When it comes to protecting your business in Melbourne, choosing between mobile patrols and stationary guards depends largely on the specific needs of your business and the nature of your property. Both mobile patrols and stationary guards have their advantages and limitations, making them suitable for different types of businesses. 

Mobile Patrols: Pros and Cons 

Advantages: 

Mobile patrols involve security personnel who move from one location to another, either on foot or in vehicles, covering a wider area. This flexibility makes them ideal for large properties like industrial estates, warehouses and shopping centres where constant movement is essential. Mobile patrols offer a deterrent to potential criminals due to their unpredictability, as they cover multiple points of entry and exit at irregular intervals. 

Mobile patrols can also respond quickly to alarms, emergencies, or suspicious activities. This dynamic approach allows businesses to maintain security across multiple locations without the need for multiple stationary guards. 

Disadvantages: 

While mobile patrols cover more ground, they may not provide continuous protection in one specific area. There could be windows of vulnerability in locations they aren’t actively patrolling, making them less effective for businesses that require constant surveillance. Additionally, mobile patrols may not always detect slow-developing issues such as internal theft, since their focus is on rapid-response scenarios. 

Stationary Guards: Pros and Cons 

Advantages: 

Stationary guards provide a constant security presence in one location, making them ideal for businesses such as banks, jewellery stores and corporate offices, where high-value assets or sensitive data need continuous monitoring. Their visibility is a powerful deterrent, reassuring employees and customers alike. 

Because they stay in one spot, stationary guards are well-suited for monitoring high-traffic areas like building entrances or access points. They are also able to handle visitor management and ensure authorised personnel are the only ones gaining access. 

Disadvantages: 

The main downside of stationary guards is that they are limited to their assigned location, which may leave other parts of the business vulnerable. For businesses with large premises or multiple entry points, multiple guards may be required, increasing the cost. 

Which Option is Right for You? 

For large businesses with sprawling premises or those with multiple locations, mobile patrols offer flexible and cost-effective security. On the other hand, stationary guards provide continuous surveillance and are the better choice for smaller, high-risk businesses that require focused protection at one specific point. 

In some cases, a combination of both mobile patrols and stationary guards can provide the best solution, offering wide-ranging coverage and continuous protection for Melbourne businesses.