine?
Not a scratch.
I still don’t know how to explain the mix of relief and guilt I felt. Relief that I was spared. Guilt because others weren’t.
Retail Security Is No Longer Optional
After that day, I started thinking differently. I realized I had gotten lucky, but luck isn’t a plan.
Since then, I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to have proper security personnel in place, and that too provided by well-known security guard company in Manchester like SR Facilities Group.
And if you’re in a mall or high-footfall area, Static security is essential.
That consistent visible presence?
It keeps the wrong people out and the right people alert.
What I Learned and What I’d Tell Others
People sometimes ask me what I’d recommend to someone opening a shop today. I recommend the following:
- Businesses need strong manned guarding service.
- Make sure your retail security is professional, alert, and discreet.
- A static security setup that doesn’t leave you blind for even two minutes.
You don’t need to overspend but you can’t afford to overlook it.
The Bottom Line
I was fortunate. That’s something I’ll always be thankful for.
But I never want to rely on fortune again.
“For every defunct shutter, there’s a shutter that can be locked, and shutters can always be locked for the right price.”
This goes out to every store, mall, and business owner reading this. You can never choose when peril arrives. But you can always choose how prepared you’ll be to meet peril halfway.
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