Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Security Company in Melbourne

January 20, 2025
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Professional Security Gurad Using Wireless Phone

Are you looking into hiring security guard services? Whether it’s for protecting a business, patrolling an area or keeping an eye on a VIP, choosing the right security company for Melbourne based work isn’t always easy–and choosing the wrong one can lead to dire consequences for you or your business.

If you’re on the hunt for a security team you can trust, there are a few red flags to keep an eye out for. This blog will help you learn what to look for when vetting security companies so you can rely on them to keep you and your assets safe.

Here are some mistakes to avoid when choosing a security company!

The Security Guard Company Isn’t Accredited

The first thing you should check is if the company is actually qualified to do the job that you need. Security guards need to have the proper training in order to do their jobs effectively and, more importantly, safely. 

When researching a potential security company in Melbourne, look for accreditations from any of the following sources:

  • Australian Security Industry Association: ASIAL was established in 1969 and is the peak national body for security firms and individuals in Australia. Roughly 85% of the security industry are members of ASIAL, and they can enjoy having their interests represented in the highest levels of government, as well as a wealth of training modules and helpful information.
  • Victoria Police: A trustworthy security firm will have a Victorian private security individual or business licence from the VicPol website. If they have firearms, they will need to have a license from this source as well.
  • ASIS International: Founded in 1955, ASIS International offers a global network of learning resources, publications and events for security personnel to take advantage of.

The security guard company you are interested in should have their accreditations displayed on their website. If you can find no evidence of these accreditations, then they’re probably not a reliable choice for you to go with.
At YPG Risk, we are licensed and members of all of these groups, and more! Please view our accreditations page to learn more about the various licenses and accreditations we hold.

The Security Personnel Use Old Equipment

The security industry is constantly evolving–it has to, in order to stay effective against new and emerging threats in the crime and technology industries. Outdated equipment won’t be able to protect you from attacks using the most advanced weapons or technology, so why would you trust a security firm that doesn’t care to protect you with the best?

At YPG Risk, we make sure to stay on top of industry trends and use the best protective gear on the market for every service we provide. Here is a snapshot of some of the brands and equipment we use.

Safariland Body Armour

When you’re looking for the best tactical gear, you can’t go past Safariland. This American brand has been providing high-quality equipment to relevant industries since 1964. From holsters and communication gear to protective armour for all the vital areas of the body, the team at YPG Risk knows that their Safariland gear will keep them safe when the time comes.

Axon

For gear that keeps both our officers and our clients safe, the technology provided by Axon is second to none. With a passion for de-escalation and saving lives, Axon’s products are used successfully by over 5 million officers around the world, and have helped save over 300,000 people from death or serious injury.

Axon’s body cameras, tasers and augmentation software all make providing quality security services much easier for our team.

Rapid Protection Australia

High-tech and responsive alarm and CCTV systems are crucial to monitoring any medium or large-sized area effectively. Rapid Protection Australia has over 20 years of experience in creating and providing access control systems, CCTV, alarm systems, intercoms and Gallagher security solutions to clients.

QR Patrol

The QR Patrol Guard Tour Patrol System allows us to keep track of our team in real-time as they patrol your venue or area. This system can provide alerts if guard check-ins are missed and give guards greater protection through the options for man-down alerts and SOS buttons.

Zero Emission Fleet

We are proud to use Australia’s first hydrogen-filled patrol car in our fleet. These vehicles are fast, quiet, and refuel quickly, making them perfect for use in our mobile patrol services. Because they emit zero CO2 emissions, they are a fantastic choice for a patrol vehicle that has Australia’s healthy future in mind.

Our top-of-the-line tools and equipment make YPG Risk a smart choice for any security services you might need.

The Security Team Doesn’t Have Much Tangible Experience

Security Guard Giving Security In Retail Store

In the security industry, experience always matters. Inexperienced security personnel may lack the know-how to react in fast and dangerous situations, or they may overlook areas of importance when planning or executing a patrol. You wouldn’t ask a casual baker to craft your wedding cake, or a newbie mechanic to fix up your beloved car–so why would you trust your safety to an inexperienced security guard company?

At YPG Risk, we have a combined experience of over 90 years in the security industry, and are led by Grant Burton, who personally has a 22-year career in providing effective security services across Australia. Our team has experience in event security, mobile patrols, construction site security, retail education and more!

You can read more about YPG Risk and Grant Burton’s history of success on our About page.

The Security Personnel Only Offer One Type Of Service

A warning sign to look out for when enlisting security services in Melbourne is if they only offer one type of service. This inflexibility can lead to holes in the security plan provided, which can threaten the safety of yourself, your VIP, or your event.

For example, a group that only performs on-foot patrols might not be suitable if you need a large area, like the block around your business or event, covered for a length of time. In this case, you’d want a firm that offers both on-foot and mobile patrols.

Or perhaps your large event needs a lot of attention. You’ll want to choose a security company in Melbourne that offers a few different services for large gatherings, such as crowd control security, VIP security and general event security services. This can prevent people from wandering where they shouldn’t be, keep important personnel at the event safe, and prevent crowd rushes and crushes in extreme circumstances.

No matter your security needs, YPG Risk has probably seen it and successfully protected it before. Make sure to browse our security services page to pick the right service for your situation.

FAQs About Choosing a Security Company in Melbourne

Q1. Can a security company help with my large event?

Many security companies will have specialised services for managing large events. Look for a provider that offers crowd control, area management and VIP protective services to help your event run smoothly and safely for everyone involved.

Q2. How do I know if my security company uses good-quality gear and equipment?

When researching a security company, look for any brands they mention on their website and look them up yourself to see if they are effective. Customer reviews can be great for this! If their brands aren’t mentioned in their advertising, you should be able to contact them for more information–if you don’t get a clear answer, it’s probably a sign their gear isn’t of the best quality.

Q3. There is a lot of crime in my neighbourhood. How do I know if security can help?

If you are worried about crime near your home, you’ll want to look into security patrol services. Both on-foot and mobile patrols can help deter crime and make everyone in the neighbourhood feel a lot safer. Make sure the company you are looking into offers asset protection and patrol services!

Partner with a Team That Can Do It All – YPG Risk

Ypgrisk Patrol Car

If you are searching for security guard services for yourself, your home or your business, YPG Risk will always be up to the task. Our security guards in Melbourne are extensively trained to handle threats to your person, your property or your event in a safe and effective manner, no matter if you’re in Melbourne’s West, North, East or inside the city itself.

For an obligation-free quote or to find out more information, please use our online contact form or call us on 1300 690 099 or 0431 550 875. Our main office is fully equipped to answer any questions you may have, accept feedback on previous services, and help you choose the right security service for your needs.