Beyond doors and cameras: 5 physical security gaps that get overlooked
Date: Oct-09-2025
No matter what type of building you care for, security remains a top priority. That is precisely why newer commercial and residential buildings use access control solutions and surveillance cameras.
However, blind spots may still exist, and these are the places where crime and vandalism occur most often.
Common physical security gaps
- Dimly lit walkways, parking lots, and outdoor spaces
- Service entrances, loading docks and maintenance corridors
- Amenity spaces during off-hours
- Vendor and visitor access control
- Incident reporting and follow-through gaps
Security patrols are the human layer of security that turns a largely static security system into an active one.
Below are five common gaps that often get overlooked. In most cases, having security staff on site can minimize or eliminate these gaps.
Common physical security gaps
1. Dimly lit walkways, parking lots, and outdoor spaces
Some studies have reported that having well-lit outdoor spaces, such as walkways and parks, could actually increase crime levels because it encourages more people to be in those areas, creating more opportunities for crimes.
Conversely, people who need to access those spaces feel less safe if the lighting is poor.
While there is evidence to support both sides, it is clear that poorly lit public spaces can create safety hazards.
Not only could someone trip or fall, but surveillance cameras that overlook the area may be less effective due to inadequate or broken lighting.
How a patrol team can help
Security guards can report outages or malfunctioning lights in real time as they conduct scheduled patrols, ensuring property managers fix lighting issues quickly before incidents happen.
You can even ask patrol teams to check lighting as part of their patrol tasks. With a system like Patrol Points, guards can share photos, add notes, or create an incident report at any checkpoint, directly from their phone, and management will be notified of incidents as soon as they are uploaded to the system.
Bonus: Some best practices for external lighting
Not all lighting is equal. Many thorough studies have been completed to figure out what types of lighting work best to reduce glare and light trespass. Here are some recommendations:
- Shield light-emitting surfaces from direct view to reduce glare
- Eliminate direct upward light
- Spill light reaches beyond areas that need to be lit for safety and security reasons. Reduce it where possible
- Use an appropriate colour temperature to the context of its application
- Select fixtures that have the Dark Sky Fixture Seal of Approval
2. Service entrances, loading docks and maintenance corridors
These “back-of-house” areas are often unmonitored, yet they provide easy access to a building. Doors that are usually locked may be propped open during a move or maintenance.
If someone knows where to look, they can slip through these less conspicuous entrances unnoticed.
How a patrol team can help
Routine patrols prompt a security professional to check door integrity, ensure locks latch, and flag unauthorized use.
Scannable checkpoints should be placed in these areas to ensure that they are checked daily.
3. Amenity spaces during off-hours
After work and during the weekend, pools, gyms and game rooms are buzzing with people. If someone tries to do something that violates the rules, or puts another person in harm’s way, there are multiple witnesses available to make a report.
But, after 9 pm, or very early in the morning, these spaces see less foot traffic, creating opportunities for unsafe or unsanctioned behaviours.
Most amenities now have fob systems that prevent unauthorized people from entering between certain times, but there are still ways to get around this. Furthermore, some communities give residents 24/7 access to amenities like the gym.
How a patrol team can help
Structured patrols will lead security guards to amenity spaces so that they can do a thorough check for unauthorized use of open spaces, enforce posted hours, and ensure doors/gates are locked.
If possible, schedule patrols immediately after closing time.
4. Vendor and visitor access control
This is a tough one because even with access control solutions, it is nearly impossible to completely prevent tailgating.
Management doesn’t want to make it too hard for visitors and vendors to gain entry, but without security or concierge monitoring front entrances and surveillance cameras within the building, properties are exposed to potential theft or vandalism incidents.
How a patrol team can help
Security or concierge personnel can confirm visitor credentials, check ID against work orders, and escort vendors if needed.
They can also contact companies or residents within the building to confirm if they are expecting a guest.
Finally, they can flag down people who try to sneak in through the door without using a FOB or buzzing someone in the building. It’s not a perfect system, but having someone at the front of the building does minimize unauthorized entries.
5. Incident reporting and follow-through gaps
While this isn’t a traditional security gap, failure to report or share critical information with the right people can lead to prolonged or compounded security issues.
The failure for important information to flow to the right people often occurs because records are made on paper. It’s all too easy for a sheet to get lost or destroyed, especially when people are working in shifts.
Mistakes happen; however, in rare but serious cases, a simple mistake could have costly consequences. Lack of reporting can lead to liability accusations.
How a patrol team can help
In this situation, equipping your patrol team with digital security tools can help resolve issues related to reporting and follow-ups.
By transferring data and forms online, they become far easier to complete, share and archive. Several software solutions allow you to set up notifications so that the right person is alerted as soon as an incident is logged.
Management has access to a complete list of open and closed incident reports so that they can easily see what items still need attention.
Plus, having a mobile app available ensures that security staff can log everything, even minor incidents, in the system while on the go. This helps prevent small issues from morphing into big problems.
Encourage patrol teams to attach photos or videos to create detailed records. These items may come in handy if a matter is ever brought before a judge.
Conclusion
Security is all about layers. Access control systems and cameras form a strong baseline, but structured patrols close the gaps. Only people can act when they see something unfolding. As such, it is important to have people and technology working together to fortify security within your property and reduce risk and liability.