When it comes to protecting a commercial and industrial property, mobile patrols are easily one of the most effective and visible deterrents available. Once you’ve decided that a mobile patrol security service is the best solution, the next question is- should it be a random patrol or  a scheduled route?

Of course, the best approach between these two alternatives depends on the nature of the property, any specific risks you face, and what you ultimately want to achieve with your mobile security patrol service.

At YPG Risk, our mobile patrols in Melbourne are tailored to the unique needs of each client. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for all of our clients and doesn’t provide the best protection your property deserves.

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between random and scheduled mobile security patrols, the advantages and limitations of each, and how to determine which strategy is the right fit for your situation.

Mobile Patrols vs. Static Guards

Before we start looking at random versus regular mobile patrols, we wanted to look at mobile patrols versus static guards. Generally mobile patrols are more cost effective. They can cover more ground and more properties and have a quicker response time when an alarm goes off.

On-site guards do have a strong visible presence, however they’re in the same location and can only respond at the speed of their fastest runner.

What is a Random Mobile Patrol?

This type of mobile patrol is where a YPG Risk trained security officer drives around in our marked vehicles. They visit properties, commercial and industrial estates at random times of the day and night, to perform site checks and inspections. The random nature of the inspections makes it difficult for potential intruders to know when security will be on site. As such, the potential of discovering illegal activity is high.

Clearly marked security vehicles provide a good visual deterrence against potential wrong-doers. Potential offenders would learn to avoid the areas because at any time, a security car will turn up.

Often the random nature of mobile patrols allows for rapid response to alarms, often arriving on scene quicker than police. Detailed reports can be produced with GPS information, time stamped reports and more.

There is a lot of flexibility in random mobile patrols. We can tailor more visits during high-risk hours, such as night time or weekends. Random patrols are also proactive rather than reactive. They can identify risks and hazards and potentially prevent any breach of security before they happen.

What is a Scheduled Mobile Patrol?

A scheduled patrol is where a YPG Risk patrol vehicle, with our trained and licensed security personnel, travels between multiple client sites on a regular, pre-determined time table. It is a visible deterrence, and our trained guards can inspect a location and report on potential security hazards and breaches.

A scheduled patrol means you know where they will be at certain times. You can set an hourly checking schedule to get regular updates of your properties being secured. They will do regular checks on doors, windows and gates.

Scheduled patrols are often booked for industrial projects and construction sites. You’ll also find them doing regular patrols around residential, gated communities.

Which is better and why?

Randomised mobile patrols are usually considered a better deterrent against crime as offenders don’t know when security will turn up. Scheduled patrols are better for knowing where your patrols are and consistency of security. Often it is better to do a hybrid of both. You get the regular checking in of your property and random security checks as well.

Random Mobile Patrols are better because:

• High-deterrence. The unpredictable nature of the timing means criminals don’t know when a security patrol may turn up and catch them doing crime.
• Comprehensive coverage. You can ensure all areas that need to be covered are checked at different times of the night.
• Stop ‘criminal homework’. Potential criminals will watch a location to learn the routines. If they can’t chart the security patrols because they’re random, it puts a spanner into the criminal works.

The problem with random patrols are:

• Time Gaps. There can be long gaps between times that a location is checked.
• Hard to track. You need GPS tracking to locate where your patrols are at any specific time.
• Distance to an alarm. While sometimes they may be close to an alarm, other times they may be too far away to react effectively.

Scheduled mobile patrols are good because:

• Consistency and reliability. As a business owner you know when security will be on site, which can be reassuring.
• Good for routine tasks. If you have a location that needs to close at 10 pm, a routine security patrol can be there at closing, every night.
• Staff reassurance. Employees who work late feel safer knowing that security is coming around and checking on them regularly.

The problem with a scheduled patrol is:

• Known quantity. Once criminals work out the route and the times they can plan acts of theft or vandalism between patrol visits.
• Lack of spontaneity. Without randomly popping up somewhere, as above, people can plan acts of criminality without fear of being caught.

What Do You Need?

Choosing between random patrols and a regularly scheduled patrol route depends on the threat level posed to your property, your budget and the operational hours you need security for. Scheduled patrols offer consistency and dependability for staffed sites or low-risk locations. Random mobile security patrols give you a high deterrence factor by keeping intruders on their toes.

Scheduled patrols can be more cost-effective knowing you’re covering all the ground and locations in a set period of time. Also, if you have a location that is very secure, with secure fencing, CCTV active at all hours, then a scheduled patrol might be all you need just to check on things.

A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Scheduled Patrol	Random Patrol
Predictability	High	Low
Best For	Low-risk lock-up services	High-risk crime prevention
Cost	More predictable costs	Variable costs
Consistency	High	Variable, but high coverage
Deterrence	Low (predictable)	High (unpredictable)

Ultimately the best mobile security patrol strategy for your property, commercial sites or construction yards, all comes down to your security needs, risk profile and budget. If your primary concern is deterring opportunistic criminals, then random patrols are a good idea. If you want consistency and safety, knowing regular checks are being made, then scheduled mobile security patrols are the way to go.

That being said, often a hybrid of the two can be the best balance between consistency and unpredictability that can give you the best of both worlds.

At YPG Risk we work closely with you to find out which strategy is best for your business. We question you, do some on the ground research and propose a plan that suits your budget and your security needs and concerns. Our fully licensed security personnel are ready to protect what matters to you most.

Contact us today to discuss the right mobile security strategy for you.