What does a manned security guard do?
A security guard is the visible, trained presence that stops most problems before they start. On a typical shift our officers:
- Control who comes in and out, checking passes, visitors and contractors against the access list.
- Patrol the building and perimeter on a set route, checking doors, windows, fire exits and alarm panels.
- Monitor CCTV where the site has it, and respond to alarms or suspicious activity.
- Deal with incidents calmly, from a trespasser to a medical emergency, and call the police or ambulance when needed.
- Write a daily occurrence log and incident reports so you know exactly what happened on every shift.
Every guard is briefed on your site instructions before the first shift, so they know your layout, your key contacts and your procedures.
Where we provide security guards
We place guards on many types of premises across London, Essex and the UK:
- Offices and business parks: reception and lobby cover, access control and out-of-hours patrols. See also corporate and office security.
- Warehouses and industrial units: gatehouse and loading-bay control, vehicle checks and perimeter patrols.
- Residential buildings: concierge-style security for blocks of flats and gated developments.
- Business premises: car showrooms, depots, yards and anywhere stock or equipment needs protecting.
Static guarding or patrols: which do you need?
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Static guard | Sites with one main entrance, reception or gatehouse | An officer on post for the full shift, controlling access and monitoring CCTV |
| Static plus internal patrols | Larger buildings and warehouses | Regular patrols between fixed check-in points, logged by the control room |
| Mobile patrols | Sites that do not need someone all night | Scheduled visits at random times; see mobile patrols |
| Guard plus key holding | Premises with alarms | Guarding hours covered, plus alarm response when the site is closed |
How our guarding service works
- Free assessment: we look at entrances, opening hours, past incidents and what you need protecting.
- Written proposal: number of officers, licence type, hours, patrol plan and price.
- Briefing and site instructions: officers are briefed before their first shift.
- 24/7 control room: officers check in on schedule, so a missed call is followed up immediately.
- Reporting: daily logs and incident reports sent to your nominated contact.
Want a price for your site? Send us the details and we will reply with a written quote.
Get your free quoteWhat affects the cost of a security guard?
| Factor | Why it matters | What to ask us |
|---|---|---|
| Hours and days | Nights, weekends and bank holidays can be priced differently | Is there one rate or different rates by shift? |
| Licence type | Some roles need a Door Supervisor or CCTV licence | Which licence does my site legally need? |
| Number of officers | Larger or higher-risk sites may need two or more | Can one officer cover my site safely? |
| Contract length | Ongoing contracts are planned differently from one-off cover | What changes between a short and long contract? |
| Extra duties | Patrols, key holding or CCTV monitoring add scope | What is included in the hourly rate? |
Security Guarding FAQs
Do security guards in the UK need a licence?
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.
Can you provide a guard overnight only?
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.
Will the same guard work at my site each shift?
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.
What happens if a guard spots an incident?
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.
