What Actually Happens During a Mobile Security Patrol? (It’s More Than Just a Drive-By)

Updated: 12 Nov 2025 · Category: Mobile Patrols / Operational Insight

When we speak to business owners in Birmingham or Coventry about Mobile Patrols, a common question comes up: "Is that just where you drive past my building and wave?"

It is a fair question. In the security industry, there are "drive-by" services that offer very little value. However, a professional Mobile Security Patrol is a robust, physical security inspection. It is not about simply driving past a building; it is about getting out of the vehicle, checking the perimeter, testing the locks, and ensuring the site is secure.

For businesses that cannot justify the cost of a full-time static guard, Mobile Patrols are the smartest way to maintain security. But what actually happens during those 15 or 20 minutes that the officer is on your site?

At Eagle Security Protection, we believe in transparency. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of exactly what happens when our patrol unit arrives at your premises.

Step 1: The Arrival (The Visual Deterrent)

The security function begins before the officer even steps out of the car.

Our patrol vehicles are high-visibility, fully liveried units. When our vehicle pulls up to your industrial unit or construction site in the middle of the night, it sends an immediate, powerful message to anyone watching: "This site is active. This site is watched."

Lighting Up the Area: Officers will often use the vehicle’s headlights and spotlights to illuminate dark corners of the car park or loading bay immediately upon arrival. This flushes out anyone hiding in the shadows.
Unpredictable Timing: We deliberately avoid routine. If thieves are watching your site, they want to know that "Security comes at 2:00 AM." By arriving at 11:45 PM one night and 3:30 AM the next, we deny them that certainty.

Step 2: The Physical Perimeter Check

Once the vehicle is parked safely, the officer exits the vehicle. This is the crucial difference between a "drive-by" and a "patrol." The officer conducts a foot patrol of the external boundary.

What they are checking for:

The Fence Line: They are looking for cuts in the chain-link, panels that have been pried open, or items (like pallets) stacked against the fence that could be used as a climbing aid.
Gates and Padlocks: The officer will physically pull on the gates and check the padlocks. Thieves often cut a padlock and replace it with their own, or leave it hanging loosely so they can return later. Our officers check for this "tampering."
Windows and Shutters: On ground-level buildings, the officer checks that roller shutters are locked down flush with the floor and that no windows have been smashed or jemmied open.

Step 3: The Internal Check (If Key Holding is Active)

If you have opted for our Key Holding service alongside your patrols, the officer’s duty extends inside the building. This is particularly valuable for corporate offices or warehouses with high-value stock.

The Internal Protocol:

Entry: The officer unlocks the designated door, temporarily unsets the alarm, and enters the building.
The "Walk-Through": They patrol the corridors, checking that internal fire doors are closed and that no unauthorized personnel are present (e.g., cleaners working late who shouldn't be there, or intruders hiding).
Hazard Spotting: It isn't just about crime. The officer is looking for fire and flood risks. Is there a heater left on? Is there water leaking from a pipe in the ceiling? Is the server room overheating?
Reset: The officer sets the alarm, locks the door, and ensures the building is fortified before leaving.

Step 4: The "Occurrence" Report

You need to know that you are getting what you pay for. You don't want to just hope the guard turned up. At Eagle Security Protection, verification is key.

The Patrol Log: Every visit is recorded. The officer logs the time of arrival, the duration of the patrol, and the status of the site (e.g., "All Secure" or "Incident Found").
Incident Reporting: If the officer finds something wrong—for example, a window left open by your staff—they don't just ignore it. They secure it if possible, or contact the designated key holder. This is logged as an "Occurrence" so you are aware of the breach in your own internal procedures.

Step 5: The Departure (Varying the Route)

When the officer leaves, they ensure the gate is locked behind them. But the patrol isn't over. They often take a slow drive around the immediate surrounding roads.

Why?

Criminals often use "spotters"—people sitting in cars down the road to watch the security guard leave. By circling the block, our officer checks for suspicious vehicles waiting nearby. If they see a car idling with its lights off at 3:00 AM in an industrial estate, they will note the registration plate and may report it to the police as suspicious activity.

Why "Random" is Better than "Scheduled"

We often get asked: "Can you come exactly at midnight?" We can, but we advise against it.

Security is a game of cat and mouse. If a thief knows you have a patrol at 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM, they have a 4-hour safe window to break in. By using Randomised Patrols, the thief never knows if the security car is 5 minutes away. The fear of being caught mid-crime is a far stronger deterrent than a predictable schedule.

📋 Buyer’s Checklist: What to Ask Your Patrol Provider

Not all patrol companies are equal. Before you sign a contract, ask these questions to ensure you aren't paying for a lazy service:

"Do your officers get out of the car?"
Correct Answer: Yes. A patrol must include a physical check of the doors and gates. Driving past is not enough.
"How do you prove attendance?"
Correct Answer: We provide written patrol logs, site occurrence books, or electronic tag scans (if used) to prove the officer was physically present.
"What happens if you find a break-in?"
Correct Answer: We don't just drive away. We secure the scene, call the police, and call the client immediately. We stay on site until the building is secured.
"Are the vehicles liveried?"
Correct Answer: Yes. The vehicle should be clearly marked "SECURITY" to act as a visual deterrent. Unmarked cars offer zero deterrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can mobile patrols replace an intruder alarm?
A: No. Patrols are a complement to an alarm. The alarm detects the break-in; the patrol prevents it (deterrence) or responds to it. They work best together.

Q: How many patrols do I need per night?
A: For a standard low-risk site, 2 or 3 visits per night is industry standard. For high-risk sites (e.g., over a Bank Holiday weekend), we recommend increasing this to 4 or 5 visits.

Q: Do you patrol on weekends?
A: Yes. Weekends are the highest risk time for commercial properties. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year.

Q: Can you lock up my building for me?
A: Yes. This is a "Lock & Unlock" service. We can arrive at a set time (e.g., 6:00 PM) to ensure all staff have left, lights are off, and the alarm is set.

Q: What is the cost difference compared to a static guard?
A: Huge. A static guard might cost £1,200+ per week. Mobile patrols (3 visits a night) might cost around £500 per week. It is a massive saving for businesses that don't need continuous monitoring.

Conclusion

A Mobile Security Patrol is not a "drive-by." It is a physical, tactical inspection of your property designed to disrupt criminal activity and ensure your assets are safe. It is the most cost-effective way to put boots on the ground at your business.