Warehouse Security: Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Distribution centres in Canada handle goods and products integral to keeping the supply chain of products moving. From 2015 to 2020, Canada’s warehouse industry grew from a GDP of $2.5 billion to over $4 billion, a value which has only continued to increase. With the prices of products rising in recent years, it’s now more important than ever for businesses to invest in warehouse and distribution centre security. Today, we’re covering the questions we receive most frequently from prospective warehouse security clients. 

How Many Security Guards Do I Need For My Warehouse Or Distribution Centre?

Warehouse security is not one-size-fits-all, and each individual warehouse has different factors that affect the number of security guards needed. Here’s an overview of the key elements that will impact how many security guards your warehouse requires:

1. Site Size and Layout

Larger warehouses require a larger security presence than smaller ones due to the increased area that needs to be monitored and secured. Factors to consider are the number of access points, the number of loading docks, and the square footage of both the warehouse and the exterior site property.

2. Hours of Operation

Warehouses that operate around the clock or outside of standard business hours, such as night shifts, require continuous coverage to safeguard against potential threats and vulnerabilities. However, warehouses that are closed overnight can also benefit from additional security provided through mobile patrols.

3. Level of Activity

Potential criminals may take advantage of a warehouse’s peak hours to commit crimes. Busier warehouses that receive frequent shipments and deliveries, or personnel movement, require heightened security measures and more security guards to maintain control and deter theft and trespassing. To reduce opportunities for theft, warehouses must have enough security personnel on hand to adequately monitor the site during its busiest hours.

4. Security Risks and Vulnerabilities

The safety of the neighbourhood where the warehouse is located should be taken into consideration when hiring warehouse security. Warehouses within neighbourhoods with a higher crime rate should invest in more robust security measures. Additional risks, such as a lack of perimeter security or any vulnerabilities found during a security audit, can increase the need for extra security personnel to mitigate risks effectively.

5. Value of Inventory Stored

Warehouses that handle high-value inventory, such as electronics, luxury items, or cars, should invest in additional security personnel to ensure adequate protection. High-value inventory warehouses are often targets of employee theft, so ensuring that employee bags are checked after shifts and that security guards can monitor employees during shifts is critical.

What Types of Security Guards Oversee Warehouses?

Warehouses typically employ a variety of specialized security personnel to maintain optimal security. Here’s an overview:

Front Desk Security Guards

Front desk security guards control and monitor visitor access. They log all incoming and outgoing visitors and delivery people, verify identification, and ensure that only authorized personnel enter the premises. They also provide directions to visitors and delivery people or, if needed, an escort. Front desk security guards also perform bag checks to prevent inventory theft, and monitor live CCTV camera footage during their shift.

Depending on the level of traffic a warehouse experiences, warehouses typically employ 1-2 front desk security guards.

Warehouse Patrol Security Guards 

Security guards patrolling in uniform provide a visible deterrent factor and act as frontline support in cases of security incidents. They patrol key areas within the warehouse, enforce security protocols, conduct regular perimeter patrols, and respond swiftly to incidents or alarms. Uniformed security guards also supervise truck loading and continually assess the security of any access points and loading bays throughout the facility.

For effective coverage, the number of uniformed security guards typically varies according to warehouse size and traffic levels. Smaller warehouses typically require 2-3 guards, while medium-sized facilities may need 3-4 guards. Larger warehouses or those with high traffic often employ 4-6 guards to ensure adequate security coverage.

Gatehouse Security Guards 

Gatehouse security guards stationed at entry points monitor vehicle traffic and conduct thorough checks of incoming and outgoing vehicles. They verify shipments, inspect identification, and enforce access control measures to prevent unauthorized entry.

Warehouses typically only require one gatehouse security guard.

Mobile Patrol Security Guards 

Mobile security guards conduct patrols in a marked security vehicle equipped with flashing overhead lights. These patrols can be scheduled 24/7, making them an excellent option for warehouses that don’t require a full-time overnight security presence, but could benefit from added nighttime protection and alarm response.

