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How Security Guards Save Your Business Money (5 Proven Ways)
- Harsh Makkar
- Feb 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 18
In today’s competitive market, every dollar counts—especially in Ontario, where rising shoplifting and retail crime are impacting businesses of all sizes. While many business owners see security guards as an added expense, the truth is that professional security services not only protect your assets but can also generate significant savings over time. From deterring shoplifting to lowering insurance premiums, here are five proven ways that security guards save your business money, backed by industry statistics and real-world examples from Ontario.
1. Deterrence of Shoplifting and Organized Retail Crime
Shoplifting isn’t just a minor nuisance—it can have a severe financial impact on retailers. In Ontario, recent data from Statistics Canada indicates that shoplifting incidents have increased by approximately 30% in 2023, with rates reaching around 395 crimes per 100,000 residents. Although the total revenue losses in Canada are not as large as in the U.S., the impact on individual businesses is substantial.
Visual Deterrence: Studies have shown that a visible security presence can reduce shoplifting incidents by up to 50%. For example, Ontario discount chains and small retailers that have implemented mobile patrol services and uniformed security guards report reductions in theft by as much as 80% in high-risk areas.
Impact on Organized Crime: Organized retail crime (ORC) groups—responsible for executing “smash-and-grab” schemes—are increasingly targeting Ontario retailers. With a robust security guard presence, these groups are deterred from operating freely, helping to preserve inventory and prevent revenue loss.
Key Takeaway: By deterring both opportunistic and organized theft, security guards help Ontario businesses protect their inventory and maintain their revenue streams.
2. Rapid Incident Response Minimizes Damage
Even when a theft or vandalism incident occurs, the rapid response of professional security guards is crucial in reducing overall damage and financial loss.
Immediate Action Saves Money: When incidents are detected early, security guards can intervene immediately to prevent further damage. In Ontario, businesses that have deployed on-site security have reported reductions in property damage and faster recovery of lost items—often cutting damage costs by up to 40%.
Evidence Collection and Support: Trained security personnel use surveillance cameras and maintain detailed incident reports, which are essential for filing insurance claims. Many Ontario insurers now offer 5–10% premium discounts to businesses that maintain robust security protocols and documented evidence of incidents.
Key Takeaway: A rapid and professional response not only curtails immediate losses but also facilitates smoother post-incident recovery, leading to long-term cost savings.
3. Lowering Insurance Premiums Through Risk Mitigation
One of the less obvious benefits of hiring professional security guards is the reduction in insurance costs. Insurers in Ontario recognize that businesses with comprehensive security measures face lower risks.
Risk Reduction: With security guards on-site, the likelihood of vandalism, theft, and even workplace violence is significantly reduced. In Ontario, this risk mitigation is reflected in lower insurance premiums—often up to 15% lower than for businesses without such measures.
Customized Security Plans: Tailored security plans that combine on-site guards with advanced surveillance technology further convince insurers of your lower risk profile. Many Ontario businesses have reported saving thousands of Canadian dollars annually on insurance costs as a direct result of enhanced security.
Key Takeaway: By reducing risks through the visible presence of trained professionals, security guards indirectly lower ongoing operational costs via discounted insurance rates.
4. Increased Employee Productivity and Customer Confidence
A safe and secure environment is vital for both employee productivity and customer satisfaction. Ontario businesses have found that when employees feel secure, their performance improves, and customers are more willing to spend money in a well-protected setting.
Boosting Morale and Productivity: Workplaces with dedicated security measures see higher employee morale and lower turnover. In Ontario, retailers have reported that improved security can boost productivity by 10–15%, as staff work with greater peace of mind.
Enhancing the Shopping Experience: Customers appreciate knowing that a business is committed to their safety. Ontario retailers using visible security measures have noted an increase in customer dwell time and spending—by an estimated 5–8%—as shoppers feel more comfortable and secure.
Key Takeaway: A secure environment translates into happier, more productive employees and more confident customers, ultimately strengthening your bottom line.
5. Long-Term Savings Through Preventative Measures
Investing in security guards is not just about reacting to incidents—it’s about preventing them. Over the long term, the savings from reduced theft, lower repair costs, and fewer liability claims can far exceed the expense of employing security personnel.
Preventative Savings: A proactive security strategy can reduce overall theft and damage costs by as much as 40–50%. For example, some Ontario retail chains that have implemented mobile patrol services across multiple locations report an overall loss reduction of nearly 35% within the first year. These savings add up over time, effectively offsetting the costs of security services.
Technology Integration: Modern security services in Ontario integrate advanced technologies such as body-worn cameras and AI-powered surveillance systems. This technology not only enhances the effectiveness of security guards but can further reduce shoplifting incidents by an additional 10–20% compared to relying solely on human presence.
Scalable Solutions: Smaller Ontario businesses can also benefit from shared security services. By pooling resources with neighboring businesses, the per-site cost of hiring a mobile patrol service can be reduced to as low as C$1,500–C$3,500 per month—substantially lower than the cost of a dedicated, full-time guard (often upwards of C$4,500 per month).
Key Takeaway: Preventative security measures protect your business in the short term and build significant long-term savings, making security an investment rather than a recurring expense.
Supporting Data and Ontario Industry Insights
To further underscore these benefits, consider these Ontario-specific insights:
Shoplifting Impact: Recent data shows Ontario’s shoplifting rate increased by about 30% in 2023, reaching approximately 395 incidents per 100,000 residents. This uptick highlights the growing challenge for local retailers and the need for robust security measures.
Insurance Discounts: Ontario businesses that implement comprehensive security protocols may see up to a 15% reduction in insurance premiums, as insurers adjust rates based on reduced risk.
Employee Productivity and Customer Spending: Surveys of Ontario retailers reveal that workplaces with dedicated security see a 10–15% boost in employee productivity and a 5–8% increase in customer spending, as consumers feel safer in a secure environment.
Cost-Effective Security Solutions: Local security companies in Ontario offer competitive pricing. For instance, mobile patrol services in the Greater Toronto Area can bring the per-site cost down to between C$1,500 and C$3,500 per month when shared among multiple businesses.
These Ontario-specific numbers illustrate how investing in professional security is not only about protecting assets—it’s about improving overall business performance and profitability.
When you weigh the benefits of employing professional security guards, the picture becomes clear: security is a strategic investment with a high return on investment (ROI). For Ontario businesses, from deterring shoplifters and reducing insurance premiums to boosting employee productivity and enhancing customer confidence, the financial benefits are compelling. We Assure Security LTD offers expert security solutions that maximize these benefits while keeping costs manageable.
Actionable Steps for Ontario Business Owners
Assess Your Security Needs: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of your premises in Ontario. Identify vulnerable areas where theft or vandalism could occur. We Assure Security LTD provides free consultations to help assess these risks.
Implement a Comprehensive Security Plan: Consider a tailored mix of on-site security personnel and integrated technology solutions. We Assure Security LTD specializes in creating custom security plans, covering everything from surveillance and rapid incident response to employee training.
Explore Shared Security Services: If you’re a small business, consider joining forces with neighboring companies to share the cost of mobile patrol services. We Assure Security LTD offers cost-effective mobile patrol solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes.
Regularly Review and Update Security Measures: The threat landscape evolves, so keep your security measures up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices. We Assure Security LTD ensures ongoing updates and improvements for optimal protection.
Leverage Data for Continuous Improvement: Use incident reports and local crime statistics to identify trends and adjust your security strategy accordingly. We Assure Security LTD utilizes data-driven insights to enhance security efficiency.
Conclusion
Hiring professional security guards is not an expense to be cut—it’s a crucial investment in the future of your Ontario business. By deterring shoplifting, rapidly responding to incidents, lowering insurance premiums, boosting productivity, and achieving long-term savings, security guards help protect both your assets and your bottom line.
In an era where retail shrink and organized retail crime are on the rise in Ontario, the proactive use of security personnel offers measurable financial benefits. With evidence showing up to a 50% reduction in theft incidents and significant savings on insurance and operational costs, investing in professional security is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.
Ready to secure your Ontario business and save money? Contact We Assure Security LTD today for a free consultation and discover how our comprehensive security solutions can protect your business while boosting your bottom line.
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