SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - Feb. 19, 2021 - Almost a year into the COVID-19 shutdown, retail businesses must continually reevaluate their security needs as pandemic restrictions and public behavior change, says Access Patrol Services (APS), a security guard company serving California and Arizona.

"What worked early on in the pandemic may not make sense now," says Fahim Abid, APS security director. "A strong retail security plan needs to have a two pronged approach—one, to ensure that safety and health procedures are followed by employees and the public, and two, that customers, employees and property are not subject to increasing criminal behavior."

Since the beginning of the pandemic, security guards have played a big role in monitoring compliance of health and safety rules in stores, restaurants, shopping centers and other retail outlets. "The demand for these guard services has been tremendous," says Abid. "There continues to be those wishing to create scenes and disrupt a store's operations. With a security guard presence, these disruptions have become less frequent."

The second security issue—increasing criminal behavior is a growing concern. "Theft and vandalism is on the rise as people remain out of work or are frustrated at the COVID-related mandatory restrictions," says Abid. "Expect more trained security guards to patrol businesses around the clock to cut down on criminal activity. They are especially needed in retail grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, shopping centers and malls where many of these kinds of crimes of opportunity are taking place."

Retail pharmacies are also asking for security guard help as they begin to disperse vaccinations. Abid says security guards are on hand to ensure that the public follows the proper safety guidelines and the vaccines are secure.

"Throughout the pandemic, security guard companies have adjusted their services as security needs changed," says Abid. "Security flexibility, by both retailers and guard companies, will need to continue for the foreseeable future."

Access Patrol Services has over 25 years of experience providing protection and security services for all types of private and commercial properties in California and Arizona. Contact Access Patrol Services at 866-770-0004 to discuss security services or go to https://accesspatrolservice.com.

About Access Patrol Services

Whether security is needed at an event, retail outlet, warehouse, commercial office building, medical facility or any number of other locations, Access Patrol Services uniformed security guards are on the job to keep people and places safe, to spot and respond to inappropriate behavior and provide assistance in case of emergency. Serving clients in California and Arizona, Access Patrol Services staff works with clients to analyze a location's security issues. Staff then develops a custom plan to fit the client's security needs. 866-770-0004, https://www.accesspatrolservice.com

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Diane Rumbaugh