Mobile patrols are an effective deterrent. Patrols can be scheduled on a random basis, making it difficult for thieves to commit the large-scale thefts that are most damaging to warehouses. Should an alarm be triggered during hours of coverage, the Blackbird Security 24/7 Control Centre team will deploy the nearest mobile security guard to assess the situation and take action.

How Can I Minimize Theft at My Warehouse? 

There are multiple kinds of theft that affect warehouses, each requiring a slightly different strategic approach. Here are our recommendations:

Organized Crime

A fast-growing problem across all levels of the retail supply chain, organized crime involves groups of criminals performing highly coordinated thefts with the aim of selling the stolen goods. Warehouses are prime targets for organized crime due to the volume of valuable goods stored on-premises.

Solution: Security guards regularly and visibly patrolling premises during off-hours will dissuade organized criminals, who are less likely to steal from targets that aren’t “easy marks.” Additionally, tactical security guards provide an additional layer of security coverage and deterrence thanks to their heavy-duty uniforms and gear, combined with their advanced training in the use of force.  

Visitor and Employee Theft

Typically crimes of opportunity, visitor thefts may be committed by anyone visiting a warehouse including cargo drivers. Employee theft, on the other hand, is the most common form of theft that affects warehouses. Thefts committed by employees are most likely to occur in working environments that see a high employee turnover rate. 

Solution: Conducting bag checks whenever staff members or visitors leave the premises is an effective way to minimize theft by both visitors and employees.  

Overnight Theft

Warehouses can often be a target for overnight thefts outside of business hours. Potential thieves may take advantage of staff absences to commit crimes under the cover of darkness. 

Solution: An overnight security guard presence is the most effective way to prevent theft during off-hours. However, for warehouses that don’t require a static overnight presence, mobile patrol security is an effective alternative. 

Do My Facilities Need 24/7 Warehouse Security?

Having a 24/7 on-site security guard presence helps to deter both external and internal theft. With constant monitoring, security guards can respond quickly to suspicious activity and ensure valuable inventory stays secure and safeguarded. A visible uniformed security presence alone can act as a powerful deterrent against potential theft, communicating to criminals that a site is well-guarded. 

A 24/7 warehouse security team trained in emergency response protocols ensures that any potential hazards are quickly identified and reported. Security guards perform regular patrols and inspections, checking for fire hazards or safety violations. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or injury, they are prepared to respond immediately and coordinate with emergency services, mitigating damage, ensuring the safety of staff, and minimizing inventory losses. 

When they close for the evening, warehouses and distribution centres become prime targets for vandalism and break-ins, especially when they are located in remote areas. With a round-the-clock warehouse security presence, your facility remains protected at all hours, including off-hours. Security guards can conduct continuous perimeter checks, monitor cameras, and respond promptly to suspicious activity, thereby preventing damage to property and inventory.

Case Study: Securing H&M’s Ajax Warehouse

H&M, one of the world's leading fashion retailers, consolidated its warehouses in Brampton, Ontario, and Delta, British Columbia, into a single massive facility located in Ajax, Ontario. This move aimed to better serve their Canadian clientele, creating a more efficient distribution network.

Our team is honoured to partner with H&M in securing this new facility, in addition to securing their retail stores. Blackbird Security has proudly provided H&M’s retail stores with dedicated retail security services, including loss prevention, tactical security guards, and standard security guards. 

At H&M’s new warehouse, we provide a number of tailored security solutions, including foot patrol, uniformed security, and front desk services.

Partner With Canada’s Best Warehouse Security Company

We’re proud to partner with several warehouse security companies across Canada, including Speedy Transport and Best Buy, in addition to H&M, providing gold-standard warehouse and distribution centre security services to help our clients focus on their businesses. 

Looking for a tailored answer to any of these questions? Have a warehouse security question that wasn’t covered here? Contact us, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss.