The level of professionalism displayed by the Vigilant team during our peak season was unparalleled. Truly elite service.
Why Businesses Need Security Guards in London
Busy streets, late trading hours and a constant flow of visitors, contractors and deliveries make it hard to control who enters a London building. Shoplifting, out-of-hours break-ins, trespass on building sites and antisocial behaviour around entrances are everyday concerns for businesses across the capital.
Cameras and alarms record what happens, but a trained officer can stop a problem as it starts, deal with people face to face and give staff and visitors confidence. Guards supported by monitored technology give the strongest protection.
Types of Security Guards We Provide
Every site is different, so we match the type of officer to your risk, hours and budget.
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Static Security Guards
Officers stationed at one site for agreed hours, day or night, to control access, patrol the premises and deal with incidents as they happen. Find out more about our static security guards.
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Manned Guarding for Commercial Buildings
Manned guarding in London for offices and commercial premises, with uniformed officers who manage entrances, check visitors and contractors, and lock up at the end of the day.
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Mobile Patrols
Scheduled and random visits for sites that do not need a full-time guard, including lock and unlock checks and alarm attendance. See how our mobile security patrols work.
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Door Supervisors
SIA-licensed door supervisors for bars, clubs, restaurants and late-night venues, managing entry, queues and customer safety.
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Event Security Guards
Licensed officers for corporate events, private functions and exhibitions, covering entry checks, crowd management and stewarding. Learn more about our event security in London.
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Keyholding and Alarm Response
Secure key storage and an officer sent to your premises when an alarm activates, so you do not have to attend at night. Read about our keyholding services.
SECTORS WE PROTECT
London Offices, Shops and Sites We Protect
From the City to the industrial estates of West London, our officers are briefed on the risks of each type of site before their first shift.
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Corporate SecurityOffices and Corporate Buildings
Office buildings in the City, Canary Wharf, the West End and business parks across London need controlled entrances and a professional first impression. Our officers check visitors and contractors, monitor entrances and secure the building out of hours as part of our corporate security services.
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Retail SecurityRetail Stores and Shopping Centres
Uniformed officers deter shoplifting and antisocial behaviour on high streets, in shopping centres and on retail parks. They record every incident and support police investigations with evidence. See our retail security guards.
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Site SecurityConstruction Sites
Building sites across the capital face theft of tools, plant and materials, and trespass after working hours. Guards control site access and protect the site overnight and at weekends with our construction site security.
- 01Student Security
Student Accommodation
Concierge and night patrol officers for university halls and purpose-built student accommodation across London. More on student accommodation security.
- 02Vacant Property
Empty and Vacant Buildings
Guards and inspection visits for vacant offices, shops and buildings awaiting redevelopment. More on vacant property security.
- 03Industrial Security
Warehouses and Industrial Estates
Access control at gates, yard checks and perimeter patrols for warehouses and units on London's industrial estates, including Park Royal.
How We Set Up Guarding for Your Site
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Site Survey
We visit your premises, look at entrances, boundaries and local risk, and discuss your hours and concerns.
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Security Proposal
We recommend the number of guards, shift pattern and duties, and confirm the price in writing.
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Officer Selection
We choose SIA-licensed officers whose experience suits your type of site.
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Briefing and Start
Officers are briefed on your site, contacts and emergency procedures, then begin on the agreed date.
Before guarding starts, we agree written assignment instructions that set out exactly what your guards do on each shift, so the service stays consistent even when a different officer is on duty.
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Ongoing Review
We review the service with you and adjust hours, duties or the number of officers as your needs change.
Officer Briefing Why Choose Vigilant in London
When comparing security guard companies in London, these are the points that matter most, and how we meet them.
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Licensed and Screened Officers
Every guard should hold a valid SIA licence, which you can check on the SIA's public register of licence holders. All our officers are SIA-licensed and screened to BS 7858, the British Standard for vetting security staff.
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A Team Based in London
Our head office is in North West London, so site surveys, officer briefings and account support are handled locally rather than from another region.
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Clear Instructions and Reporting
Your guards work to agreed written instructions, and every incident is recorded and reported to you. Our own 24/7 alarm receiving centre supports officers on shift and also monitors alarms and cameras.
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Fair Pay for Officers
Many London organisations ask contractors to pay the London Living Wage. Vigilant is a Living Wage Employer, which helps us keep experienced officers on your site.
Areas of London We Cover
Our security guard services in London cover Central, North, East, South and West London and the wider Greater London area, from the City and Canary Wharf to Westminster, Stratford, Croydon and Wembley. Our office at AMC Business Centre, 12 Cumberland Avenue, London NW10 7QL, is the base for our London guarding team.
For businesses outside the capital, our manned guarding services cover sites throughout England, Scotland and Wales. See all our security services in London.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Guarding for Managers, Retailers and Developers
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Facilities and Office Managers
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One point of contact for guarding and reporting
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Cover adjusted as your building's needs change
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Retailers
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A visible deterrent on the shop floor
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Support for staff dealing with difficult customers
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Property Owners and Managing Agents
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Guarding for occupied and vacant buildings
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One provider across several London properties
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Contractors and Developers
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Sites protected outside working hours
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Access controlled for workers and deliveries
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PRICING FACTORS
What Affects the Price of Security Guards
Every site is different, so we quote after a survey rather than with a fixed rate.
Hours and Cover
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Hours per day or week
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Day, night or weekend shifts
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Number of guards
Site and Risk
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Type and size of premises
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Number of entrances
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Local risk level
Duties and Contract
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Duties required on each shift
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Length of the contract
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Pay requirements such as the London Living Wage
Our Security Accreditations
& Industry Commitments
As a fully accredited security services UK provider, our certifications are independently verifiable and not self-declared. These accreditations give our clients complete faith in us when choosing Vigilant
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SIA licence does a security guard need?
A guard protecting premises needs an SIA Security Guarding licence, while officers controlling entry to licensed venues such as pubs and clubs need a Door Supervision licence. A door supervision licence also covers guarding work. Every officer we place holds the correct licence for the role.
Do you cover all areas of London?
Yes. We provide security guards across Central, North, East, South and West London and the wider Greater London area. Our office is in North West London (NW10), and our wider team covers sites throughout the UK.
Can I hire security guards for a short-term contract?
Yes. As well as ongoing contracts, we provide guards for temporary needs such as building works, empty properties, store refits and one-off events. Tell us the dates and hours, and we will confirm availability and send a quote.
How many security guards does my site need?
It depends on the size of the site, the number of entrances, footfall and the hours you need covered. A small office may need one officer during the day, while a large or 24-hour site needs several officers working in shifts. We confirm the right number after a site survey.
What duties can a security guard carry out on my site?
Duties can include controlling access, checking visitors and contractors, patrolling the premises, watching CCTV, opening and locking up, responding to alarms and writing incident reports. We agree the exact duties with you in writing before guarding starts.
Need Security Guards in London?
Tell us about your site, the hours you need covered and any concerns, and we will arrange a site survey and a clear quote.