All across the United Kingdom, shopping malls attract millions of visitors annually. With so many people present, security challenges related to shopping centres are a priority; it is a critical concern. These visitors must be protected to enjoy their shopping experience safely. The number one priority is ensuring that the shoppers and employees are safeguarded. So, it is essential to understand first the security threats posed to the shopping center.
Unlike residential structures or parking garages, shopping malls have different security requirements, which, alongside managing shopper flow, is a complex task for the shopping mall administrator. These challenges impact visitors and also concern shopping mall vendors. As shopping centers operate their daily activities, it is crucial to for them hire an experienced security agency which determines the relevant threats, formulate plans and protect against all possible security risks.
Let’s dive into the list of 5 threats related to the security of shopping centers:
1. Unauthorized Entry
There are numerous entrances for customers, shop owners, employees, and stock deliveries in shopping centers. In addition, people of all ages and shapes tunnel through with all sorts of items, large and small, at all hours, day and night. Some unauthorized people always enter the premises from these areas, increasing crime and security issues in the shopping centers. That’s why manned security guardingis essential to prevent unauthorized entry to keep a watchful eye and tracking who comes in and out of the premises all the time.
2. Theft or Robbery
Shopping mall customers and shop owners have had rather unfortunate experiences regarding thieves and robbers. Family members, elderly men, and people from different socio-economic groups all participate in robbing stores, which makes identifying the culprits extremely difficult. Theft is committed in disguise and various ways. Peripheral store items like mobile phones and customers’ purses will likely go missing. This calls for the presence of dedicated static security personnel patrolling shopping malls is highly critical for the prevention of such incidents.
3. Fire – A significant shopping center security challenge
Life-threatening fires can have devastating effects on places like shopping centers that have the potential to harbor thousands of people at once. For these reasons, security guards and sprinkler systems consistently monitor fire peril locations. In minor fire emergencies, they are educated and trained to execute an evacuation plan that involves getting the affected people to safety. Because of the large
number of people in the vicinity of a shopping center, managing the flow of the crowd becomes increasingly complex, complicating the entire evacuation procedure.
4. Crimes involving Vehicles and Parking Lots:
As shopping malls get hundreds of visitors daily, they have parking lots outside, at the corners, or in the basement. Any parking area with many cars is at risk for vehicle theft or damage. Cars become victims of break-ins and robbery when there is inadequate supervision of the parking areas. Moreover, the calm parking areas within the shopping malls have heightened crime, such as harassment in the parking area, gun violence, victimization, etc. In such sensitive situations, mobile patrol officers must be adequately employed.
5. Vandalism:
Vandalism is another notable security concern in shopping centres. Shopping malls are public spaces where many international and local people come daily. Due to their exuberance or violence, youngsters gravitate more to the malls and are likelier to vandalize. The greater the number of people accessing the malls, the greater the risk of vandalism.
Conclusion:
With such a high volume of daily visitors, shopping malls receive an average of over 5,000 visitors per day, and every mall owner is inclined to find a solid security company before opening the mall. In England, a shopping mall is obliged by law to have security guards. Guards from SIA approved security company like SR Facilities Group have shown remarkable professionalism in dealing with sensitive issues over the past few years. Their security personnel have continuously shielded the public and management from infringements and saved considerable amounts to avoid losses in the mall.
Reach out to us at 0345 257 7860
Email at info@srfacilities.co.uk
Pay us a visit SR Facilities Group Unit 16, Waters Edge Business Park, Modwen Rd, Manchester M5 3EZ.