Recently, there has been an increase in concerns about shopping mall security due to a 133% increase in shoplifting and a 23% increase in auto theft in Los Angeles, as well as other crimes occurring at these locations. Usually, the security at a shopping mall is minimal, consisting of lower-level unarmed security personnel being paid minimum wage, primarily to fulfill a liability requirement with their insurance policy. Often, this type of security consists of unarmed guards who cannot take any action and cannot prevent or intervene in criminal activity. Their only training and duty are to observe and report, which means if they see a crime happening, they will call the police.
While these guards can be helpful in some situations, they often do little to deter or stop crime. Most criminals now understand that these unarmed guards cannot stop them, which emboldens them to carry out thefts and antisocial behavior.
Private Security Options
WPG recommends private security as an additional security feature within shopping malls and other large public venues and spaces. This is because crime is on the rise, and members of the public can no longer rely on police response to catch criminals. Shopping malls can be particularly vulnerable to crime due to their expansive parking lots and complexes, which can be difficult to patrol. Criminals can quickly go on a spree, breaking into vehicles and stealing valuable items, often things people have just purchased. Not only does this hurt the theft victims, but it also hurts the businesses operating within the malls because people become much less likely to return and shop there again.
Security in the Sky
In traditional security, there are three rings of protection: the outer, middle, and inner rings, which are designed to protect the ground. However, WPG also has a valuable fourth ring of security: the sky. This is patrolled using high-tech drones that complement on-the-ground security and protection.
Drones are exceptional tools in the security industry. They can quickly cover a vast amount of space and thoroughly check on activity within the area to ensure that no criminal behavior occurs. Taking the example of a mall parking lot, the drone can be programmed to patrol the area at regular intervals and take photos and live video footage while it flies. With the highest quality drones, these images can zoom in very close to capture license plate numbers and accurately capture any criminals, ensuring they are identifiable. These images and videos are streamed back to the command center or control room, where onsite security can monitor closely to see if any activity needs to be stopped.
The combination of drones and on-the-ground agents ensures efficient responses to crime. Drones are also intimidating to criminals because they know they are being watched and recorded. Often, this is enough to deter the crime from happening in the first place.
Using Drones in All Security Situations
Drones can and should be utilized in nearly every security situation. Like shopping malls, they are valuable for other large venues and events, private residences, and even monitoring dangerous individuals.
Drones come with a wide range of valuable security features that can be used to increase safety across these spaces. Alongside the excellent photography and video footage that can be captured, they also can come with infrared technology and night vision so that intruders can be spotted no matter the time of day or if they are hiding somewhere. Drones can also come with speakers and spotlights, which can be particularly intimidating and will alert the criminal that they have been spotted, must leave the premises immediately, and that the police are on the way.
Drones can also perform benefit-risk assessments by flying across the entire property or event space and taking stock of the layout. This is very useful for the security team that wants to identify any potential weaknesses in the security or perimeter. New technology can use the footage collected from the drone to create a 3D rendering of the estate, making it easier for the team to plan for threats and how best to protect the entire space.
Drone Security For Shopping Malls
A well-rounded security team will utilize all types of technology and stay at the cutting edge of the industry. This means accounting for all four rings of protection and keeping clients and the public safe in every way. Drones are a perfect option for shopping malls because they are incredibly efficient and the easiest way to monitor the entire property, which is often too big for a few security guards to protect. People will feel safer visiting the mall, which means increased visitors and better business outcomes, creating the best security solution for everyone involved.
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