Outdoor shopping centers are huge, consisting of many different stores, corridors, and outdoor spaces. Because of their size and unique layout, outdoor shopping centers have specialized security needs. It can be difficult to cover all of the ground in an outdoor shopping center while making sure that each store is properly monitored and protected. One of the best ways to address these needs is to hire security officers to patrol the area. Security officers can provide the protection an outdoor shopping center needs while monitoring the stores as well as outdoor areas. Read below to learn how security officers can help protect outdoor shopping areas.
1. Cover All Ground
One of the biggest security challenges outdoor shopping centers face is covering every part of the property. With so many different entrances, corridors, stores, and places to hide, it can be difficult to ensure that every area is properly monitored. Security officers can be very helpful for this problem because they are mobile. When you hire security officers, they will patrol the property. Between security officers posted at key points and security officers conducting mobile patrols, you can be sure that the whole area of an outdoor shopping center is covered.
2. Deter Shoplifters
When security officers patrol outdoor shopping centers and are posted in vulnerable areas, they are highly visible to patrons. When patrons can see security officers, they will be less likely to shoplift from stores in the shopping center out of fear of getting caught. Maintaining a visible security officer presence is the best way to deter shoplifters within outdoor shopping centers.
3. Control Crowds
Outdoor shopping centers are prone to big crowds because they are not in confined spaces and typically have many attractive stores. Especially during big sales, these crowds can pose serious security risks. When you hire security officers at these outdoor shopping centers, you can feel confident that crowds will not get out of control. In addition to being trained in crowd control, security officers will be able to provide clear instructions to ensure everyone ends up in the right place. They can keep crowds organized and make sure that they never get out of control.
4. Stop Crime
Outdoor shopping centers are vulnerable to theft in individual stores, vandalism in the outdoor areas, trespassing, and other crimes. When the presence of security officers is not enough to deter people from committing these crimes, the officers can stop criminals in their tracks. They will often be able to stop criminals in the act. When shoplifters or other criminals get away, security officers will easily be able to catch them. Even when a criminal runs, there will be enough security officers around the complex, all in communication with one another, to make sure that he or she does not get away.
5. Emergency Response
In the event of emergency, whether it be a natural disaster, power outage, fire, or other issue, those in charge of outdoor shopping centers will be happy to have security officers present. They are trained to remain calm and react appropriately to emergency situations. These characteristics are especially important in outdoor shopping centers, where large crowds can lead to panic. Security officers can provide clear instructions to workers and patrons and make sure that everyone stays safe. In the event of an emergency, security officers are the best way to keep everyone safe and secure.
6. Additional Customer Service
In big outdoor shopping centers, people often get lost and will have questions. When wandering in outdoor areas, the workers inside stores are not easily accessible to patrons to answer questions. However, patrons will feel comfortable coming up to people in uniform and can ask security officers questions where store workers are unavailable. Security officers can provide directions to patrons and assist them with whatever they might need, adding an extra layer of customer service and a more enjoyable experience for all patrons.
USI Security | Security Officer Training and Staffing
For the past 26 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. As engaged owner-operators, our investment begins with recruitment and screening to ensure we have the right people and continues through our policies and practices that enable USI to properly train and retain the best personnel.
USI is engaged in supporting your security and business by developing customized security solutions that support your objectives while cost-effectively minimizing risk. Clients receive continuous support from a highly responsive team of professionals including owners, management, field supervisors and officers. Our commitment to quality includes field inspections and audits, as well as investments in innovative solutions for continuous training and compliance.
