Theft of packages has been a daily annoyance to people living in Los Angeles. Porches that were empty and deliveries that are missing have become the order of the day. Due to this, the residential security guards package theft Los Angeles is increasing in the number of communities to prevent package theft. Such patrols guard food trucks, recreational zones, and the general security of residents. This has become a fundamental safety concern to property managers and HOA boards.
It also safeguards resident satisfaction, property reputation, and community trust in the long-term. This guide gives the answer to the questions of why patrols are effective, what guards do and how much it costs. You are going to know how to consider alternatives and make the correct decision on a provider. You will come to realize how patrols prevent theft at the end.
Why Package Theft Has Become a Bigger Problem in LA
Last year, Los Angeles was number seven among large U.S. metro areas in terms of package theft. More than 4.2 million package theft cases were registered in the metro area in one year. This, in turn, has made the population of the county even more agitated and insecure. In the meantime, a local report discovered a 22 percent increase in residential packages theft annually. No indication of that trend slowing down in the near future.
Most neighborhoods are particularly affected by the problem during the holiday season. In December alone there were 436 reported package thefts, as compared to an average of 295 per month. Such a spike coincides with increased online shopping, and increased volume of deliveries in general. Hence, use of cameras has been replaced by professional patrols by many residents.
The Real Cost of Package Theft for Residents
The losses in terms of money are quickly accumulated when you take into account the average package value. The average package stolen in the country is worth about 144 dollars. But, the actual cost can be much more than the price of just one thing. The time spent by residents filing claims, calling retailers and frustration is also wasted. Recurring cases may make residents feel unsafe even within the premises of their building.
The cost of apartment complexes and HOAs is a different type of cost. The frequent cases of theft hurt the reputation of a property among residents and potential residents. In the meantime, negative reviews about theft may affect the leasing choices months later. As a result, patrols are considered by many property managers as a direct investment in resident retention.
Signs Your Community Needs a Security Patrol
There is hardly an incident that appeals to a board to take immediate action. Complaints normally accumulate until the people demand a practical solution. The fact that several residents have reported stolen packages in the same month is a good indication. Also, the fact that the number of thefts is concentrated around particular delivery windows indicates the predictable pattern that can be addressed.
The increasing number of HOA complaints or negative online reviews also signal a more significant issue. In the meantime, current cameras that cannot stop reoccurring cases imply that technology is not sufficient. Most well-known companies provide a free property walkthrough when a few of these indications are observed in combination. The walkthrough typically determines areas of weakness that a board had not yet thought of.
Why Guards Stop Porch Pirates Better Than Cameras Alone
Cameras only record images, but they are not physically able to intervene in a thief. Videotaped action can be used to spot a suspect, but the package is lost. An obvious guard alters that result by deterring theft prior to its occurrence. Moreover, burglars particularly like to shun areas where a person might enter, or call law enforcers with one phone call. Such a mere deterrent effect is hard to imitate by any camera system.
The guards can also react in real time which is not possible in a camera. They will be able to confront strangers, note suspicious behavior and call police in real time. In communities where regular patrols are implemented, property crime frequently reduces significantly in weeks. It is that apparent, repetitive presence that eventually transforms thief behavior in the long-term.
What Residential Security Guards Actually Do
The job of a residential guard is much more than just guarding the front lobby. Entrances, mailrooms, parking structures and package storage areas are all closely monitored by guards. They verify identification of visitors who are not known and verify that deliveries are received in safe places. There is also a large number of guards escorting delivery drivers to package rooms. This additional measure will go a long way in minimizing chances of theft at times of high transportation during busy delivery periods.
High traffic buildings that have one main entrance are best served by stationed guards. Mobile patrols are however appropriate in sprawling estates or those that are gated and have numerous entry points. Both options will cover during peak delivery times, when most thefts are committed. The selection of the appropriate format should be based on the layout of your property and the patterns of thefts. A hybrid solution that is both effective and offered by a great number of providers is a combination of them.
Benefits Beyond Package Protection
The area that is covered by patrol is much more improved than security of delivery alone. The residents say that they feel secure enough to walk to their cars at night. Likewise, HOA complaints of late-night disturbances are likely to decrease when patrols are initiated. Guards also deal with other related problems such as vehicle break-ins and illegal parking. Other communities even experience a reduction in noise complaints once patrols set up a visible routine.
It is also in the best interest of property managers, as fewer cases translate to fewer complaints by the residents to attend to. In other cases, insurers provide superior conditions to properties that have a recorded professional security. In the long term, such a mixture of safety and less friction makes the overall community stronger. Resident satisfaction scores increase and the number of incidents decreases in many boards.
How to Choose the Right Residential Security Company
Begin with ensuring the company is licensed to practice PPO in California. All guards must also have an up-to-date, verified BSIS guard card. Specifically inquire about experience in residential properties, not necessarily only commercial locations. Ask other HOAs or apartment complexes in the area to provide references. A provider who will not give references is not very worth pursuing.
Also verify how the company modifies the coverage in high-theft times such as the holidays. Powerful providers provide seasonal employees with an increase in staffing without the necessity of a change in a long-term contract. Lastly, select a firm that will map out patrol routes depending on the layout of your property. One-size-fits-all generic coverage hardly takes into consideration the risks that your community is exposed to.
Cost of Residential Security Patrols in Los Angeles
Mobile patrol services are usually cheaper than full-time guard services that are stationed. Mobile patrols are anticipated to cost a few thousand dollars per month to have regular rounds. Guards who are posted meanwhile range between 25 and 40 dollars an hour. The prices are dependent on the size of the property, the time spent at the access points, and the quantity of access points. The bigger community with several buildings is likely to have an increased budget.
Most communities divide patrol costs among various buildings in an attempt to reduce per-building costs. The commonality of that approach increases affordability of professional security by smaller HOAs. The cost of the investment is usually recouped compared to continuous losses of theft and turnover of residents. The cost is offset by better insurance conditions as time goes by, and some HOAs find it.
FAQs
What is the price of a residential security guard?
The average price of stationed guards is 25-40 dollars per hour in Los Angeles. The mobile patrol services tend to be cheaper than the same area.
What is the difference between mobile patrol and stationed guards?
The guards are stationed at a single point, which is best in single-entrance buildings.
What time of the day do the majority of packages get stolen?
Theft is greatest in the middle of the day, when delivery is to be made, and it is very high during the holiday season. The highest number of reported incidents is always in December.
What is the quickest rate at which a security company can patrol?
The majority of existing firms are able to start coverage within a couple of business days. An inspection of the property is generally followed by a short plan of the patrol before any specific plan.
Conclusion
The issue of package theft remains a vexation to residents in almost all neighborhoods in LA. Outsourcing residential security guards package theft Los Angeles insures package deliveries and the comfort of mind. In the meantime, visible patrols discourage theft and enhance community safety and satisfaction in general. The appropriate security partner minimizes losses and enhances the level of trust among the residents.
In the end, defending your community now will save larger frustrations and complaints in the future. West Coast Guard is a licensed and professional residential security patrol company that operates in Los Angeles communities. Call a reputable local provider now, and begin to secure your neighborhood tomorrow.
