According to a recent data, 95 per cent of burglaries and robberies in the UK are not being solved. Despite the fact that the Metropolitan police have said they are putting a “huge amount of effort” into tacking a rise in crime, burglary presents particular challenges when it comes to finding culprits.
“Solving crime is a key priority for the Met and we are committed to doing all we can to cut crime, pursue offenders and support victims to make London even safer,” a spokeswoman said.
National police data also shows the proportion of suspects who are caught and punished for all crimes has more than halved to 9% over the past five years, according to the Sunday Times.
This is a big problem for many businesses, especially if they cannot recover valuable assets or sensitive information. As a result, an increasing number of organisations are adopting a more proactive approach, such as deploying mobile patrols to deter criminals and prevent theft.
But what are the key things to consider when conducting a mobile patrol?
- Understand the primary objective – It is important for any individual conducting a mobile patrol to remember that their primary duty is safeguarding the property or premises of the client. Even if a situation escalates into something more serious, they must take appropriate action such as alerting the authorities.
- Don’t stick to the same pattern – Before attempting a burglary or break-in, several criminals will conduct reconnaissance to find out when security personnel or mobile patrols are active. This is why different patterns and timings of surveillance are crucial.
- Be on the lookout for anything suspicious – Individuals acting suspiciously should be considered a major red flag and dealt with appropriately by mobile patrols. However, there are many other things mobile patrols should be wary of, such as oddly parked vehicles and unattended bags.
- Always abide by the law – Even if you find something wrong and need to act immediately, mobile patrols should always abide by the law and work with the authorities. The only possible exception to the rule is in emergencies such as when somebody’s life is in danger.
- Take time and don’t rush – Some mobile patrols may find it tempting to drive past quickly under the assumption that any wrongdoing would be obvious. However, it is imperative to take time when observing the area surrounding a property or premises, as criminals could simply be ready and waiting for you to move on.
- Be careful in the dark – A great deal of mobile patrols are required at night, as this is when the majority of criminal activity takes place. However, working at night can be difficult, which requires due care and attention.
- Be thorough during every drive past – This is especially true for retailers because criminals have been known to cut through windows and simply place the glass back in position with tape. Mobile patrols that aren’t thorough enough could miss this crucial detail.
