The ROI of visible security: Why patrol presence matters more than ever

Security is most effective when it’s proactive. Condo communities are very aware of this, which is why so many value access control systems and surveillance cameras.

Moreover, board members and property managers have an obligation to take reasonable steps to protect residents and property. While individual units are not often targeted, there has been a spike in organized thefts of bikes, vehicles and parcels/mail.

Losing a package is frustrating. Losing a vehicle can be devastating. Regardless of what was stolen, management is going to hear about the issue, and more complaints lead to more work. Furthermore, if the building gets a reputation for being unsafe, prospective buyers are going to look elsewhere.  

    

Table of contents

• The importance of prioritizing physical security
• A physical security presence helps to reduce liability
• A physical security presence can boost confidence and residents’ perception of safety
• A physical security presence can mitigate rising insurance costs

    

The importance of prioritizing physical security

Having a security team on site can reduce or eliminate these types of crimes, however, budgets are getting tighter, causing some condo communities to make tough decisions.  

Cutting patrols may bring short-term financial relief, but can also increase long-term costs. Strategic patrols reduce liability, boost resident confidence, and keep insurance premiums in check.

Read on to find out why having a physical security presence is worth the investment.  

    

A physical security presence helps to reduce liability

A major source of liability for condo corporations arises when security risk is not managed and residents or third parties are injured, or property is damaged.

If the community is seen to have been negligent, someone could take the corporation to court.  

By having a dedicated security team in place, it would be much harder to argue that a community did not take proactive measures to manage security risks.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, facilities with an active security presence experience up to 20% fewer incidents of theft and vandalism. That’s because criminal behaviour thrives in environments where bad actors feel unseen. By employing security personnel, that sense of anonymity is taken away. 

Even though a lot of evidence about the effectiveness of physical security patrols is from public policing rather than private residential buildings, the deterrence principle remains. Having a visible presence of trained security personnel increases the perceived risk of detection to criminals.

In addition to having professionals available to deter or stop criminals, the condo will also have proof that it has been proactive about safety.

Documented patrols, incident reports, and security logs strengthen the case that the community has taken reasonable steps to ensure safety, which is often critical in defending against negligence claims.

Patrol Points’ intuitive guard patrol system standardizes security procedures and documentation, resulting in safer environments and more productive staff. Patrols can be created ahead of time, and security simply has to scan a discreet tag using the app and their smartphone.

If something comes up mid-patrol and a security guard is unable to apprehend a thief, they can document the incident at a checkpoint, and attach photos to create a detailed report. Management can view the report as soon as it is uploaded to the system.

By allowing information to flow quickly, serious problems can be addressed immediately.

    

A physical security presence can boost confidence and residents’ perception of safety

Condos are thought to be safer than single-family homes. Houses are more vulnerable to break-ins, especially in quiet, low-traffic areas. Thieves try to get inside homes to steal valuable items or car keys.

Individual condo units are rarely targeted because the neighbours can hear everything. But, there are more assets available in one condensed place, making condo communities a great place to steal equipment, items from storage lockers, or vehicles.   

If the building is in a busy urban area, people may sneak into sheltered stairwells to engage in illegal activities. While they don’t intend to harm residents, it can still make them feel unsafe.

The visible presence of patrol guards does more than reduce incidents – it can shape how residents feel about living in their community.

If they see a person who could cause harm to another individual, or to the property, they know that they can report the issue to the security professional and the matter will be addressed right away.   

Stronger resident confidence means fewer complaints, higher resident satisfaction, and less turnover.  All of this supports high property values and a strong building reputation.

    

A physical security presence can mitigate rising insurance costs

Insurance companies assess risk, and the presence of a strong, multilayered security system can position a condominium as a lower risk.

For insurers, a property with trustworthy security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and guard patrol, represents a lower risk of claims due to theft, damage, or trespassing.

The presence of professional security personnel can be a big advantage because:

• Security guards deter criminals and bad behaviour
• Guards can actually respond to criminal activity and potentially stop an issue before it escalates to a major claim. Even smart surveillance cameras can’t do that
• Routine patrols not only safeguard the premises but also ensure suspicious activity is detected and addressed
• Good documentation of incidents or suspicious activity can provide critical evidence for claims and aid insurers in their risk assessment

Just how much could a corporation save on insurance with a patrol team? While it’s difficult to give an exact figure, it could potentially see premium reductions of up to 10% – 20%. That’s not insignificant.

    

Conclusion

Well-planned patrol coverage often pays for itself. By reducing risk, improving community trust, and offsetting insurance premiums, investing in physical security makes good financial sense.

It’s estimated that most condominium buildings spend between $3,000–$10,000 per month on security teams, depending on hours, guard type, and tech infrastructure. In buildings with low foot traffic, mobile patrols, as opposed to concierge staff, or both, may be a more affordable option.

Condos can also hire staff for specific times, such as overnight, to save money without compromising safety.

There is more than one way to implement an effective security solution. If you need more assistance or want to measure the strength of your current security plan, start by hiring a team to conduct a security assessment.