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Need help finding a security company near you?
Whether it’s for your business or an event, Yell makes it easy to hire trusted security companies near you in just a few simple steps.
Here’s how it works:
1. Enter your location to browse security company profiles or post an enquiry
2. Compare reviews and credentials to find businesses that match your needs
3. Prefer to speak directly? Call or message companies straight from their profile
Types of security services near you
1. On site security
Security companies provide trained personnel to monitor and protect premises of all kinds. On site security officers deter theft, manage access points and respond quickly to any incidents.
2. Mobile patrols
For larger sites or areas that don’t need round the clock guarding, mobile patrols offer a flexible and cost effective solution. Security officers carry out scheduled or random patrols by vehicle or on foot, checking for signs of damage, break ins or suspicious activity.
3. Alarm and CCTV monitoring
Many security companies also offer remote monitoring for alarms and CCTV systems. Their control rooms operate 24 hours a day, keeping an eye on your property when you can’t. If an alarm is triggered or unusual activity is detected, they’ll take immediate action.
What are the most common security services?
Security companies offer a wide range of services designed to keep people and property safe. Below are some of the most common services they provide.
Office security
Businesses rely on professional security to protect staff, visitors and valuable assets.
Office and commercial security officers monitor entrances, check visitor credentials and patrol premises to prevent unauthorised access or theft.
Hotel security
Hotels and hospitality venues need reliable security to keep guests and staff safe around the clock.
Security officers manage access to restricted areas, monitor CCTV and handle any incidents to minimise disruption.
Reception and front of house security
Many businesses hire security officers to provide a secure presence at reception or front of house areas.
These professionals combine customer service skills with security awareness, greeting visitors, issuing passes and managing deliveries.
Key holding and alarm response
Key holding services give property owners peace of mind outside business hours.
A security company securely stores your keys and responds to alarm activations on your behalf.
CCTV installation and monitoring
CCTV is one of the most effective ways to deter crime and keep an eye on your property.
Security companies can install, maintain and monitor camera systems tailored to your site.
Event security
Event security teams help ensure everyone stays safe.
They manage crowd control, check tickets or passes, monitor entry points and respond swiftly to any incidents.
How to find the best local security companies
Finding the right security company for your needs can be challenging. Here are four key factors to keep in mind to help you choose a reliable and trustworthy business:
Licensing and compliance
Treat licensing as a non-negotiable check when choosing local security companies. Confirm that staff hold valid SIA licences and ask for evidence where needed. Proper licensing helps ensure legal compliance and professional standards.
Service capability
Check service capability early when comparing local security companies. Ask what types of sites or events they typically cover and how services are delivered. Clear capability helps ensure the approach fits your requirements.
Training and standards
High training standards are a strong indicator of quality in local security companies. Ask how staff are trained, supervised and assessed, and request details where needed. Strong internal standards usually reflect more reliable service.
Reputation or reviews
Read recent reviews before shortlisting local security companies. Look for comments on professionalism, communication and reliability. Consistent feedback will give you a clearer picture than ratings alone.
What questions should I ask before hiring a security company?
Are your staff SIA licensed? Ask for proof of licensing and check it covers the type of security you need, whether that’s events, retail, or CCTV monitoring.
Do you have experience with my type of site or event? A company with relevant experience is more likely to understand the risks and handle situations effectively.
Can you provide a written quote with a full breakdown? Ask for a clear quote that includes staffing, equipment, VAT, and any additional charges so you can compare providers fairly.
How are your staff trained and supervised? It’s worth checking what training staff receive and how they are monitored during shifts, especially for high-risk environments.
What happens if a guard is unavailable? Make sure the company has a plan in place to cover absences so your site or event remains protected.
Top frequently asked questions about security companies
For routine site cover, one to two weeks is often enough to arrange staffing and a site familiarisation.
For larger events, seasonal peaks or high risk assignments, booking as early as you can gives the company time to plan shifts, carry out risk assessments and coordinate with the venue. Short notice requests are sometimes possible, but availability may be limited and prices can be higher.
Pro tip: Are you also considering installing cameras at home? Check out our guide to learn how to install security cameras.
This depends on the size and layout of your site, the number of people on site and your risk profile.
A professional company will assess entry points, blind spots and peak times before recommending a team size. You may need a mix of roles such as a reception officer, a patrol officer and a supervisor, or you might add mobile patrols during quiet hours.
For events, headcount is influenced by expected attendance, alcohol service, crowd flow and emergency planning. Ask for a written rationale so you understand how the numbers were calculated.
The company stores a secure set of your keys and acts as the first responder if your alarm activates.
An officer will attend, check the perimeter and interior, reset systems where appropriate and liaise with emergency services if there are signs of a break in or damage. You should receive a written incident report with arrival times, findings and any follow up actions required.
Pro tip: Heading away from home and not sure your property will be safe? Read our article to discover expert security tips.
Installation covers the design of the system, camera placement, recording equipment, network setup and ongoing maintenance.
Monitoring means trained operators watch live feeds or alerts and take action when something unusual is detected.
Some companies provide both services in house, while others install and partner with a dedicated monitoring centre. Ask about retention periods, fault reporting and how incidents are escalated during the night.
Pro tip: Want to install CCTV cameras but not sure about the costs? Check out our guide to learn about prices and the key factors to consider.
Yes. Many providers offer flexible cover during office hours, evenings, weekends and throughout the night. If you need twenty four hour protection, ask how shifts are structured, how handovers are recorded and whether there is a roaming supervisor to support the team.
Reliable firms will explain their contingency plans for illness or absence so you are never left without cover.
They can be, and they are very effective in many settings. A reception officer provides a welcoming presence while managing access control, visitor passes, deliveries and basic safety checks.
The role often includes monitoring lobby cameras and raising alerts if anything looks unusual. It suits offices, hotels and multi tenant buildings that want service and security at the main entrance.