Security services: frequently asked questions

Yes. Every officer we deploy holds the SIA front line licence the role requires, such as a Security Guard, Door Supervisor, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) or Close Protection licence, and is DBS checked before deployment. You can verify any licence on the SIA's public register.

For many requests we can arrange cover at short notice, including same-day and overnight starts in London, Ilford and Essex. Tell us the address, the hours and the type of site and we will confirm availability straight away.

Yes. We are based in Ilford (IG1), cover London and Essex day to day, and deploy officers to sites across the UK for contracts, events and short-term cover.

It depends on the licence needed, the hours and days, the number of officers, the contract length and any extra duties such as patrols or key holding. We give a clear written quote with no hidden charges.

A Security Guard licence covers guarding premises, people and property. A Door Supervisor licence is needed at licensed premises such as pubs, clubs and bars, and also allows the holder to work as a security guard.

Yes. We cover one-off events such as private parties, weddings and corporate functions, as well as ongoing contracts. Tell us the date, venue, guest numbers and timings.

Yes. West Haven Services Ltd is fully insured, including public liability cover, and certificates are available on request.

Yes. Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, contracted security guards must hold an SIA front line licence. All West Haven guards hold the licence their role requires.

Yes. Many clients book night-time cover only, for example 6pm to 6am, or weekends when the site is closed. We will plan patrols around the hours you choose.

Wherever possible we keep a regular team on your site, so officers know the building, the staff and the routine. Relief officers are briefed on the same site instructions.

The officer follows your site instructions, contacts the police or ambulance where needed, informs our control room and your nominated contact, and records the incident in a written report.

Yes. In England and Wales, door supervision at licensed premises is a licensable activity, so every door supervisor must hold an SIA Door Supervisor licence and display it while working.

Yes. We can include female door supervisors, which many venues need for searching and for welfare situations involving female customers.

Yes. We cover regular weekly rotas and one-off nights such as private hire, sports events and new year.

Where the venue or licence requires body-worn cameras, we can provide officers trained to use them. Tell us your requirements when you book.

Officers act within the law, including the powers available to any member of the public under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Our officers are trained on when and how to act safely, and to prioritise staff and customer safety.

Yes. Contracted retail security officers carry out licensable guarding activity and need an SIA licence. All our retail officers are licensed.

Yes. Many retailers book extra officers for Black Friday, Christmas and the January sales. Contact us early so we can plan the rota.

Yes. Our retail officers are smartly presented and customer focused, and can follow your dress and conduct guidelines.

Yes. Contracted guards on a construction site are carrying out licensable security guarding and must hold an SIA licence. All our site officers are licensed.

Yes. After a theft or break-in we can often arrange emergency cover quickly. Call +44 7857 509502 and we will confirm availability.

Our officers can check that visitors and workers have been inducted and are signed in, following your site rules.

Yes. For paused or dormant sites we can provide static guards or regular mobile patrols to check hoarding, gates and compounds.

Yes. For corporate receptions we can provide officers in business dress or in a smart security uniform, whichever suits your building.

Yes. Our officers can use your visitor and access control systems after a short handover from your facilities team.

Yes. We work with building managers to secure shared entrances, car parks and common areas for all tenants.

Yes. During moves and refits, contractors, open doors and valuable equipment raise the risk. We can add temporary officers for the project.

Contracted operators who monitor public spaces, or who use CCTV to identify people or watch activity in a public area, need an SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence. All our CCTV operators are licensed.

In many cases, yes. We review your system to check camera coverage, image quality and recording before agreeing a monitoring plan.

Only authorised staff, following your data protection policy. Footage should only be shared for a lawful purpose, such as with the police for an investigation.

We focus on operating and monitoring. If you need new cameras, we can advise on coverage and work alongside your installer.

Yes. Contracted close protection is a licensable activity, so officers must hold an SIA Close Protection licence.

Often, yes, depending on the assignment. Call us as early as you can so we can complete a proper risk assessment.

No. Private security officers in the UK are not permitted to carry firearms. Protection relies on planning, awareness and trained response.

Yes. Client identities, schedules and locations are kept confidential and shared only with the officers involved.

A keyholder is a person or company that holds keys to a property and attends when the alarm activates. A professional keyholding company takes on that role so you and your staff do not have to.

Yes. Keys are stored securely and coded so they cannot be linked to your address if they were ever lost.

Yes. Contracted key holding and security patrols are licensable activities. Our officers hold the relevant SIA licence.

Yes. We provide residential patrols and key holding for homeowners who travel or own second homes.

As early as possible, especially for summer weekends and December. For small private events, a few days' notice is often enough.

Yes. Officers can wear smart formal clothing and work in the background, focusing on gifts, entry and any uninvited guests.

Yes. We deploy event teams across the UK for festivals and outdoor events.

Staff carrying out licensable security activity, such as door supervision at a licensed event, need the right SIA licence. Some steward roles are not licensable, but we will advise what your event needs.

Many insurance policies include conditions for unoccupied buildings, such as regular inspections. Check your policy wording and we will match our visits and reports to it.

Yes. Closed pubs, shops and offices are common targets, so we can provide guards or patrols from the day the building is vacated.

Yes. Inspection reports can include photographs so you can see the condition of the building without visiting.

Yes. We provide patrols, key holding and inspections for homes that are empty during a sale or probate.